Are you thinking about getting a cat as a pet and wondering if it’s right for you and your family?
That feeling is normal, and the only way to be sure is to research these little creatures.
We have compiled a few pros and cons of having a cat in this article to help you make an informed decision.
Though cats provide companionship, you must consider some things when adopting one.
Many families take on the responsibility of being a cat parent and find that the pros far outweigh the cons.
Yet, others don’t research and find themselves unprepared for the required commitment. Here are the pros and cons of having a cat to avoid falling into such.
Pros and Cons of Having a Cat (PROS)
1. Affectionate
Cats can be incredibly affectionate creatures when they are in the mood. They curl up on their owners” laps and purr contentedly, providing a calming effect that can help reduce stress.
Also, there’s a saying,” “time spent with cats is never wasted.” Cats can also show their love in other ways, such as rubbing against your legs or bringing gifts of dead mice or birds.
While this may not seem like an expression of love to some people, it is a sign of affection from your cat.
Cats are very intelligent animals and know how to show their owners that they care about them.
So if you want to experience the joys of having an affectionate pet, consider getting yourself a cat!
2. Require Little Exercise
A cat is the best pet for you if you can’t afford to take your pet on regular walks. Unlike dogs, cats can exercise themselves and keep themselves entertained without needing you to take them outside.
This makes them ideal for people with busy lifestyles or living in apartments or other small spaces.
Those who do have the space and safety to let their cat outside can allow them to become “outside cats” and enjoy the freedom of exploring their environment.
These cats are quite active and can often find plenty of entertainment. However, it would help if you considered your cat’s safety before allowing them outdoors, as many potential dangers could harm them.
3. They are Fun
One of the pros of having a cat we can’t ignore is that they’re fun to be with. Watching them frolic around the house is a delight, as they often adopt some of the strangest positions when they relax.
They are also very playful animals and will chase almost anything that moves, from a toy mouse to a piece of string. This can provide hours of amusement for both cats and their owners alike.
For extra fun, give your cat some catnip. Catnip is an herb that cats find irresistible and can make them act funny.
They may roll around on the floor or rub their face against the catnip-filled toy you give them.
It’s always amusing to watch cats react to catnip, and it’s a great way to bond with your pet while providing them with extra stimulation.
4. The Kittens are Much More Adorable
From the moment kittens open their wide eyes and take in the world around them to the soft fur on their bellies that begs them to be petted they are simply irresistible.
Their mews and meows will tug at your heartstrings as they plead for attention and affection. Even the meanest of hearts can’t help but melt when faced with a litter of kittens.
It’s important to remember that these little bundles of joy won’t stay kittens forever, so it’s important to savor every moment while it lasts.
Take lots of pictures, play with them, and give them plenty of love and cuddles – you’ll never regret it!
Kittens bring a special kind of joy into our lives that is hard to replicate, so enjoy every minute you have with them while they’re still young and full of life.
5. Little Maintenance
One of the pros of having a cat is that they don’t need much maintenance. They don’t need regular litter box changes and enough food and water.
Also, you don’t need to constantly supervise them or hire a pet sitter if you go away for the weekend; cats are independent animals that can clean and entertain themselves.
That doesn’t mean you should neglect your feline friend; spending quality time with your cat is important.
Playing with them, brushing their fur, and cuddling up together will help strengthen the bond between you two.
Moreover, cats need mental stimulation, so providing toys or scratching posts will help keep them active and engaged.
With just a few simple steps, you can ensure that your cat has everything they need to stay happy and healthy!
6. Long Lifespan
Cats have long lifespans compared to other pets, such as dogs. On average, cats can live up to 12-18 years, while dogs typically only live 10-13 years.
So, if you choose a cat as your pet, you will likely be able to enjoy their company for longer than if you had chosen a dog.
Having a pet with a long lifespan is beneficial in many ways. Not only will you get more time with your furry friend, but it also allows you to form a stronger bond and connection with them.
Also, having an animal companion around for many years can provide comfort and companionship during difficult times.
7. Cats are Neat
Cats are known for their cleanliness, and it’s no wonder why. They groom themselves regularly to keep their coat healthy, clean, and free of odors.
Also, they use their tongues to lick their fur and remove dirt, dust, and other debris. This helps them stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Additionally, cats have a special gland on their tongue that produces an oil that helps keep their fur shiny and soft.
