Even though I grew up with dogs, I got my first cat about three years ago. Cats have turned out to be much better pets than I expected.
Cat people and dog people might never agree. I’ve had both pets, and I can see how cats can be just as good (and maybe better) pets as dogs. I guess it depends on your lifestyle. It’s true that cats are just as loyal, playful, and fun as dogs. Besides being easier to care for, cats have some other advantages over dogs.
Here are some reasons I have discovered why cats make excellent pets:
1. THEY’RE QUIET
Cats are great pets if noise levels are an issue in your home. Barks are usually louder than meowings, even the quietest ones. They may produce other sounds such as knocking things off surfaces or running around at high speeds, but they are generally quiet.
2. LOW MAINTENANCE
In comparison to dogs, cats are low-maintenance pets. There’s no formal training needed, they don’t need to be walked many times a day, and they’re even capable of self-cleaning. While long-haired cats still need regular grooming, it will be less frequent than with long-haired dogs.
3. EASY TO TEACH AT HOME
A new puppy’s house-training is one of the biggest challenges dog owners have to face. In contrast, kittens are usually familiar with their litter box from the moment they are brought home. It’s all you have to do is show them where it is, and they’ll know how to use it instinctively.
4. PERFECT PETS FOR APARTMENT
Generally, felines are better suited to apartments than dogs as pets. Cats take up less space than dogs and can use vertical space better. You can make small apartments comfortable for kittens by adding different vertical levels. Besides, they don’t need to be taken outside multiple times a day, which can be time-consuming if you live in an apartment building.
5. CARE IS LESS EXPENSIVE
Cats are generally more affordable to care for than medium or large dogs, according to the ASPCA. Since they require less food, fewer toys, and need less grooming overall, they cost less to own.
6. THEY ARE INDEPENDENT
A cat’s independence is one of its best attributes. Unlike dogs, cats are pretty content to spend time alone when they don’t need a lot of attention. When you’re at work, you don’t have to worry about your cats being bored since they sleep for about 15 hours a day. Moreover, kittens are more likely to be content with just your company when you’re home, while dogs may demand that you spend all your time with them.
7. LONG LIFESPAN
The loss of a pet is one of the most heartbreaking experiences a person can undergo. Fortunately, kittens have a fairly long-life expectancy when it comes to house pets. Cats live an average of 12 years, but some live into their teens and early twenties.
8. INVESTIVE IN YOUR HEALTH
From petting to purring, cats have been shown to calm their owners, helping them fall asleep with their soothing actions. You can even lower your blood pressure and risk of a heart attack with felines. A 15-year study found that cat owners were 30% less likely to die of a heart attack or stroke than other owners.
9. ALLERGY-FREE
According to the National Institutes of Health, kittens are less likely to cause allergies in children under one. I found it interesting that this wasn’t just limited to pet allergies, but to all allergies. Pet exposure as a kid seems to protect you from pet allergies as well as dust mites, ragweed, and grass allergies.
10. GET RID OF UNWANTED PESTS
Because kitty stalk, hunt, and pounce on their prey, they are perfect for keeping your home free of pests – whether they are mice, bugs, or other creatures. Rodents can be deterred by their presence alone, as their scent can repel them.
Although your living situation may influence the type of pet you can own, if you have unlimited animal choices, these 10 reasons should convince you that cats make great companions.
