I like both dogs and cats. :)

Not me... but Ive known people who have.

Some things you may not know about cats.... some... probably most cats can be happy in a small space.... but will still need to get exercise and attention each day. Just because they're cats and not dogs doesn't mean they don't need to run hard and play or that they can go days without affection or attention. A bored cat is a depressed cat or one that may start knocking things over or overeating. Once they get over 6 or 7 yrs they do start to mellow out a lot, so if you don't have a lot of space or energy for a rambunctious cat you might want to look at older cats. A good shelter can advise re: which of their cats would be a good match for you. Often an older cat is there not because of any behavior issues but because their person died or is not able to care for them. You should also be able to get an idea of personalities - some are downright dog-like, very gregarious and follows you around like a puppy. Others are your more stereotypical cat, seeming aloof or hiding from company but loving you up when theyre in the mood for it.

But they are all unique and if you go into it with an open mind and open heart, youll learn their ways (they express love and being happy to see you differently than dogs) and soon have a relationship every bit as rewarding as with a dog.

That said - have you ruled out small or smallish-medium dogs? In some ways I would think that would be easier in that a dog can be walked and taken somewhere to run and play and there are those potty pad things you can put on your patio for the times you cant take them outdoors to wherever.

No, I haven't ruled out small dogs. Just trying to consider all possibilities. I have been looking at small dogs for the future. I've posted on here before for recommendations. What small breeds do you like? Thank you for reply!

Well, I am partial to my Havanese. She weighs 10 lbs. and is a sweet, sweet dog. While I do walk her about 5 times a day (because I can and I like it), she is happy just to be hanging out with me in the house. I think it is good that you are giving this so much thought. I also have a miniature schnauzer and a cat. The schnauzer is a love, but he can be a barker. The cat is 14 and now a lot more lovey than he ever used to be. But he has claws and while he hasn't destroyed any of my furniture, he is not averse to reaching out to the nearest chair. The best thing I've done for him is getting an indoor/outdoor sisal rug for the kitchen. I really got it because the schnauzer would not walk across the linoleum floor. But the cat loves it as a sort of scratching post. It doesn't hurt it in any way and he gets a good stretch out of it. Here is a picture of my Havanese.

Suggest fostering a cat, perhaps different ones at different times. I think there is greater variation in the personality & behavior of different cats than dogs. Some kitties are lap cats and would love to be carried around all day, others more aloof, and some think they are small dogs. JMHO

Don't think this is a strange suggestion, please. I went from decades with (English) Bulldogs - a popular dog breed for apartments - to adopting a retired track racing Greyhound from Tampa, FL.

Many Greyhounds live quite satisfactorily in apartments and condos. Their exercise needs are similar to the Bulldog. They are of a calm temperament. Not known for barking. And both breeds are known for good temperament. Greyhounds are a very healthy breed, Bulldogs not so much. (Generalities for both breeds, of course.)

I've lived with cats with my Bulldogs and it never was an issue. Indoor cats can be quite long lived - 16-20 years is not unusual.

I think it is great that you are looking ahead. In my case I really wanted to "do the right thing" by a dog that needed a home. I would also apply that idea to adopting/rescuing a cat.

Lotta critters out there that need help.

My oldest son has a Havanese - I love the picture above. Really sweet dog.

My dog trainer has three Great Danes and lives in a one bedroom apartment. She says that they're perfect apartment dogs-quiet, lazy and great watchdogs. She takes them for a 2 mile daily walk.

Like Salti said, it's difficult to generalize breeds (and species). But sometimes surprising choices exceed expectations!

Oh there are so many wonderful dogs that can live very happily in a condo environment, miniature poodles which are hypo allergenic, very smart and don't shed, Yorkies are fun but can be noisy and require a lot of grooming. One of my favorites to look at are the norfolk terriers, so cute. Boston Terriers are very popular right now too.

Get an older cat 7+ years. He/she will happily lay on your lap everynight while you watch tv and you won't regret it!

I am a dog person who has both cats and a dog. I am not sure cats are easier - with the possible exception of pet care if I go away. My dog wants to please - my cats wish to be pleased NOW.

My sister and I both got smaller dogs about 3-4 years ago. I told her they were our first old lady dogs. Lol.

She has a mini daschund - he is very sweet and very willful. A total snuggly lap dog. Adorable!

I have a mutt - westie shih tzu. Although I love my cats - he is my baby. I truly lucked out. He is 16 lbs. Large enough to love winter in Maine and small enough to pick up. Non shedding medium energy people loving. Today he played well and hard with three wound up neighbor kids - which always impresses me because he spends so very little time with kids. Usually he gets short walks and inside play. He is a hole digger though.

Good luck with whichever creature you end up with....