The Case For/Against the Cat

I like cats.

There, I said it. I am a cat person. Love me or hate me for it, but it doesn't change the facts.

Andrew really isn't a cat person. I don't think he hates them; I just think he'd prefer to have a dog over a cat. If I am being honest, I too would rather have a dog,. But dogs are big (at least the ones I like). They require so much more attention and care, and honestly I'd feel guilty getting a dog right now in our small apartment with no backyard. 

I've playfully asked Andrew if we could get a cat multiple times in our marriage, and it's always been a "no". 

So when I saw this facebook post from friend, advertising that her brother and sister-in-law had adorable kittens they were trying to find good homes for, I sent it to Andrew with a "Pleeeeeaaaaassssse?", but I fully expected for him to respond with another "no". Surprisingly, he said, "Let's do it!" and my little kitty-loving heart thudded to life.

Really!?  You're ok with getting a cat?!

I spent the day dreaming about the cat: What would we name him/her? Where would we put the kitty supplies? Where would baby kitty sleep (with me, of course!)? Would he/she like to play? or cuddle? Would he/she talk a lot? What kinds of veterinary needs do cats have?  

The day-dreaming continued until Andrew started sending me texts with less-than-excited-yet-smart questions: How much would this cost us ( in shots, vet visits, more in rent, supplies/food)?  Did the kitty shed? Who in our family is allergic to cats and wouldn't be able to come over to visit anymore? What would we do with the kitty if we went out of town? 

And that was the moment my kitty-loving heart knew its day of rejoicing had officially ended, and I crumpled into tears for the rest of the night. 

Really, I understand why we shouldn't get a cat. Andrew and I mentally drew up a Pro-Cons list last night:

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Cat Cons:

• Specific family members wouldn't be able to come over because of cat allergies
• It would bump up expenses
  • vet visits (vaccines/shots, spay/neuter, other unexpected visits)
  • added monthly rent fee
  • buying kitty supplies, food, toys, carrier, scratch post, litter box, etc.
• We possibly wouldn't be able to go on spontaneous trips because of the cat
• We'd need to pay for kitty boarding when we leave on long vacations.
• Would the house smell of cat?
• Will the cat ruin the furniture?

Cat Pros:

• Will make Maichael happy :)
• Will (possibly) make Maichael feel less lonely during the summer days/months while Andrew is at work/school
• Kitties are cute

So you can see, I am well aware of the short list of pros and the extensive list of cons. 

But it still doesn't make me any less sad that my day of kitten-dreams has come to an end. So today I mourn that cat we almost got :(