a. I think I'm allergic.
That was a big one so I posted a complete message just on that in response to thread titled Cat.

b. I'd be that single guy with the cat.
Okay I can see your point on this one to an extent. But on the other hand, look at it this way, most women like cats. I would saying that of the people who claim dislike of cats it breakdown 70% Male and 30% Female. So while walking a cute dog in the park can get you a chat with an admiring female. Imagine this scenario: you just charmed a gal into going for a cup of coffee...but "would you mind if we took a small detour around the block, I just have to feed Whiskers." She is likely intrigued knows you are a guy you cares for something alive, and you now have her in your apartment sitting on the couch petting said kitty. Not bad. Besides cat stigma only sets when you have three or more (some say two or more but I have two so I say three <grins>)

c. I don't know where the litterbox would go.
In the bottom of the closet, preferably in a closet in the bathroom or a hallway. Not in your bedroom and NOT anywhere close to the livingroom. Also I know you have the whole No Mon-AY thing going on but if at all possible get the electronic catbox - Sweet - I highly recommend it. And it comes with a little tent kinda thing so if you had to you can have it a more populated space or studio apartment kind of thing.

d. What if the cat is a lemon?
No such thing. If you get a kitten you have more control over how its temperment will turn out. I recommend mutt cats just like I recommend mutt dogs, thier temperments from the get-go are more mellow. But their are books on how to raise a cat. But I didn't read anything and basically I had only ever had dogs, so I treated my two little kittens as I would puppies (with the added treat by the way that we showed them the litterbox ONCE...Once I tell you and they used it from that point on...not 3-6 months of paper training - that was a miracle) I was very physical with them, tussling with them, letting them play attack, rubbing their stomachs and heads and ears. I ended up with highly affectionate and touch tolerant cats, they don't hiss and scratch at folks. But you know my kind of cats isn't for everyone, there are cats who completely own themselves and their are fascinating in an entirely different way and I have come to love them as well. But I would never tolerate a hissing and scratching cats. So definately be high-touch when they are little to avoid that kind of thing. Because nothing will squelch that little scenario I mentioned in point number two faster than if "gal" comes over and cat scratches at her.

One last point - Cats are really amazing animals. And I say this having grown up with dogs for 20 years. I was forced into a cat situation by not having landlords who allowed dogs. And while I still plan to have a dog as well some day - I truly love my cats. They are hysterical little comedians. Todd I think you would be extremely happy when you get your cat. REmember you get out what you put in. The care you put in when it is little you will reap for years after. 13 1/2 years and counting here.

I completely agree with you on the raising of the kitten having a lot to do with its personality. I also have a cat because I can't have a dog (I rent a bedroom where my pet can't have the run of the house, no room for a dog). My cat is a friendly, lovable, well-adjusted cat. All my friends who meet him, even the ones who claim not to like cats, like my cat. He's very responsive to being picked up and touched because I picked him up and touched him since he was a kitten.

As far as the allergies go, he has very short hair and seems to minimally aggravate the allergies of my allergic friends. I also heard there was something you could put on cats to reduce dander, but I don't know much about this.

Siamese cats are also good for allergies..I am allergic to long haired cats, and I was allergic to my one cat Hallie when I got her, but I am now immune after 3 years. She rubs my face and licks my nose and stuff. She's standing on me as I type this. My other cat Bailey is part Siamese and has the Siamese coat thing going and I was never allergic to him.

And this might sound crazy, but you can toilet train your cat. I have done it with both of mine so NO LITTER BOX. No smell. No scoop scoop. Just flush flush. Except when Bailey is mad at me and goes elsewhere. But that's just the Siamese. Hallie uses it with no problems all the time. She says "PURR"

Don't get a pet unless you REALLY want one and want to make the committment. They are alot of work, but I think they are worth it. Plus, my bf has 2 dogs, so if I need dog time, I go there.

Good luck with the pet dilemma And thanx for the site, it makes work less hell reading it.