Cats also use grooming as a way to bond with each other. When cats groom one another, they show affection and trust.
Grooming is also a way for cats to show dominance over one another by licking the fur of those lower in rank than them.
Not only does this help keep them clean, but it also helps maintain social order within the group. All these reasons make it clear why cats are so well known for being such clean animals!
Pros and Cons of Having a Cat (CONS)
Now that we have discussed the pros in this article on the pros and cons of having a cat, it’s only right to examine the cons too.
1. Expensive Vet Bills
Veterinary bills can be a major expense for pet owners. When your cat gets sick or injured, you’ll have to take them to the vet and pay for the necessary treatments.
Regular checkups are also important to ensure your cat is healthy and free of any illnesses or parasites.
Unfortunately, these visits can add up quickly and become quite expensive. Depending on the severity of the illness or injury, some people have had to pay thousands of dollars in veterinary bills.
It’s important to plan and budget for potential veterinary expenses. Many pet owners opt for pet insurance plans that cover medical costs in an emergency.
Also, there are other ways to save money on vet bills, such as shopping around for different clinics or taking advantage of discounts offered by certain organizations.
Taking good care of your cat and providing them with regular checkups will help keep their health in good condition and reduce the chances of paying costly vet bills down the line.
2. Your Furniture Isn’t Safe
One of the cons of having a cat is that your furniture isn’t safe with them being around. Cats are notorious for their love of scratching; unfortunately, this often means your furniture is at risk.
Even if you provide your cat with a scratching post or other alternatives, they may still choose to claw your furniture to shreds. This can be incredibly frustrating and expensive to repair or replace.
The best way to prevent this is by providing plenty of options for your cat to scratch on.
Ensure the scratching post is tall enough for them to stretch out fully and that it’s made from a material they like (such as sisal rope).
You can also try using double-sided tape or aluminum foil on areas of the furniture that you don’t want to scratch.
If all else fails, you may need to invest in pet-proof furniture covers or even reupholster certain pieces.
3. Excess Shedding
Though cats are adorable, they come with a lot of furs. If you’re considering bringing a cat into your home, be aware that they shed a lot.
Cat hair can get everywhere, from your furniture to your carpet to your clothes and even the countertops.
You may vacuum and dust more often than before to keep up with all the fur.
In addition to regular vacuuming and dusting, you may need to invest in lint rollers or pet hair removers for your furniture and clothing.
It’s also important to brush your cat regularly so that its coat stays healthy and the amount of shedding is controlled.
With some extra effort, you can keep the fur at bay and enjoy all the cuddles of owning a cat.
4. They Can Disturb Your Sleep
One of the cons of having a cat is that you might not sleep peacefully in your house!
Cats are notorious for their unusual sleep schedules, which often means they may wake you up while you’re sleeping.
Whether it’s late or early in the morning, cats don’t seem to care for people sleeping when they are not.
Cats can be quite vocal when they want something and will meow or purr to get your attention.
They may jump on your bed or paw at your face if they think it will get them what they want. Some cats may even try to play with you while you’re still asleep!
It is important to establish a routine with your cat so that it knows when it is time to sleep and when it is time to play.
This will help minimize the chances of being woken up by a curious feline friend in the middle of the night.
5. They are Stubborn
One of the cons of having a cat is that it can be quite stubborn. Cats are independent creatures and may not always listen to your commands.
They may ignore you when you call them or refuse to do what you ask them to do. This can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you’re trying to train them.
Remember that cats have their personalities and preferences, so you must be patient and understanding when dealing with them.
You may need to try different methods of training or reward systems to get your cat to listen.
You can eventually get your cat to do what you want with enough patience and persistence.
6. They Often Vomit
Cats are clean, but they will occasionally vomit. This can be caused by various reasons, such as eating something they shouldn’t have or running around too much after a big meal.
As the owner, you are responsible for cleaning up the mess and ensuring your cat is healthy.
Most of the time, vomiting in cats is not serious and can be treated with home remedies like increasing their water intake or adding fiber to their diet.
However, if your cat vomits more than once in 24 hours or if there is blood present in the vomit, you should take them to the vet immediately.
The vet will be able to diagnose any underlying medical conditions that may be causing the vomiting and provide treatment accordingly.
Conclusion
Cats make wonderful pets and can bring much joy to your life. However, it is important to consider the pros and cons of having a cat before deciding to adopt one.
