My wife has two cats, I would not recommend them to anybody for all the reasons listed already discussed.

Also, if you don't have time for a dog you don't have time for a cat. No such thing as an animal that thrives on neglect.

I sure hope that my experiences will not be the same as yours, Brad. I would hate to disappoint them now...

Hmmm... talked to the local pet store and they say that dogs do require much more time than a cat... and cats do cry for affection but they also like their space. May be I need to have more discussion with the experts on this as you do have a point...

Thanks,

ahahah so true, they are masters of deception

last year our cat cost us 1500 in vet bills he is only 3 years old and had mucus in his bladder twice which had to be flushed and now he is on an expensive food.. cat was free we found him as a kitten .. paid for all vet bills and fixed.. he pees on our clothes from time to time. i doubt i will house a cat ever again.

but good luck with yours i hope he works out for you

Ahhh wrong, both my cats have pee'd in the house more than my dog. Difference is cats hide it better and it stinks way more. Male cats are the worst, neutered or not they usually develop habits of marking territory when they're older. And if the diet isn't good they get crystals which for whatever reason forces them to pee everywhere except the litter box, vet says to let you know something is wrong... Something is wrong alright.

Guys, thanks for sharing the good and the bad... you have convinced me to reconsider. Now, I need to talk to my sons about this... not going to be easy...:sad:

Good? I don't recall sharing any good... Hmm well at least you could probably feed them the same as the fish so I guess they could mix.

http://youtu.be/pBbRIhoIE8A

Repeat after me: I love the cat, I love the cat, I love the cat.....I will be nice to it!!!!!!!!

First few cats I had I never had issues with them peeing/pooping anywhere but the litter box. The cat I currently own had potty issues the first few days I had him. Read about having multiple litter boxes for large houses (my house is a four level split) so I added a second litter box upstairs and I haven't had any further issues. Cats can scratch up stuff (furniture and carpets) and can get into things they're not supposed to, but they also can be cute and cuddly and totally worth having.

FYI My cat paws at the glass sometimes and sometimes walks along the top cap canopy thing but is pretty good overall. He did kill a wrasse that jumped out that he found on the floor, but the cat had nothing to do with it jumping.

Oh!! Right! I forgot, the cats trashed my leather couch and loveseat.

This will happen if the cat has a diet high in ash (cheap filler for cheap foods). This is why it's sometimes better to feed your pets good quality food from the start although genetics plays a big role in health too.

Although cats can be super awesome pets when they start doing dumb **** like peeing on the laundry and scratching up the couches you have to look at it like its not that they have a personal vendetta on you. Most times it's an easy fix like adding another litter box, getting meds for a urinary tract infection, getting soft paws (declawing is a total last resort and IMO shouldn't be done).

There are evil cats out there though. I've met one named Cadbury. That's why I will never get a calico cat. :)

We had my wife's cats declawed, tried the soft claws but they would chew them off and wreck stuff. Doesn't seem to bother them, they were sore for less time than they were when they were neutered so I don't get what all the fuss is about.

im not trying to deter you cats can be great i had alot of great cats over the years this one is just a pain in my butt. i had found a cat when i was 16 and he was the best cat i had a dog bit him. there was blood tried to take him to the vet wich he wouldnt let me near him. he healed on his own and after that day every dog in the neighbourhood walked on the other side of the street. he would actually attack friendson command loved that cat lol.

but there can be costs to any pet. fish dogs cats i just felt you needed to understand they are not a set it and let it pet. if they are unhappy with you they will let you know.

Get a Shih Tzu, no bigger than a cat, and a whole lot less trouble. We have one, 4 years old now, never had an accident in the house, or anywhere after initial training. And friendliest, loveable little creature you could ever want. Even acts like a cat sometimes, the way he likes to play with little fur-like toys.

i have 3 cats! love them all!!! no complaints!

LOVE IT!!!

" OMG! QUICK HELP DUDE! IT'S FALLING OVER! "

Reasons for Cats:
1.) You can leave them alone for a few days
2.) Who doenst like a little pussy... ...cat.
3.) www.catsthatlooklikehitler.com/
Thats about it.

Reasons against cats:
1.) Daily Litter box cleanings
2.) The smell of canned cat food
3.) Cat hair that gets everywhere
4.) Hairballs
5.) Spraying everything (shoes, clothes, walls, doors, etc.)
6.) Constant mischief
7.) Eating house plants
8.) Cat Barf after eating plants
9.) Darting to get out and having to chase cats back in the house
10.) Meee oooowing
11.) Those stupid bird like chirps they do
12.) Running their tails under they backs of your legs when your sitting
13.) Drooling
14.) Constantly being under foot
15.) Lightning laps past you
16.) Always being stared at
17.) Their nocturnal nature
18.) Tipping over any glass that contains water trying to get to the bottom
19.) Scratching, boxes, couches, carpet, clothes, etc
20.) Thinking everything that is in a can is for them
21.) Giving them medicine
22.) Bathing them after they roll in something they killed

Well thats about enough for now...

obviously a dog person!!!

