I'm assuming that people on the pet forum like pets, so can you tell me why? I've personally never desired to own a pet, but my Sister keeps pushing my parents for a kitten.

My parents are saying no until the whole family agrees and thus is willing to take on responsibility.

So what reasons are there for wanting a cat? IMO cats are merely long term leeches. Convince me please.

No you're either an animal / pet person or you're not don't think there is any amount of convincing that could change it

^This. I've grown up with pets in the house and can't imagine having none at all.
I personally don't see the appeal of cats, had 2 in the past and neither has been very loving.

I was never a cat person and ended up with two because they would have been put to sleep otherwise. I live alone and having something to be responsible for and talk to helps combat loneliness.

But it's dogs I love the most. I got my boxer pup because my dad was terminally ill, had always had boxers but was no longer well enough to. I'd been wanting a dog for years but had never been able to due to work committments. That had changed. My dog brought pleasure to my dad's last year.

There are lots of reasons for wanting a pet. Company being the main one I think. They are also a great way for teaching children about respect and compassion and grief.

Cats teach people about responsibility. They earn their keep by getting rid of rodents and snakes.

They can be very intelligent. They lower stress levels. They are good listeners.

You could get a goat.

Agreed.

I grew up in a house full of pets, over the years we had cats, dogs, hamsters, rabbits, budgies (though I'm not a fan of birds in cages), fish (not keen on them as pets either), gerbils, tortoises.

Pets are good company, they're entertaining, fun, dogs keep you fit, cats are funny, they all show affection in their own ways (even the tortoises), but they're also hard work and require commitment. I can't imagine not having animals in the house, it just wouldn't feel like home.

I'd not agree that your a pet person or not. My grandad never had animals as a child, when he finally gave in and go my mum a dog he insisted it was her responsibility, he wanted nothing to do with it, he was not an animal person. That dog changed him completely- he was never without a pet from then till he died. I think there are people who are right not to have pets but your annotation appreciate what being a pet owner is like until you have one, just as someone that's only ever had dogs can't grasp what a difference cats are and vice versa.

We got a cat when I was 14, like you it was 'cos my sister wanted one - though we got an adult rescue. Like you I was pretty indifferent to the idea, but quickly grew to love him and his little ways.
Its taken 30 years since leaving home for me to get a cat of my own - but now I regret not getting one sooner as she's great company and very affectionate (when she's in the mood! Though that is many times a day)
Long term leeches? Hmmm - well some of us view you kids like that

Well yes cats have staff not owners.

I've always had pets from being a small child so you learn the responsibility. You don't sound like you ever want one - so then don't have one. You'd resent the cleaning up after it, feeding it, having to get someone to look after it if you went away.

I love having them around but some people don't. I like to come home to my cats after being at work. They don't need taking for walks like dogs but they do only want you on their terms! i.e. feed them first.

Dogs are more loyal I suppose but I've always preferred cats.

We weren't allowed pets as children and it wasn't something bothered me in fact I was scared of dogs almost to the point of phobia. When I married first thing my husband did was come home with two kittens he found in plastic bag, so I was chucked into cat owner ship rather quickly, after a miscarriage he got me a puppy to "help me over it" well I never looked back pet wise we had cats and dogs in multiples from that point forward. The love for them and from them was and is something I cannot imagine living without.

Exercise with the dogs, is so much nicer than walking alone.

Never had a cat, but the dog is part of our family. She's always pleased to see you, she barks when someone knocks at the door, she gives unconditional love and she makes me go on the park every day. I also tell her my troubles, because she's doesn't answer back.

When we were kids we had to be eleven before we were allowed pets. My ma and pa said eleven was the age where we could be trusted to care for the pets ourselves. We had goldfish, mice, hamsters and a guinea pig. Our parents never once cleaned out the pets, although to be honest we had to be prompted sometimes. I think having the pets taught us about life, animals and caring for them.

You may be under the impression that alot of people who don't own cats seem to be. That cats are extremely aloof and just want to be fed and watered and then they don't want to know.
Whilst thats certainly true for a small number and alot of cats will be like this some of the time, they are very affectionate animals when they have a mind.

My cat used to be a right snob all day, then as soon as it hit night time when i was in bed watching telly of something, he'd come in for his couple of hour-cuddles.
They can be a great source of entertainment, honestly animals do the wierdest things sometimes, and cats are great to play with.

