Have you ever watched a video of how it is having a cat? I often do, even rescue cat videos, and home videos of purely just cats. Although we have cats of our own, and I do film them, I feel happy watching others’ videos too. Cats, when you are near them, can make you relax – especially when they purr. Well, it may be different if it’s not a home cat but stray cats can be sweet and relaxing too.
Having a cat has pros and cons as it is with other pets. They have a direct effect to our behaviours and attitudes. Some times, people would say that cats inherit their owner’s personalities. I’m not sure if it’s true, but it can also be the other way around. So because it’s international cat day, let’s point out some of the benefits and disadvantages of having a cat at home.
Table of Contents
Cons of Having a Cat
Allergies
Cat dander are known to be allergens. Adults who are sensitive to such might suffer from allergies, and might not be fit to care for a cat.
Not easy to train
Unlike dogs, cats are not as easy to train, but yes they can be trained. For one, they know where their toilets are and they always go there to their business, even cover up their remains with sand. They can also do tricks that a dog would, others would even fetch, it just takes time to train them. So an owner needs a good amount of patience.
Iron, Leon, Minos
Scratching anything
Cats tend to sharpen their claws as an instinct. Their ancestors are hunters, so they need to have claws that could kill prey easily. Home cats tend to do the same – if you don’t have scratching posts, they might scratch on sofa, or any furniture. And yes, they can scratch you too if they feel threatened. My elder son is the only one who doesn’t have cat battle scars, as we funnily call them.
Bosses of their own
Cats do not follow commands as dogs would (easily). They might come as snob and always have that leave-me-alone attitude. They do appear to judge you at times they are watching you from behind something. ^_^
Expensive Veterinary Costs
Cats need to be checked up quite often, and the costs can be too much if you do not have insurance. Since our cats were too old for insurance (we adopted them later on in their lives), I put aside money for them that I can use every time we visit the vet.
Pros of Having a Cat
Easy to Care for
Cats are easy maintenance – they are mostly indoors. But if a cat is trained to spend time outdoors, it can be trained to come back home, so it saves you the trouble of being brokenhearted from going missing. (Although there are still cases that a cat won’t be able to come home.) You don’t need to walk a cat out for it to go to the toilet, since they are trained to litter boxes inside homes.
Always Hilarious
Cats, unknown to themselves, are funny creatures. Again, have you ever watched cat videos? I’m sure any would send you laughing. Their antics are just so weird and hilarious at times. We would often see our cats sitting like humans, cleaning their tummies and paws, and it surely is something worth snapping a photo of. ^_^ They even would make weird faces that sends anyone looking into a guffaw. Each cat has a unique personality, and each has a funny something to show you.
They have Fun Stuff You can Buy
You know the meme that goes “I work hard so my cats can have a better life“? It’s true, you would want your cat to be comfortable, so aside from the basic essentials that a cat needs to survive, they get spoiled by gifts. A cat scratcher, feather toys, a glass dome, a cat hammock, even a fluffy bed are stuff that owners spoil their cats with. Having a cat means even if you buy a hammock for hoomans, you’d find your feline using it as if it is their own.
That’s why it is better to buy a hammock that can fit both you and your cat. It’s the perfect spot for a siesta. See the best hammock at Tropilex Hammocks and enjoy the afternoon away with your fluffy friend.
They’re cute on Prints!
Wearing cats – like having a cute cat drawing, or a printed photo of your cat will surely turn heads. Though there’s a saying: “real men wear cat hair” that is also a true thing. Take this Printsfield’s personalized socks we got with our pretty Minos’ face on it. This 15-year-old Maine coon of ours didn’t get a good grooming before taking photos, but he surely looks good on the socks’ print! We love it! ❤️️ They have a lot more of items, and I’ll surely get a cat print-laptop sleeve next!
Effects on Adults
Help Keeps One Healthy
A cat’s purr calm one’s nerves and thus lower the blood pressure. Cats help you cope with sadness and stress, as many cat owners have experienced. Having a cat around may also help you overcome your allergies – like having strengthen your immune system.
Effects on Kids
Teaches responsibility
Having a cat or cats make kids somewhat a bit responsible, knowing that there is a life they could take care of aside from themselves.
Can actually touch cats
Unlike fish, cats can be touched, and their purrs has a good effect as we’ve mentioned above. Some breeds and home cats even tolerate being carried around. Petting an animal reduces anxiety.
Makes us Feel Fulfilled
Our Creator commissioned us to be stewards of the earth, that means to take care of both flora and fauna, and be kind to all of creation. When we care for cats, or any pet for that matter, it gives us a feeling of accomplishment and emotional balance.
 Pin! (The Joys of Having a Cat at Home) |
 Pin! (The Joys of Having a Cat at Home) |
