Why are cats good pets

Índice Show

Are Cats Good Pets?
1. Cats Tend to Be Clean Animals
2. Cats Are Quiet
3. Cats Are Low-Maintenance
5. Cats Are Super Easy to Potty Train
6. Cats Protect Your Home From Pests
7. Cats Cost Less Than Dogs
8. Cats Can Be Left Alone Longer Than Dogs
9. Cats Are Ideal Apartment Pets
10. Cats Are Excellent Companions
Cats vs. Dogs: The Great Debate
Questions & Answers

June 3, 2019 Liz Palika

What a better reason to talk about why cats make such awesome pets and companions? I'll admit, right off the bat—I'm a bit biased. I share my home today with two dogs and three cats (and often foster litters of orphaned kittens) and feel that although the two species are different, they both have characteristics that I find appealing. However, when I was a child my father was in the military and we often lived in situations where we couldn't have dogs. We always had cats, though, and throughout my childhood two cats were always there for me. Boots, a brown and black tabby cat with a white chin and white paws lived to be 19 years old; and Smokey, an all grey short-haired cat lived to be 15. I have wonderful memories of both cats. After reading how wonderful cats are, if you're convinced a cat may be a great pet for you, we've also got a shopping list for supplies you'll need before bringing home your new companion.

istockphoto/Linda Raymond

Everyone's definition of a great pet is going to be different, so I asked several cats owners what their thoughts were. Here are their ideas, as well as mine, and you can decide what is most appealing to you. 14. Cats are good with children. As long as the children have been taught to be gentle with the cat and don't get rough, cats can be incredibly tolerant and amazingly affectionate with children. 13. Costs less than a dog. The initial adoption of a cat is usually significantly lower than the adoption fees for dogs. Although cats do need some initial supplies (see the list below) regular maintenance and care supplies are usually lower than those for dogs, too. 12. Apartments and condos. Cats are great for apartment and condo living. They are quiet, don't need as much space as dogs do, and don't need to be walked. 11. Low maintenance. Cat owners who say that cats are low maintenance don't mean that the cat can be ignored; that's not true at all. However, other than the litter box, it is much easier to care for a cat than a dog. 10. Fewer guilt trips. Have you seen the sad face a dog makes when you leave for work every morning? Cats don't do that. They often will greet you at the door when you come home; happy to see you, but they won't make you feel bad when you leave. 9. Keep themselves clean. Cats are wonderful about keeping themselves clean. They will still need some grooming care, however, especially trimming toenails and regular brushing, but not to the extent that most dogs need. Plus, many cats can go a lifetime without needing to be bathed. 8. Long lifespan. Many cats can easily live into their twenties, even upper twenties, and cats living to be thirty years old is not unheard of. Many of these long-lived cats are healthy, too, other than perhaps being a bit stiff. This longevity is wonderful. 7. So darn smart. Cats may not do well on intelligence tests, but cat owners will tell you that's just because the cats have already figured out what's going on. Cats are very bright and often figure out how to turn on the faucet in the sink for fresh water, can open every cupboard and drawer in the house, and know how to torment the family dog. 6. They are good for you. Cuddling a cat is said to lower your blood pressure, and laughing while watching a cat play makes you feel better. Waking up with a cat cuddled up next to you is a wonderful way to start the morning. Cats are wonderful companions and elevate our mood. They're good for us. 5. Those eyes! When your cat climbs up on your lap and looks you in the eyes, it's hypnotic. Those big bright eyes are something else. Cats convey all of their emotions with their eyes and all we need to do is pay attention. 4. They're playful. Watching a cat play is like watching a leopard or lion on TV except in miniature. Cats are cats no matter what the size. Your house cat may be playing with a catnip toy, but she's still stalking, hiding, leaping, and pouncing. Plus, as you watch her play or play with her, you're going to be laughing. How wonderful is that? 3. Cats are so darn cute. Kittens are absolutely the cutest thing on the planet. After all, how many kitten memes and videos are there online? But happy cats, playful cats, and even sleeping cats are all over social media, too. Let's just admit it, cats are cute! 2. They love us. People who say cats are standoffish or aloof just haven't been loved by a cat. Either that or they judge a cat's behavior by comparing a cat to a dog. These are two completely different species, and comparing them is like comparing apples and oranges. Cats do love their people and show it in many ways; we just need to watch them to see it. 1. The greatest thing about cats? They purr. There is nothing like a cat's purr. When your cat is on your lap or snuggled up against you in bed and that purr motor begins...there is absolutely nothing else like it in the work. You know your cat is happy and content, and while you hear and feel that purr, you are too.

