*UPDATE* Question for all the cat and dog owners(or who are owned by their cat/s or dog/s):)

i would say go for a  cat, dogs need more attention. i am down to 3 dogs at one point we have seven . but if you decide on a dog dont get a small one get one that can handle being around small children.

 CAT!!!!!!! :) We have 2 and they are so loyal to the kiddos, they're always following them around and have to be near them at all times, it's the cutest thing. And they are SO easy to care for, I'd never want the added work of a dog, and don't have the time they require for walks, attention, playing,  etc. Cats are so low key and maintenance free. If you go with a cat we love Dr. Elsey's cat litter- it's the best, it's cheap & you'll never smell a thing...

Here's a pic I took this morning of our dd doing school, Sophie our cat always sits on her desk....added bonus of homeschooling...lol

we have a labrador and she is awesome with our kids.  DD climbs all over her and pulls her tail....she just lies there and takes it! 

we are temp. living with my mom and she adopted 2 kittens right after we moved in.  the one was a little crazy one weekend and actually jumped on DDs face, and each of the boys have been scratched at least once trying to hold them, but other than that, I say kittens are pretty good too.  my kids have always wanted a kitten, but I've always put it off....I think when we move we'll adopt one. 

I wouldn't get a puppy--in my experience, they are too rough and rowdy for little ones.  we got a puppy when DS1 was 5, DS2 was 3....DS1 got bit on the eyelid (I freaked when I saw the blood, though his eye got bit!!) because the puppy was just playing.  we didn't have that puppy for long. 

Thanks everyone! I really do appreciate it!  I will definitely post pics whichever furbaby we pick or whoever picks us!

madlei:

Thanks everyone! I really do appreciate it!  I will definitely post pics whichever furbaby we pick or whoever picks us!

You are very right... the animal should pick you When I went to this lady's house (foster care) to pick our kitty she had cats all over and I was a little bit overwhelmed. So I just sat down on the floor while this black and white 6-months-old kitty ran to me and started purring - wouldn't leave me alone as I believe it was his way of saying "take me home with you". Well we did and 5 years later Merlin is still very much our affectionate and lovely pet. Oh and his fur is as soft as a bunny!!!! Here's a picture for you:

brazilian_mommy,

Your Merlin is just adorable and very pretty! I am so excited about getting one! My sister was telling me tonite that one of the oldest cat's died at the age of 30 recently and the oldest was 38! I was like WOW, if my kitty lived that long I would be 65 when it passed. LOL, I could just imagine trying to out live the cat!

I love both but with very young children I'd opt for a cat.  Much easier to look after whilst running around after young children and they're pretty capable of taking care of themselves if you don't have time to devote to them on bad days.  Dogs are far more demanding, almost like children themselves.  They need nurturing and loving on far more than cats normally do.

If you do go for a dog, don't get a small one.  We had a papillon (sp?) and although she was a great dog and we love her to bits, our young family was just too much for her and she now lives at my Mums as she's older and finds young babies to toddlers stressful.  I'd also not recommend going for a puppy as they're too bouncy and don't have the experience to know young babies and children are not play things!  LOL 

We have three cats and they love the kids.  BUT they can also choose to go outside or go hide on top of the closets or under the beds if they want peace and quiet as they can get to places the kids can't!  Kittens are pretty manageable and cute with children too.  I don't believe in declawing cats, but you can get some funky scratch posts around which are great for kittens and older cats alike!

SevenfromHeaven:

Much easier to look after whilst running around after young children and they're pretty capable of taking care of themselves if you don't have time to devote to them on bad days. 

Partyof6:

Here's a pic I took this morning of our dd doing school, Sophie our cat always sits on her desk....added bonus of homeschooling...lol

charliecats:

Our last cat cost $75, was neutered, and had shots. It would have cost over $400 at the vets. He also came with free cat food, and a discount card for the pet food store.

Michaela:

 Unless the dog is potty trained and you have the time to exercise it and play with it, I would go for the cat.  Cats are super easy IMO and you don't have to worry about taking it to the boarding place if you ever want to go on vacation.  I don't have kids and that is my biggest issue.  We always have to figure out who will let our dogs out, take them to get exercise, as well as feed them.  With a cat you could be gone for a long time with one of those automatic feeders and not have to worry about a thing.  Even for us to take a day trip somewhere (more than 9 hours) we have to either come home so the dogs can be let out or find a neighbor to come and let them out.  Dogs are a lot of work as I am sure you already know.

Updated on page 1!

madlei:

**UPDATE** Wanted to let everyone know that instead of adopting a fur baby, I am helping my local humane society by fostering the ones that need help. I LOVE it! Even though I do get attached, I know I am helping save their lives. I get to help all kinds of fur babies!

That is such a great idea :)