All that being said, like others have pointed out. If your determined not to like cats you probably never will.

When I was growing up my family always had pets, usually dogs and/or cats and occasionally the odd budgie. I now live alone in my elderly mum's house (she is now in permanent residential care in a nursing home) and would desperately love another pet. Unfortunately two of my sisters, who have Deputyship/Power of Attorney for my mum's affairs, are refusing to allow me to keep any more pets whilst I am living in my mum's home. This really upsets me as I can't seem to get through to them just how lonely I get since my dog died 11 months ago. They have also ruled out my other option of fostering pets on a short term basis.

I am currently not in permanent work but have decided once I eventually secure permanent employment again I am going to save up for my own home and will then probably be able to offer another rescue pet (maybe more) a loving home.

I've had dogs all my life. I love them. All of them. Couldn't imagine living in a house without one. They're fun. Loyal to a fault. Most breeds love to please their owners. There's always someone excited to see you when you get home.

I also have two cats. I'm a dog person but my cats crack me up. They're utterly indifferent and don't care who knows it. They're honest. Affectionate and independent.

I'm sitting here trying to type but one of my cats (who likes to settle down on my work station to watch me in the evening) keeps asking for a stroke.

I've grown up with an assortment of pets from dogs,cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, bird and even rats. Each and every one was completely different, just like we are.

They are company, a source of amusement (and sometimes exasperation!) but teach you about putting something else first, compassion and give and take. I've had cats who are up themselves and ones that think they are dogs (even one who sat on my shoulder like a parrot). I do miss having a dog but I work full time so not an option. (my mum used to say anyone wanting a child should have a puppy fist and see how they can handle never having a moment alone again!)

My partner was very anti cat but now he keeps dropping hints that he wants another kitten!

Cats are a bit like teenagers if you want to compare them to anything, they can be aloof but when they want a cuddle or a snuggle they will come looking for you (a bit like we would).

Children could also be described aslong term leeches, longer in fact than a pet is and they take years to potty train

You need to be mature enough to own a pet, have empathy and not be selfish as they rely on you (and we in turn rely on them for company and fun)

No way. That isn't me, I'll be completely honest but that just seems illogical, what do you gain from having a cat?

The chances are, if there was a kitten or puppy in your home, even if it was another family members's pet, you would grow to love it and be attached to it. Because no matter how resilient you are they work their way into your heart, for no other reason than just being themselves. My dad is not a dog person, he couldn't stand them, would have never in a million years entertained having one in his house, until he got a dog crazy daughter in me, who drove him nuts begging for a dog. He eventually gave in (to get some peace probably), but swore he'd never do anything with the dog, not even look at it, she would be mine and nothing else. But from the second that puppy arrived, he slowly came round to her, it was impossible not to interact with something living in the house with you, and he absolutely adores her, he pets and comforts her, talking for ages to her, things he vowed he'd never do. I think if you had a pet you would become a pet person, and until you experience it yourself, you wont get what those who do have them are on about. I've known people who never wanted a dog, ended up with one and suddenly they can't imagine how they did without one. Personally, I've been around animals since I was born, I can't imagine not having any nor would I want to, much to my parents dismay it wasn't a phase as they thought and I didn't grow out of it.

To everyone taking this seriously, look at the OP's other posts. He's a 17 yr old WUM. Don't waste your energies and emotions. He couldn't care less.

Maybe you could keep a Dolphin in the bath?

Well I can't see that matters really what we have is a thread that is quite nice if it is a wind up then it's a gentle one that does no harm.

Also. If you need someone to give you a reason to want a pet. You don't want one and shouldn't get one.

I have had pets for nearly 11 years. I love my pets more than anything. they've been with me through the good times and the bad. they give me a purpose and when i see them so happy i feel good. i know they will never judge me or look down me and they will always be there for me

Oh dear I was wondering how soon this cliche would take to come up.
I wouldn't care but some of the cat owners round here go bananas when their little furry friend has a night out - or maybe even decamps to a household which offers better food.
Some might say cats are prostitutes

Cats do have butlers. You can't deny it. They waltz in. Demand cuddles/food/warmth whatever they want.

Once they're happy off they pop again. They Do their own thing. I always said cats are only putting up with life until something more interesting come along.

But that's why I love them. They are 100% honest. They have no agenda. They let you know what they want and when. One of mine is curled up with me now in bed. He has a full belly and is happily purring away. I wouldn't have it any other way.