istockphoto/Barisic Zaklina

If you've decided you need one of these wonderful creatures in your home you will need to go shopping first. You won't need a lot but there are some necessities that you should get before bringing home your new cat. The first and most important is, of course, cat food. Obviously, The Honest Kitchen's cat foods are wonderful and you should have that on hand, but you should also find out what the cat is eating now and buy some of that. Then gradually over a couple of weeks, switch the cat to the food she'll be eating long term. Food and water bowls are also needed. Again, find out what she's used to and offer her food and water in similar bowls. You can make changes later if you wish. The litter box, cat litter, a scooper, and a roll of small trash bags are vital. As with the food, try to use a similar type litter box and the same cat litter as your cat is used to. There will be many changes as she adapts to your home and a familiar cat box can help prevent accidents. As with the food, you can make gradual changes later. A cat carrier is also important. There are soft-sided carriers as well as hard-sided plastic carriers such those used for traveling. Choose the one you prefer. It really doesn't matter as long as your cat is safe and secure and has room to move around. A cat collar with an identification tag is important. Some grooming supplies, including a comb, soft-bristled brush, and nail trimmers are also needed. Toys are very important as cats love to play, and playing with your new cat is a great way to bond with her. Crinkly foil balls, balls with jingle bells, feather toys, and fishing pole toys are all fun. A cat tree is a good idea, too, as it provides a place for your cat to stretch and scratch. If the cat tree has a bed platform high up that will give her a place to relax and watch her new home. These supplies are all you need to get started but they certainly aren't all that's available. If you browse a cat supply catalog or store online or go into the cat section at your local pet supply store, you'll find many other cat items but you can get those later as you find out more about your new cat's likes and dislikes.

istockphoto/lisegagne

Jennifer Wilber is a life-long animal lover. She currently has two black cats and has had many dogs and small pets throughout her life.

Discover 10 reasons why cats are the best!

Are Cats Good Pets?

I love all animals, especially cats and dogs. I grew up with dogs, but I got my first cat about three years ago. While I still love dogs and hope to get one of my own eventually, I have found cats to be much better pets than I originally gave them credit for.

Self-proclaimed dog people and cat people may never see eye to eye. But, as someone who has had both pets, I can now see how cats can be just as great (and possibly better) pets than dogs. It all depends on your lifestyle. Contrary to what many dog people will have you believe, cats are just as loyal, playful, and fun as any dog. In addition, cats also have some benefits over dogs in that they are objectively easier to care for.

Here are some reasons I’ve discovered as to why cats can be the best pets.

Cats spend a lot of their time grooming, so they are always nice and clean.

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1. Cats Tend to Be Clean Animals

Cats spend much of their time grooming themselves, so you will rarely have to bathe your feline friend. Compared to dogs, cats tend to smell much better. Unlike dogs, your cat won’t go outside and roll in unpleasant things or pick a fight with a skunk. Because cats are so good at keeping themselves clean, they usually feel softer and cleaner than dogs and many other animals when you pet them.

Even the loudest meows are cute and relatively quiet.

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2. Cats Are Quiet

Even the loudest, most insistent meows are much quieter than most barks. Even when your cat is trying her hardest to annoy you into giving her extra treats, her meow sounds are adorable. You will never have neighbors complaining about your cat meowing too much. It’s hard to be annoyed by such cute little sounds.

Cats require much less work than dogs.

