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If you’re here, you probably want a pet, but keep asking yourself: Should I adopt a cat?
The answer depends on a variety of factors, especially lifestyle and personality. After weighing the pros and cons, it should be clear if a cat is the best pet for you.
When looking at sheer numbers (because multi-cat households are more common than multi-dog homes), cats are the second most popular pet in the United States, with fish being the first. In fact, people in the U.S. own an estimated 88.3 million cats.
Pros of Adopting a Cat
1. Cats are Independent Animals
Cats are independent, which means they aren’t as “needy” as other pets. For example, they don’t require walks, and they can be left home alone for hours at a time. However, keep in mind that cats still need plenty of love and attention to be happy. For that reason, it’s important to set aside time each day to play and hang out with them.
2. Cats Can Relieve Stress
Cats can make humans feel relaxed because their purrs are soothing. In fact, research has shown that stress levels and blood pressure drop in people who cuddle with purring cats.
3. Cats Don’t Need Potty Training
Believe it or not, most cats do not need to be taught how to use a litter box. This is because their natural instincts direct them to relieve themselves in dirt or sand. With that said, cat parents usually just need to show them where the litter box is located, and how to get in and out. If a cat does go outside the litter box, it could be a sign of a health problem such as kidney disease, diabetes, or a urinary tract infection.
4. Cats Don’t Need to be Bathed
In general, cats don’t need to be bathed because they are self-grooming animals. Cats’ tongues have sharp, tiny cones that give their coats and skin a deep clean. However, all cats, no matter their coat length, should be brushed at least once a week. This prevents hairballs and helps with shedding. It’s also important to keep in mind that a cat may need to be bathed in exceptional circumstances. For example, if they rolled in something they can’t get off, or have a certain health condition.
5. They Can be Affectionate
There is a common misconception in the pet community that cats are less affectionate than dogs. However, science says otherwise. It turns out that cats do love their owners, they just show it differently than dogs.
The reality is, cats can be very affectionate animals, which is great if you love having a cuddle buddy. Some are known to follow their humans around the house, and even greet them at the door. As if that isn’t sweet enough, many cats are extremely friendly around children and other pets.
6. They Don’t Require a Lot of Space
Cats are perfectly happy in a relatively small house, as long as there are windows so they can watch birds and squirrels. This makes them ideal pets for people who live in apartments.
7. They May Help Manage Pests
Are you terrified of mice? Then having a cat around might be a good idea. Many cats enjoy hunting mice and insects. In fact, humans first domesticated cats in order to control the rodent population.
8. They are Great for Introverts
Psychological studies have found that people who only have cats were more introverted than people who only have dogs. The reason is simple. Owning a cat leads to more introverted activities, whereas having a dog requires extroverted activities. After all, since cats don’t need to be walked, there is no need to leave your home. Instead, you can simply enjoy their company around the house. With that said, if you’re an introvert, a cat might be the ideal pet for you.
9. Cats are Companions
Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, there is no denying that cats can make great companions. Not only do cats make adorable lap buddies, but they also tend to follow their humans around the house. A cat is especially nice to have if you live alone because you will always have someone to keep you company.
10. Cats are Cheaper to Take Care of Than Dogs
Cats are usually much cheaper than dogs to care for. For one, vet visits are usually less expensive for cats. On average, cat food, treats, and toys are also cheaper than dog versions. Plus, cats don’t eat as much as medium to large-sized dogs, which brings the cost of food down. Finally, cats don’t need grooming services, unlike many dogs.
Cons of Adopting a Cat
1. Cats Can be Skittish
Although every cat’s personality is different, some cats can be quite skittish, especially if they weren’t around people enough as kittens. For example, if a friend visits, some cats might prefer to stay hidden rather than socialize. In addition, even some of the friendliest cats will jump off their owner’s lap when they have had enough attention.
2. Your Cleaning Schedule Might Need Adjusting
All cats (except hairless cats) shed fur to some degree. With many cats, this means you can expect to see a lot of cat hair around the house if you don’t regularly brush their coat. However, it is important to keep in mind that some breeds shed significantly less than others. In addition, many cats vomit from time to time. Usually, it’s them throwing up a hairball. Other times, it’s because they ate something they shouldn’t have. With that said, your cleaning schedule might need adjusting.
3. Litter Boxes Need Regular Upkeep
Cleaning a litter box is not fun. However, cats will not use a dirty litter box, which is why it’s important to clean the litter box at least once a day. Some litters need to be completely changed weekly to avoid unpleasant odors. In addition, if you have more than one cat, you may need multiple litter boxes.
4. They Might Damage Furniture
A lot of cats love to scratch furniture or carpets. To prevent scratching, owners need to keep up with methods to dissuade scratching. Luckily, there are several tricks to stop a cat from scratching furniture, such as keeping scratching posts throughout the house.
5. Cat Allergies are Fairly Common
While an estimated 10 percent of people are allergic to household pets, cat allergies are twice as common as dog allergies. Even if you aren’t allergic to cats, your relatives or friends might be. Depending on the severity of the allergy, this means that certain people might not be able to visit your home.
6. Veterinary Bills Can be Expensive
As with any pet, regular checkups are essential to make sure your cat is healthy. If a cat gets sick or injured, vet bills can add up quickly. Even if your cat does not have any health conditions, it is recommended that all cats have year-round flea preventative, which is also costly.
7. Cats Rarely Obey Commands
While it’s not impossible to train a cat to do certain tricks, most cats don’t obey commands. This is because their independent personalities make them not listen to orders. If you would rather have a pet that can follow commands such as sit and stay, a cat may not be for you.
8. They Might Need Their Nails Trimmed
Although not all cats need their nails trimmed, some might. Sometimes their nails get so sharp that simply having a cat jump on your lap can leave a scratch. However, some cats don’t like getting their nails trimmed, which can be a challenge for the owner.
9. They Might Not be Ideal for Extroverts
As mentioned earlier, cats tend to be great pets for introverts. However, they might not be ideal for all extroverts. If you are someone who would rather engage in social activities with your pet such as walks or visiting the park, a dog might be a better option for you.
10. They Might Wake You Up at Night
Cats don’t have the same sleeping schedule as humans. This means a cat might wake you up early in the morning, or even in the middle of the night. Although there are tips and tricks to prevent this behavior, it’s something to keep in mind.
After weighing these pros and cons, do you think a cat is right for you? Let us know in the comments below.
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Resources
https://coleandmarmalade.com/2018/12/30/6-reasons-why-cats-go-outside-of-the-litter-box/
https://www.livescience.com/36578-cat-worse-dogs-allergies-pets.html
https://www.livescience.com/32415-whats-the-most-popular-pet.html
https://www.petcoach.co/article/litter-box-training-for-your-kitten/
https://pets.webmd.com/ss/slideshow-truth-about-cat-people-and-dog-people
https://www.purina.co.uk/cats/health-and-nutrition/grooming-and-daily-care/do-cats-need-baths
Disclaimer: The Purring Journal is not in the medical field. This post is made for entertainment purposes only. Use the information presented in this article at your own risk. Always seek medical advice from licensed veterinarians.