Quickly learned to move the cat tree because my little bengal left a scratch on the acrylic the first week I got him. He hasn't touched the tank since but he'll sit and watch the fish from time to time (from a distance). I still wouldn't trust him with the right opportunity.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/i...s/DSC_1640.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/i...s/DSC_0504.jpg

My cat went for a swim in a 90g with two very large Jack Dempsey's when he was a kitten(12 years ago) and that was all it took, now he steers clear of any tank in my house :lol:

My GF has 2 cats, one is too fat to get up onto my tank, but the older one I will catch on top of the canopy from time to time. He gets 8 shots from my nerf gun as he is running away. He knows he's not supposed to be up there, but that doesn't stop him.
I Keep the nerf gun on the bookshelf next to the tank in hopes that it keeps him away, and it works for the most part, but still far from 100%.

Our small tabby will sometime jump on the hood but my Maine Coon has no interest in the fish tank....probably a good thing since he weighs 27 lbs:lol:

New kitten
 

Here is the newest addition to our family... Her name is Ninja.
My sons really wanted one so we'll try to make it work.

http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/p...s/DPP_0022.jpg

http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/p...s/DPP_0023.jpg

When we moved to our present home, I set up a 165 6.5" acrylic tank here (where my brother in law was living) so that the move would be as easy as possible. I slowly filled the tank with half old water and half new water. What my bro-in-law didn't tell me is that his stupid cat jumped in one night and its flea powder got into the water. Nope, thanks buddy. That easy move from the old place to here went smoothly as far as transporting the fish over, but the cat's flea powder killed off a lot of the fish. He only fessed up when I noticed scratches on the inside of the acrylic tank and it was his gf who mentioned the flea powder. So when Felicia mentions cat, I tell her sorry, but no. Besides we cat sat for a friend for 3 weeks and the bloody cat kept running away from Felicia & would try to scratch her if she got too close. Not a fun experience and couldn't wait for my friend to come back from Taiwan. I've dog sat before and that was a far better experience.

Congradulation on your new addition... You will love owning a cat it bring a lot to our life each day :)
Great name

Congrats

http://icanhascheezburger.files.word...is-adopted.jpg

Congrats
 

WOW!! This post is generating a lot of fuss!*

First off....Congrats on ur new family member :) I know that you started this thread because you were looking for honest opinions, and BOY did u get them. Haha.*

From my personal experience over the last 15 years of having tanks (and always having cats and dogs at the same time too) - I think it really boils down to each individual animal. From reading some of the other posts, it would appear that I've had really good luck. That being said, I also think a lot of the cats prolonged behavior regarding the tank (and other bad habits around the house) has to do with how YOU originally approach it. When Ninja gets too close to the tank (or any other place deemed off limits) *pick him up and relocate him. Preoccupy his furry little thoughts elsewhere with a toy or a scratch post. If he continues his naughty behavior, *let him know he's being bad with a firm NO. I know its a repetitive *experience, but he'll get it. The water gun works for discipline provided its used in moderation and not in his little face. You will get to a point where you only have to show Ninja the sprayer. He'll back right off. I didn't look at your profile to see if you have a canopy. I have one for peace of mind. I've never seen my guys up there, but who knows what happens when im not home. The canopy gives me peace of mind, I know that cat and tank are both safe. If not, the egg crate is an awesome alternative. Also if you have a sump or refuge, make sure it's not accessible. Kittens will play with almost anything. Lol.*

I also noticed you have a collar on him. Please make sure it's a quick release collar. Kittens are inquisitive - its simply in their nature. He WILL get into things and if his collar gets caught up on something (tank related or otherwise) he could seriously injure himself. I worked in a vet clinic and saw this happen over and over again. *One more little note regarding all of the kitty litter talk... Your kitten will not pee in a dirty litter box. If its not clean he might use a plant, a sink ect ect. Cats are very clean animals. (I don't know about you people, but when I go to use a bathroom and there's a big mess in it, I go to the next stall) Same thing with cats. Oh, and get a scratch post or two. They NEED a place to practice what comes naturally to them. I you don't provide them with one, they will improvise.*

On a personal note (unrelated to the original thread) I'm pretty surprised how many ppl on this forum had bad things to say about cats. The question that Rice Reef asked was 'Hey...do cats and tank gel' not 'Hey, anyone out there got a list of what u hate about cats???' Lol.*It is true that there are some problematic cats out there, but that goes for any species alive. Dog, cat, birds and I know I've had more than one fish reak havvock on my tank too.*

I thought most of us were interested in the wonderful world of reefing not only to *have a cool looking tank in our house, but more importantly because we get to experience and learn about the beauty of all of the LIFE in there?? I love all *living creatures out there. Cats and fish alike. Every 'animal' has individual beauty and knowledge to offer to us. Heck, throw a gerbil, a bird and a lizard in the mix too. Lions, and Tigers and Bears oh my. Hehe

Lastly, ENJOY ur kitty. If you are a responsible pet owner from the get-go, the rewards will be amazing.*

Hey all, I'm still lurking about but I had to share my nightly ritual when I spray the mangroves. Big sister trained the puppy pretty quickly.

http://youtu.be/pJXFG4gyngI



http://youtu.be/pJXFG4gyngI