File :-(, x, )
Anonymous
I'm thinking of getting a pet. Since I live in an apartment, I might decide on a cat. In fact, I'd probably be most comfortable with a cat and I like cats when panda bears aren't available.

I am have an irrationally strong germ phobia, and that is a large part of why I don't own a cat right now. I don't like the idea of a cat walking around in its litter box and then walking around on my bed. That's a concern for me. In fact, I'd probably want to bathe it often however difficult that might be. Perhaps I could drug it to make it easier for both of us.

I've been a loner my entire life, and spend nearly all of my free time by myself. I find that I have very little order in my life, and it has been bothering me lately. I feel that if I had the extra responsibility of a cat to worry about, I would be forced to lead a more structured life.

Additionally, I like the idea of something depending on me. When I think about the the delicate nature of a living creature, it saddens me very much that domestic animals often live a miserable existence. Perhaps I could find an extremely ugly cat at an animal shelter.

Does anyone have any comments on my selfish motivations for getting a cat or on keeping the animal perfectly sterile?
>> Anonymous
>>207765

Sounds like you might eventually want to train the cat to use a human toilet rather than a litterbox.
>> Anonymous
>>207767

probably better that he or she trains themselves out of this OCD.
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
Usually I don't put any stock in the toxoplasmosis thing, but I'll push it - just for you.

Then again, maybe once those worms got in your brain, you'd take a turn for the better.
>> Anonymous
Please don't get a pet unless you can make absolutely sure you can care for it properly. Drugging it to shower it really doesn't sound lik a plausible idea to me. :p

If you want something that's germ-free, get a goldfish..
>> Anonymous
>>207790

You were doing so well until you recommended a goldfish.
>> Anonymous
>>207790
>>If you want something that's germ-free, get a pet rock.

Fixed
>> Anonymous
>If you want something that's germ-free, get a bottle of anti-bacterial soap.

Double fixed.
>> Anonymous
Don't get a cat, it sounds like the poor thing will have a terrible existence at your hands(despite if you feel otherwise). You won't get much pets that are 'germ-free' to your mind, except maybe the goldfish. Plus you don't need to wash it, it's constantly in water!
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
>>207775

You don't know how OCD works.

>>207799

Antibacterial soap breeds supergerms. Image is the only soap that make me feel clean.

>>207765

While I'm sure it's different for everyone, cats (my cat, anyway) feels perfectly clean to me. Get a good litter (I recommend Tidy Cats Small Spaces for Multiple Cats, even if you have one cat and a lot of room) that clumps hard, and keep it in a very dry area. And get a deep litter box (I recommend the Booda Dome, and also that you completely avoid any automatic cleaning boxes). If you clean it out often, your cat's feet will never touch wet litter and will stay clean.

Go to the pound and look for a cat who smells really good despite living in a tiny cell. This cat is as obsessive about cleanliness as you are.

Another option, especially if you try the litter box and still get OCD freak outs, is to toilet train your cat. Then your cat's feet haven't been anywhere worse than where your ass has been.
>> Anonymous
Oh, and I forgot to mention.

Keep a supply of rubber gloves (or latex gloves, but that's overkill since there are no chemicals involved) for litter box cleanings. But you probably already do that.
>> Anonymous
>>207814

... who the fuck told you antibacterial soap breeds supergerms? Liquid soap has ALWAYS been antibactetial due to their high alcohol content. That was BEFORE they had triclosan added and was labelled "antibacterial". Even normal bar soap is antibacterial to a certain extent (literally pulls cell membranes apart in the same way it grips dirt). You're more likely to breed a supergerm through intermittent antibiotic taking than washing your hands completely with liquid soap.

Also, resistant strains of golden staph came from hospitals that used bleach to make floors look white and clean but did jack all for disinfecting. In the event of an outbreak, the staff are instructed to wash all equipment with detergent.

That said, I see you're one of those retards who buy into all sorts of stupid fads, including the "organic" fad. Also, foaming agents exist to make cleaning more effective while using less water. By that I mean cleaning dirt. Not bacteria.
>> Anonymous
>>207818

You don't understand how OCD works. It's completely irrational and we acknowledge that. The foaming soap is great because it makes you hands feel damn squeaky clean. Actually squeaky. If my hands come back from soap feeling moisturized, the soap is stupid. The only organic things I use are that soap and organic milk.
>> Anonymous
Get a dog, a breed that doesn't shed. Not just your litter box concern, but cuts will jump up on your tables and counters and leave their fur everywhere. and the hairballs, oh the hairballs. Cats also don't give two shits about you, but dogs will treat you like a king.

Rats are also quite clean despite their reputation and make great, friendly pets.
>> Anonymous
>>207822
This person is over exaggerating about hairballs and just about everything else. I have two cats and I see hairballs rarely. Anyway, don't blame cats if you can't handle them. They can be trained not to jump up on the counters, claw on certain things, etc. They can also be very snugly and sweet, it merely depends on their personality.

Anyway, you don't sound like a person to try and take care of any animal, OP. It can be a big commitment and you'll both more than likely end up miserable. If the whole germ issue wasn't there, I'd say try it out perhaps, but I honestly think it'd drive you nuts.
>> Anonymous
Get a Turkish Angora. They enjoy water.
>> Anonymous
>>207818

Sigh.

Chill out, dude. There is plausible research suggesting that antibacterial soap helps breed supergerms, although the jury's out. Yes, it's not as bad as taking antibiotics too long. Yes, normal soap is kinda antibiotic already. None of that means adding triclosan may not contribute to breeding superbugs.

It's a plausible thing to be concerned about, especially since AS YOU POINT OUT normal soap is somewhat antibacterial already, so adding the triclosan is at best fairly pointless.
>> Anonymous
A perfect pet for you would be a 9mm. Apply directly to forehead.