Do you ever wonder if you will be able to pet a cat? While there’s no one answer to this question as everyone’s individual circumstances are different. But today, we’ll take a look at some of the pros and cons of owning a cat as a pet that may help you answer this question yourself. Whether you’re on the fence about getting a cat or you already have one and are wondering if you made the right decision, hopefully this post will give you some things to think about!
Before we dive deep into detailed pros and cons of petting a cat, let’s first outline the advantages and disadvantages of owning a cat.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Cat Ownership
Advantages:
- Cats make great companions – they’re loving and affectionate, and they provide us with much-needed emotional support.
- They’re relatively low-maintenance compared to other pets like dogs; cats don’t need to be walked, and they can usually take care of themselves when it comes to using the litter box.
- They’re quiet and don’t require a lot of space, so they’re ideal for people who live in small apartments or houses.
- Cats are independent creatures, so they won’t rely on you for everything like some other pets might.
- They’re relatively low-cost to care for, especially compared to dogs.
- They don’t need a lot of exercise, so they’re perfect for people with busy lifestyles.
- Cats offer us companionship and unconditional love, and they can help reduce stress and anxiety levels.
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Disadvantages:
- Cats can be destructive – they scratch furniture, carpets, and walls, and they may also urinate outside of the litter box.
- They can be aloof and independent, so if you’re looking for a pet that will always be by your side, a cat might not be the right choice.
- They require time and effort to care for – you’ll need to scoop the litter box daily and make sure they have plenty of food and water in their food bowl.
- They may not be the best choice if you have young children or other pets in the house, as they may not get along well.
- Cats can be finicky eaters, so you’ll need to be careful about what you feed them and how often you feed them.
- They can be expensive to care for if they develop health problems, as they often require special cat food and medication.
As you can see, there are both advantages and disadvantages to owning a cat. It’s important to weigh all of these factors before making a decision, as it’s not always easy to care for
The Benefits of Owning a Cat
Cats are one of the most popular pets and there are many benefits to owning a cat. Below we discuss some of them:
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1. They Can Be Low-Maintenance Pets
Cats are relatively low-maintenance pets. They don’t need to be walked like dogs and can usually take care of themselves when it comes to using the litter box. This means that they’re ideal for people who live in small apartments or houses.
2. They Can Be Affectionate Companions
While some may think of cats as aloof or even unfriendly, the truth is that they can actually make great companions. Cats are very loyal to their owners and can form strong bonds. They love to curl up on laps or next to their humans when they’re feeling content. And many enjoy being petted and brushed. In fact, some will even come when called by name.
Cats also have their own unique personalities—just like people! Some are playful and active, while others are more laid-back. Some love attention and being the center of attention, while others are more independent and prefer to do their own thing. But no matter what their personality type, cats enjoy spending time with their favorite humans.
3. They Can Be Low-Maintenance Pets
Another plus of owning a pet cat is that they generally require less maintenance than dogs and other pets. Cats are relatively independent creatures and can entertain themselves for hours with a simple toy or a sunny spot to lounge in. They don’t need to be taken on walks (although some do enjoy accompanying their humans on leashed walks), and they can usually stay home alone without getting into too much trouble.
4. They Can Be Less Expensive Than Other Pets
Cats also tend to be less expensive than other pets—both in terms of initial costs and ongoing expenses. Cats typically don’t need as much medical care as dogs, and their food and cat litter expenses are usually lower as well.
5. They Can Help Reduce Stress and Anxiety
If you’re looking for a pet that can help reduce stress and anxiety, a cat may be the perfect choice. Studies have shown that spending time with cats can help lower blood pressure and heart rate, and even reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Petting a cat has also been shown to release oxytocin—a hormone that promotes feelings of calmness and wellbeing—in both humans and cats. Some research also show that purring cat sounds also have a calming effect on humans.
6. They Make Great Apartment Pets
Cats are often the perfect choice for apartment dwellers or people with limited space. They don’t need a lot of room to run around, and they’re generally content to stay indoors. As long as they have a litter box, a few toys, and plenty of love and attention from their humans, most cats are happy living in small spaces.
