I have had cats and dogs so I am not a non-cat person, but let me tell you - you need to convince your landlord that cats can be WORSE than dogs when it comes to apartment living. Here is my story (sorry, it is really not all that exciting) Okay, I had these 2 cats and they got in to some kind of weird kitty-litter politics, and one cat would just do his stuff on the CARPET right OUTSIDE of the litter box. I tried everything. Needless to say, I did not get my deposit back. My dog on the other hand, had his share of 'puppy' mistakes, but these were cleanable mistakes and he has been a 'good boy' for quite some time now. He even seems to know to puke on the kitchen floor, not the carpet

Todd - Your landlord MUST allow you to have just a little small dog? Dogs are trainable for God's sake! (We all know what cats are not, and that is trainable) Try again with the argument above. Let me know how it works out for you.

I too am a Cat and Dog lover. Had dogs my entire growing up, and have had my two cats since I started living in apartments.

Cats are trainable, just like any animal. They are just not trainable in the same way that you train a dog. But I have trained my cats not to climb up on kitchen counters, any other surface in the house is okay. And my cats also only throw a hairball on hardwoods or linoleum not rugs and carpets. Also they come when they are called and know when to go away.


PS: One thing my two specifically have which is enormously endearing is when I am sick they seem to know and snuggle up close in commiseration. Short of having my Mom come with Chicken Soup it is the most comforting thing!

PSS: I will admit to one training failure. I was never able to get them to use the actual toilet. Really tried on this one bought a book and everything just couldn't get it done. So I bought the electronic catbox - which is fabulous! And while I never had any litterbox politics (other than revolt over my not cleaning in often enough for their liking) this electronic box solves all that since it self-cleans everytime a cat uses it.