[Sterella]

I've always loved cats, but I still live with my parents, and my dad says he doesn't like cats (which is weird, because we've had cats before and they were all very kind). He says that they spray everywhere, but I've never had a cat that did that before. All of our cats have been female though, so is it male cats that spray?

I'm just trying to see what other cat-owners have to say, because the internet says they do, but anyone I've ever talked to says their cats have never done it before. So which is it? Do they spray, or not?

[Lady luxe]

Well...yes it the male cats spray as if to say ' this is my territory'..just like lions do...in a little kitty style. Maybe they have experienced the aggressive ones that spray, bite and leave scratches on the furniture. I guess females are more gentle..but that again depends. I had a very aggressive female before.
All in all cats make good pets, their purring make your mood uplifted..which is scientifically proven. They are good for your health. I hope get one...actually I'm also in a situation where I want a kitty so badly and I can't get one because the rest of the family doesn't like. Guess the only solution is to move out

[Maven]

My dad said he didn't like cats, either. Too bad, he ended up with a daughter who loves animals (including cats), LOL! I remember a cat coming to our apartment door and I wanted to feed it. He told me no, that would encourage the cat to stay around. I was like, What's the problem?

I have been feeding the cats that hang out in my neighborhood...for some reason. I never did it before, knew it was a bad idea, but one day, I bought a couple bags of treats, figuring I'd leave them on two separate days, just for the cats to find, only, somehow, I've gotten myself to feed them, and to stop now would just be cruel. I love all my cats, even if they're not officially "my" cats.

As for spraying, I can't say, but maybe that's because these are all outdoor cats I deal with. I've heard getting them neutered (I don't know if females spray, but if so, the word would be "spayed") can reduce or stop this behavior.

Good luck. I hope you can get a cat. If you lived near me (and for all I know, maybe you do), I'd offer one of mine, just to give at least one a good, loving, forever home. That said, most of the cats I'm feeding don't come up too close. One let me pet her all the time until this other older kitten showed up, and since he (I think it's a "he"; he won't come close enough for me to see) stays several feet from me, she's avoided me a little bit, too. But I can still pet her sometimes.

It's the males that spray although females in heat will do it or something like it.
I have 2 males cats who have been fixed. Neither has ever sprayed but then they have always been pretty exceptional cats in all ways
Hate to sound mean but if you live with your parents and either objects then it isn't a good idea to get one. Life is iffy enough for cats (and dogs) who have independent and responsible owners. If a person has any doubts at all about providing a forever home I don't think they should be considering adopting a pet. A lady down the street just moved out of her house. Left one dog and two cats behind... just moved off and left them
.

[tinyrabbit]

My male cat never sprayed even before we had him 'done'. I think they don't spray if you have them neutered at 5-6 months as they don't reach that stage.

I agree with George though, sorry. It's not fair on the cat if it has to live with people who don't want it there.

[lizardlady]

Sterella, it is usually males who spray. It's one way of marking territory. We did have a female who "sprayed", but she was a "macho" kitty. Nuetering will usually prevent them from spraying. We did have one nuetered male who would spray if he was sick.

I also have to weigh in with those who don't like the idea of bringing any animal into a home if someone there does not like the animal. Sorry, but parents get to set the rules in their home.

Cats are very available and cheap.

[IowaFarmGal]

Does the animal shelter need volunteers?

I mean for 20 dollars you can probably get something like 50 cats.

[Sterella]

Originally Posted by George H.

It's the males that spray although females in heat will do it or something like it.
I have 2 males cats who have been fixed. Neither has ever sprayed but then they have always been pretty exceptional cats in all ways
Hate to sound mean but if you live with your parents and either objects then it isn't a good idea to get one. Life is iffy enough for cats (and dogs) who have independent and responsible owners. If a person has any doubts at all about providing a forever home I don't think they should be considering adopting a pet. A lady down the street just moved out of her house. Left one dog and two cats behind... just moved off and left them
.

I would never do such a thing, and that is not at all what I meant. I was thinking about moving out and getting my own apartment, but my parents would like me to stay with them. I have the funds to move out, and I keep saying that one of the reasons I want a place of my own is so that I could have a cat. I though maybe if I presented this information about typical cat behavior to my dad he might be more at ease with the idea of me getting one.

Honestly though, I don't know why he all of a sudden decided he doesnt like them. He had two cats when he had his own place, and ever since I was young we have had a cat. He is claiming now it is because of them spraying, but as I mentioned before I have never had one that has sprayed, nor has anyone else I've talked to.

I do appreciate your concern for the cat though. I know its sad when people leave their pets behind. In fact, my last cat, Shadow, was practically dumped in my lap by my neighbors. They moved out and left him out in the cold! He was such a good boy, he didn't deserve that at all! And now that he's gone (rest in peace lil buddy!) I really wanted to get another little friend from the shelter.

Sorry if it sounded like I was suggesting you might. It's just that... stuff happens. Have you talked with him about this? I mean obviously some male cats spray but not all of them. You should be able to make him understand that if that really is the issue. There may be something else and the spraying thing was the best reason he could come up with as a substitute.

[Citrine]

Sterella, tell your folks that you want a cat and you are fully responsible for him/her. You are old enough to move out and decide what you want. You just happen to be living with them.. for now, remind them of that. Its lovely you want to rescue and your dads negativity is extending the unhappiness of a little kitty sitting in a shelter waiting for someone to love. I live in a house share with a non friend/ family person and its not a problem that I have a cat. Good luck.