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3. Cats Are Low-Maintenance

Kitties are much more self-sufficient than other pets, particularly dogs. Cats don’t need to be taken outside multiple times a day for bathroom and exercise walks. Cats also don’t require nearly as much training as dogs. Cats are also self-cleaning.

Though cats still need love and attention just like dogs, they don’t require quite as much interaction as dogs. A cat is content to curl up next to you while you work, while a dog may demand your undivided attention. Cats can also be left home by themselves while you are at work and are much less likely to destroy your house while you are gone.

Cats are happiest when kept indoors.

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Cats don’t need to be taken outside in the middle of the night to do their business. While no one enjoys cleaning the litterbox, it is still much easier and less of a burden than having to go outside in the darkness or bad weather and having to carry around little baggies of your fluffy friend’s waste until you can get to a garbage can.

Cats are small enough that they can get plenty of exercise indoors, especially if you have plenty of vertical spaces for your feline friend to climb. Since cats don’t need to go outside, they will also never track in mud after you have just finished mopping the floor.

Kittens are taught how to use a litter box by their mama cat.

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5. Cats Are Super Easy to Potty Train

Most kittens already know how to use the litter box as soon as you bring them home. Even cats that were born stray or feral instinctively know to bury their waste after going to the bathroom. The most you will have to do to potty train your new furry friend is to show her where the litter box is and show her how to dig in the (clean) litter using your own hand.

Cats are ferocious hunters who can protect your home from vermin.

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6. Cats Protect Your Home From Pests

The mere presence of a cat is usually enough to keep mice and rats away. If a rogue rodent does find its way into your house, however, your cat’s natural predator instincts will kick in. Though it can be gross finding remains of your fluffy friend’s hunting victories, it still beats having vermin running lose through your home.

Cats are also excellent hunters of insects, keeping your home safe from moths, houseflies, and other creepy crawlies (be warned, however; some types of bugs aren’t very tasty to cats. Your cat probably won’t do much to keep ladybugs out of your home.)

Cats are easy to entertain.

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7. Cats Cost Less Than Dogs

The initial adoption fee for cats and kittens is often less than that of dogs. More importantly, cat food, cat toys, and other cat supplies are also generally cheaper than the equivalent for dogs. Cats are smaller than most dogs and require fewer purchases. Vet care is also often less expensive for cats than for dogs.

Cats are usually perfectly happy with “toys” that don’t cost anything. My cats’ favorite toys are cardboard boxes, milk jug rings, and those silicone bracelets that you get from donating a couple of dollars to certain charities.

Get two cats so they can keep each other company while you're away.

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8. Cats Can Be Left Alone Longer Than Dogs

Because cats don’t need to be taken outside to use the restroom, they can be left home alone all day while you are at work without having to worry about coming home to any nasty surprises on your living-room carpet. Cats are also less prone to separation anxiety, so they can tolerate being home for longer periods of time without their human (though it is still best if you have a pair of cats to keep each other company).

Cats can even be left home alone for a couple without a pet sitter if you are going to be gone all weekend. If you leave enough food and water and have enough litter boxes, they will be just fine for a night or two on their own.

Cats can be left alone all day. They will probably spend most of the time you're at work sleeping.

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9. Cats Are Ideal Apartment Pets

If you live in an apartment, you are more likely to be allowed to have a cat than a dog. Many apartments don’t allow pet dogs but will still allow tenants to have a cat or two. Cats also take up less space, so they will be happier living in an apartment than a dog would, especially larger breeds.

Because cats use the litter box and don’t need to be taken outside to use the bathroom or to exercise, it is easier to keep a cat in upper-level apartments than a dog as well, as you won’t need to bring it down the stairs multiple times a day.

As mentioned above, cats are fairly quiet compared to dogs, so neighbors in your apartment building won’t be bothered by a cat’s meows like they may be by a barking dog.

Cats can be cuddly and affectionate.

