To cat, or not to cat, that is the question...

[marni]

Skunks and raccoons eat cats.

and if they don't there is always the possibility of rabies. Really indoors cats are healthier, happier, more attached to the home as a territory wherein the humans are part of the , pride/group rather than intruders in the territory.

Our litter boxes, side by side, two of them, one for each cat although they share and share alike, are in the laundry next to the kitchen and main eating area. I scoop twice a day, change out all of the litter and wash the boxes 1 a week and sprinkle every other day with a bit of baking soda. No one has ever complained about the smell.

My two are both rescue kitties. Tux the Maine Coon is a castrated maine coon, who loves to lie in my arms and be cuddled and stroked and sleeps with his forehead pressed under my chin. Miss Ike is a three year old fixed female. She if a bit more standoffish ( which seems to be generally true of female cats in my experience) but perfectly willing to purr and head butt as long as she does it in her own time and way and is not picked up or forcibly restrained. She obviously was not handled much as a foster.

Cats like any pet or a child, or a boyfriend imply a responsibility to care for them in good times and bad and a willingness to clean up after them as needed. But the rewards are infinite, especially if like a child, you allow them to grow into their own personality, while providing them with clear rules and accept that they are indeed sensitive, and understanding minds that can learn and be influenced by you and your behaviour.

probably too much of an answer though.