7. They’re Clean Animals
Cats are naturally clean animals and spend a good portion of their day grooming themselves. This means that they typically don’t require as much bathing as other pets. And because they groom themselves, they can often help reduce allergies in people who are allergic to pet dander—the tiny flakes of skin that all animals shed.
8. They Can Live Long Lives
Cats are relatively long-lived creatures, and many healthy cats live well into their teens or even twenties. This means you can enjoy many years of companionship with your feline friend.
9. They’re Interesting to Watch
Cats are fascinating creatures, and many people enjoy simply watching them go about their day-to-day lives. From their elegant movements to their curious behaviors, cats can provide hours of entertainment.
10. They Make Great Family Pets
Despite their reputation as independent creatures, cats can actually make great family pets. They’re patient enough to tolerate the antics of small children, and they can bond with multiple family members. Just be sure to introduce your cat slowly and carefully to any new kids or pets in the house hold to give them time to adjust.
The Drawbacks of Owning a Cat
Sure, cats can be cute and cuddly. But they also come with a lot of baggage. Before you adopt a feline friend, be sure to consider the drawbacks of owning a cat.
Cats are high-maintenance pets.
They require regular feeding, litter box maintenance, and grooming. Cats also need plenty of toys and playtime to stay happy and healthy. If you’re not prepared to commit to taking care of a cat properly, you may want to reconsider your decision to adopt one.
Cats can also be destructive animals.
They scratch furniture, urinate outside of cat litter boxes, and knock over vases and other breakable items. If you have expensive taste or are particularly attached to your belongings, a cat is probably not the right pet for you.
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Cats can also be aloof and independent creatures.
They aren’t as needy as dogs, and they don’t always show their affection as openly. If you’re looking for a pet that will always be by your side and shower you with kisses, a cat is probably not the right fit.
They Shed… A Lot
All animals shed, but cats seem to shed more than most. This is especially true during the spring and fall when they are “blowing” their coat. This means that you will constantly be finding hair on your clothes, furniture, and in your food. If you’re not prepared to deal with all the extra fur around your home, you may want to think twice about adopting a cat.
They Can Be Difficult to Train
Cats can be difficult to train, even for the most experienced pet owners. Unlike dogs, they often don’t respond well to traditional training methods, such as rewards and punishment. If you’re looking for a pet that will obey your every command, a cat is probably not the right choice.
If you’re looking for a pet that you can train to do tricks, a cat probably isn’t the right choice for you. However, this doesn’t mean that cats can’t be trained at all – it just takes a bit more patience and effort on your part.
They Love to Scratch… Everything
Cats love to scratch things. It helps them stretch their muscles and sharpens their claws. Unfortunately, they don’t really seem to care what they scratch. This includes your furniture, door frames, walls, carpets, and basically anything else within reach. If you’re not careful, your home can quickly become one big scratching post.
They Can Be Skittish Around Strangers
Cats can be skittish around strangers, which can make it difficult for guests to interact with them. If you’re looking for a pet that will be friendly and outgoing with everyone, a cat is probably not the right choice.
They May Wake You Up in the Middle of the Night
Cats are nocturnal creatures, which means they’re most active at night. This can be frustrating for pet owners who are trying to sleep while their cats are running around and making noise. If you’re looking for a pet that will let you sleep through the night, a cat is probably not the right choice.
They Can Be Prone to Health Problems
Cats (especially the older cats) can be prone to health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. If you’re not prepared to deal with potential health issues, you may want to think twice about adopting a cat.
Their Veterinary Bills Can Be Very Expensive
Veterinary bills for cats can be very expensive, especially if they require surgery or have a chronic illness which is a common case for older cats. If you’re not prepared to pay for expensive veterinary care, you may want to think twice about adopting a cat.
If you want to learn more about the costs associated with cats, The Spruce Pet has a complete post detailing all the expenses of responsible cat ownership here.
They Might Not Get Along With Your Other Pets
Cats can be territorial creatures, which means they might not get along with your other small animals/pets. If you have dogs or other animals in your home, you’ll need to make sure they’re compatible with a cat before you adopt one.