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10. Cats Are Excellent Companions

Cats like to be where their favorite humans are but are often less needy than their canine counterparts. Cats are usually content to sit quietly near their favorite human while they work or read a book. There is nothing better than a cat purring on your lap after a long day. Cats can be just as affectionate and loving as dogs but aren’t as high maintenance.

Both cats and dogs are wonderful pets, but cats are much easier to care for.

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Cats vs. Dogs: The Great Debate

Cats often get a bad reputation from dog lovers. If you’ve had both cats and dogs, it is clear that cats can be just as wonderful, loving, and playful as any dog. Cat’s make great pets and are ideal companions for people who work full time or who live in an apartment. They are less expensive to keep and require less maintenance than dogs. Overall, cats are wonderful pets and will provide a lifetime of love and affection, just like dogs.

Questions & Answers

Question: Do you own a cat, and if so, how many?

Answer: Yes, I have two cats.

why do i like to eat dick on September 05, 2020:

finally people who like cats!!! Like i am a cat person and I give dogs a chance, but my school is full of dog lovers, and they don't give cats a chance like wtf?

Dora on August 25, 2020:

OwO here’s another fact about a cat and they make you live longer

Dora on August 25, 2020:

OwO I’m just getting ideas for my writing piece about which is the best pet and I choose a cat and it looks like I choose the right one

Ishan on August 13, 2020:

wow very fluffy cats

ruby on August 10, 2020:

I love cats

Sanes memes on August 10, 2020:

cats cute flufy clam and more coooooooooooooooooooolllllllllllll LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLO

Kittycorns Forever on August 04, 2020:

I completely agree with the above. I mean, why not? They are just the best and the cuteset.

H Kennedy on July 31, 2020:

Absolutely agree that cats are just as wonderful as dogs. I have both a dog and cat and love the contrast.

fart on July 25, 2020:

i want a kitten for my bday

JJ Noll on July 22, 2020:

Cats are the best animal if you love books and writing books

Poop on July 14, 2020:

I have 2 doggies but I really want a cat for my birthday since I’ve never had a cat

Paulita Gomez on July 08, 2020:

I have adopted a stray cat and she has 3 kittens. And they adopted 1 kitten which I found in our roof. I love them very much and I wouldn't replace them with any other pets.

Ujwala on July 02, 2020:

i have two cats

i love cats and dogs

and all animal

Luis on July 01, 2020:

I love my Siamese cat. I will never replace her with a dog. I prefer cat's personality.

Ellie on June 12, 2020:

Yes they r all beautiful with each kitty having their own personality...i shd know...i have 10 all sizes..shapes and colors..

Love them all...

BLESSING ISAAC on June 09, 2020:

CAT ARE D BEST

Cats are amazing on May 21, 2020:

They are cool

KK on May 20, 2020:

Cats are undeniably the best.

cats r cute on May 18, 2020:

my cats sleep together in the smallest cat bed we have even though we have multiple beds and stuff and its so cute and funny at the same time

cats are the best on May 18, 2020:

My cat is sitting next to me purring, other belly up on the rug, when cats are belly up that means there happy. cat rule!

I have two cats. on May 18, 2020:

At least cats don't rub there butt and leave brown streaks on the rug

Kaelyn on May 18, 2020:

Cats are cool!

Queens on May 15, 2020:

I’m not interested in cats , but those were a little convincing

The Cat on May 13, 2020:

My dad's cousin has 2 cute kitties, and the difference between those cats and MY DOG is that the cats are QUIET, FLOOFY, and LESS ANNOYING.

WEENER on May 13, 2020:

thank you

Hithere on April 27, 2020:

I have two pawsome dogs but I really also want a cat. Especially a Tortoiseshell. My brother and my dad are allergic. My mom really wants to get a cat also and maybe my brother also. My dad is against getting a cat. I only touched a cat like 5 times in my life!

??? on April 21, 2020:

I liked dogs in the past and hated cats... But now i think i like cats better than dogs...

MIMO on April 19, 2020:

CATS R BEST BOIS AND GURLZZZZZ

anything on April 16, 2020:

I love cats and dogs but cats have always been number one.

