My 6 year old son has been begging me for a cat. I've never owned a cat but am considering it for him. I'm apprehensive due to the shedding, the clawing of furniture, spraying, etc.
doggies can usually hold it for longer than every few hours, unless there is a medical reason. Many, many people work all day, and take them out before they leave and when they return home from work.
I was just making a funny. Very few cats don't shed. If you have a severe problem with cat hair, you may want to revisit even thinking about getting one.