They Can Live Up to 20 Years
Many cats can live up to 20 years, which means they could outlive you. If you’re not prepared to deal with the possibility of outliving your pet, you may want to think twice about adopting a cat.
They Are Strong-Willed and Rarely Obey Commands
If you’re looking for a pet that will always obey your commands, a cat is probably not the right choice. While most dogs are very obedient, cats are strong-willed creatures that often do things their own way. If you’re not prepared to deal with a stubborn pet, you may want to think twice about adopting a cat.
They Are Very Vocal When They Want to Go In or Out
Owning a cat means having a pet that is very in touch with its natural instincts. One of the main things they love to do is go outside and explore. However, this also means that they are constantly meowing to be let in or out. If you work long hours or are gone often, this can get really annoying really fast.
They Often Get Fleas
Cats are well known for getting fleas. In fact, many people think that all cats have fleas. While it’s true that many cats are susceptible to fleas, there are steps you can take to prevent your cat from getting them in the first place. And if your cat does happen to get fleas, there are also products available that will kill the fleas and keep them from coming back.
Is you cat suffering from Fleas? Here we discuss 6 best treatments for cat fleas.
They’re Prone to Hairballs
While hairballs are a nuisance, they’re also a common occurrence as cat hair get swallowed and keep on forming hairballs in their digestive system. Luckily, there are products available that can help reduce the amount of hair your cat sheds and help prevent hairballs from forming in the first place.
They Can Be Lazy
Cats are known for being lazy creatures. Unlike dogs, they love to sleep and lounge around all day. While this can be cute at first, it can get old pretty fast. If you’re looking for a pet that is always up and about, a cat might not be the right choice for you.
All in all, owning a cat is a big responsibility. But if you’re prepared to take on the challenges that come with feline ownership, a cat can make a wonderful addition to your family. Just be sure to do your research before bringing home a new furry friend.
Conclusion
Of course, owning a cat isn’t right for everyone. If you’re not home very often or you travel frequently, a cat may not be the best pet for you. Cats also require some basic care, including regular feedings, clean litter boxes, and routine veterinary check-ups and vaccinations. And although most cats are relatively low-maintenance pets, some do require more time and attention than others.
So if you’re considering adding a feline friend to your family, be sure to do your research and choose a cat that will fit well into your lifestyle. With a little love and care, your new cat can bring you years of enjoyment.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Owning a Cat
How much work is involved in taking care of a cat?
The amount of work required to take care of a cat depends on various factors, such as the breed, age, and health of the animal. Generally speaking, however, cats are relatively low-maintenance pets that don’t require as much attention as dogs or other animals.
Are cats expensive to care for?
The cost of caring for a cat varies depending on factors such as cat food and litter expenses, vet bills, and whether or not you purchase health insurance for your pet. However, overall, cats are usually less expensive to care for than other types of pets.
What are some of the behavioral issues that can come with owning a cat?
Cats can sometimes exhibit unwanted behaviors, such as scratching furniture or urinating outside the litter box. These issues can often be resolved with proper training and by providing your cat with adequate exercise and stimulation.
Do cats require a lot of space?
No, cats do not require a lot of space. They are generally content to stay indoors and do not need a large backyard or other outdoor area to run around in.
How long do cats live?
The average lifespan of a cat is about 15 years, though some cats may live for 20 years or more.
Are cats easy to potty train?
Most cats are able to learn to use the litter box with little difficulty. However, some cats may require additional training or assistance, such as if they have a medical condition that affects their ability to control their bladder or bowels.
Do cats like to be around people?
Some cats enjoy being around people and will seek out attention, while others prefer to keep to themselves. It really depends on the individual cat’s personality.
Are cats good with other animals?
Cats can get along with other animals, but it really depends on their personalities. Some cats may be territorial and not do well with other pets in the home, while others may be more laid-back and get along fine with everyone.
What are some of the health risks associated with owning a cat?
There are some health risks associated with owning a cat, such as the potential for contracting diseases from bites or scratches. However, these risks can be minimized by having your cat vaccinated and keeping them up-to-date on their shots.