YEETER on April 15, 2020:

I have two Cats

Anonymous on April 14, 2020:

Cats! I really want one!!!

gkif on April 11, 2020:

I love cats too

ghjdkhhsdjfj on April 06, 2020:

I have three letters for you CAT

lmao on April 03, 2020:

I like cats and dogs equally lol

CAT LOVER on April 01, 2020:

Loved this! My essay was written and gotten a good grade! With my cat resting in my lap while I do it CATS ARE DA BEST!

mimibafi on March 31, 2020:

i have 2 cats and they are gorgeous and the best !!!

t on March 26, 2020:

cats are GREAT

HI on March 26, 2020:

Cats are peasants compared to dogs

My Life Is a LIE on March 25, 2020:

I have 2 cats LOL

Hadiyah on March 23, 2020:

I have a cat named LILY!!

#CatsOrDogs? on March 11, 2020:

I think the article was helpful, BUT I need more info on why cats are better and easier to take care of than dogs.

Thanks for the assist!

Aspie Girl on March 11, 2020:

Really helpful for my essay from school! :^]!!!

Name on March 10, 2020:

CATS ARE SO BETTER

Im a cat on March 03, 2020:

cats are the best!!!!!!

A person on February 28, 2020:

This was great!

naomi on February 24, 2020:

this is very helpful but i need more reasons

frank snapp on February 19, 2020:

Cats have been the coolest for me (surprising!), but I love all the animal babies we have in our homes very much. No one is more important than the other. I look forward to being able to keep pets again.

you dumb on February 19, 2020:

dog are better

BOOMER on February 18, 2020:

lol dogs better than cats

Madeleine on February 13, 2020:

Iol love cats better than dogs

Karate beast on February 12, 2020:

COOL!!!

NINJA on February 11, 2020:

I LOVE kittins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

chloe on February 03, 2020:

I really want a pet but I don't know if there expensive

Lordnibbler on January 30, 2020:

As a current caretaker of both a stray cat and a stray dog, I can affirm that this article is both factual and accurate. If you have both a love for animals and a warm heart, you can't but help appreciate what a great companion and source of chronic mirth a cat can be.

1 on January 24, 2020:

This a really good article and it made me decide to get a cat.

unicornrainbows on January 23, 2020:

I read this and I totaly agree to this

Alex on January 17, 2020:

I agree with Cats vs. Dogs: The Great Debate; I currently have both dogs and cats, and I find them both virtually equivalently useful for entertainment. Though, dogs just overdo it and get in trouble too much.

caleb on January 14, 2020:

cats are soooo cute

isabelle deleon on January 13, 2020:

cats are okay they dont give you attention

Axel on January 13, 2020:

I still like dogs better

zach herron on January 10, 2020:

KITTY

Cat! on December 16, 2019:

Cat!

[this is private information] on December 06, 2019:

Cats are vague, but fun.

Isabel Arroyave on November 19, 2019:

I always have cats. They are my favorite animals although I also like dogs. Since I live in an apartment building is better to have a cat since they are easy to take care of them.

Pops on November 16, 2019:

Cats the bests love them

Joe Mama on November 07, 2019:

Ur so right cats are the best!!!

jijittqt on November 07, 2019:

CATS ARE DAH BEST

stephanie on November 05, 2019:

loved the passage. this will help with convincing the class cats are better than dogs. if you don't like cats, well, too bad.

bradley on October 25, 2019:

you are so right about cats are better then dogs

Aliyah on October 13, 2019:

Awesome post! This will help a lot with convincing my parents!

Cats miffy best on September 13, 2019:

Cats are the best. You have to work a lot for dogs, but its okay if you like dogs and cats. Well I do. So, I love both cats and dogs but cats are better.

logan pactrick lyon on May 08, 2019:

no cats are better

Mark Tulin from Palm Springs, California on December 25, 2018:

Great post. I always preferred them to dogs for similar reasons. They are also less needy than dogs. More independent.