Thinking of adopting a furry one? If so, you will be interested to know what are the advantages and disadvantages of having a cat, truth? Depending on who you ask for an opinion, one of their lists will always be longer. In our case, the advantages far outweigh the problems that may arise, and living with a feline is wonderful.
The friendship one can have with someone is a relationship of equalsOnly if it is treated with respect and affection will we receive the same in return. And if we care for it as it deserves, we can be sure that living together will be pleasant for both parties. Even so, We're going to be objective and realistic so you can make the best decision. for you and for the cat, also integrating aspects such as the economic cost, the impact on your routine and the real needs of these animals.
Advantages
Cats have become one of the most popular pets in many homes around the world. This is no coincidence: they combine independence and affection In a very special way, they adapt well to different lifestyles and can provide us with proven physical and emotional benefits.
- He is a great friend and companionYou may have been told that it's very independent, even antisocial, but reality doesn't match the fiction. It's an animal that's easy to love, and if you give it what it needs (not just food and water, but also...) companionship and playYour cat will want to be by your side as much as possible. Many cats follow their human around the house, sleep nearby, and seek contact when they sense their caregiver is sad or ill.
- Improves health: have a cat at home and enjoy it will allow you to feel betterIt is known that the purring and caressing They help reduce blood pressure and heart rate, thus decreasing stress. Several studies link living with cats to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and greater emotional well-being, even in people who only consume cat video content.
- Emotional support and mental well-beingLiving with a cat can be especially beneficial for people who suffer mild anxiety, stress, or moments of lonelinessPetting a cat, listening to its purr, or simply watching it play promotes relaxation. For children, a relationship with a cat can help develop... empathy, responsibility, and social skills, being a valuable support for children with communication difficulties.
- It adapts well to living in a small spaceWhether you live in a flat or an apartment, your cat will adapt well to living there. It just needs a good rest area, sandpit and high points where to observe. Of course, you have to dedicate time to it and play with it so that it burns energy and avoids a sedentary lifestyle, something very important to prevent being overweight.
- You don't need to go for a walkUnlike dogs, domestic cats don't need to go for walks. This makes them ideal pets for people with little time, reduced mobility, or jobs with changing schedulesBut it's important to keep in mind that he needs stimulation; that is, you can't leave him alone at home bored and doing nothing because, otherwise, he's going to feel very bad and behavioral problems could appear.
- Relatively simple careCats are animals very cleanThey spend a significant part of the day grooming themselves and usually learn to use the litter box quickly. With good nutrition, fresh water, a clean litter box, and regular veterinary checkups, their essential care They are usually simpler than those of other pets that require constant walks or frequent grooming.
- It's fun and endearingWhether he's playing or napping, he'll make you feel so good you'll want to keep enjoying him. His stalking, chasing, and jumping games replicate his hunting instinct And they're so much fun to watch. Take some pictures to remember it by; they grow so fast.
- It promotes child socializationFor children, a cat can be an excellent quiet playmate and a teacher of values ​​such as respect for animals, patience, and gentleness. They learn that a living being has its own pace, that it doesn't always want to play, and that it must be treated with care.
In addition to all of the above, it is important to remember that Adopting a cat is a long-term commitmentA well-cared-for cat can be your companion for many years, so you should consider how it will affect your routine, travel, and finances. For this reason, it's also important to be aware of the drawbacks and challenges of living with a cat.
Drawbacks
We've talked about the benefits of living with a cat, but there are also a number of disadvantages and responsibilities These are important points to keep in mind before adopting. Knowing them isn't meant to discourage you, but to help you make a fully informed decision.
- During the shedding shed hairIn spring and especially in summer, this animal tends to shed a lot of hair, unless it belongs to a breed that doesn't, such as the Sphynx. This implies frequent cleaning of the house, clothes and textilesBut there's an easy solution: two or three brushings a day during shedding season to remove dead hair, and a minimum of one brushing per week the rest of the year.
- May cause allergy: many people have allergies to cat hair and / or dander. Fortunately, you can do several things to prevent it, such as putting Vetriderm in your hair, which is a kind of non-lathering shampoo that prevents you from shedding so much hair, as well as others that you can discover hereThey also help frequent cleaning, air purifiers and keep certain rooms off-limits if there are very sensitive people present.
- Veterinary and maintenance costsAlthough the cat doesn't need walks, it does require quality pet food, litter, toys, antiparasitic treatments, vaccinations, and check-upsThroughout their life, illnesses or emergencies may arise that result in extra expenses. It's important to calculate in advance how much it might cost to own a cat to ensure you can afford it comfortably.
- Meows at night during heat: once or twice a year, depending on the climate in the area, the cat will go into heat. This means that if you do not have permission to go outside, you will meow a lot and incessantly during the night. If it is a male, it can become even a little violent. But also for this there is a solution: castrate him before her first heat. In addition to reducing vocalization and marking, sterilization It reduces the risk of certain reproductive diseases.
- Bite and scratchAs a predator, its teeth and claws are strong enough to break the bones of small rodents and, of course, can cause considerable harm to a human. They can also scratch furniture, curtains, and other objects. to mark territory and file their nailsThat's why it's so important to teach him from day one to do not scratch ni to biteAlways be patient and respectful, and never use violence. Having several scratching posts at home and trimming their nails regularly helps a lot.
- Marking with urine and odorsSome cats, especially unneutered males or highly stressed animals, may mark with urine Walls, furniture, or doors. Additionally, a poorly managed litter box can generate strong odors. To minimize these problems, it's essential to keep the litter box clean, use odor-controlling litter, use synthetic pheromones in case of stress, and consult a veterinarian if sudden marking occurs.
- Easily stressedCats are very sensitive to... changes in your environmentMoving, renovations, the arrival of a baby, new pets, or even changing the litter box's location can cause anxiety in cats. A stressed cat may hide, stop eating, relieve itself outside the litter box, or show aggression. Anticipating these changes, introducing them gradually, and providing safe hiding places and pheromones usually helps.
- Difficulty in detecting diseases: felines tend to hide the pain and discomfortTherefore, sometimes when we notice something is wrong, the disease is already advanced. It's crucial to pay attention to small changes in behavior (less playfulness, leaving food in their bowl, unkempt coat, hiding more than usual) and consult a veterinarian if you suspect anything is wrong.
- The farewell is very hardWhen the time comes to say goodbye, whether because he is very ill and nothing can be done for him, or because he is very old, or because he has disappeared and hasn't returned for a long time, saying goodbye is very hard, so much so that it's normal to go through the different stages of grief If you truly wanted it. Adopting a cat also means accepting this moment and giving yourself permission to feel that loss.
Commitment, lifestyle, and number of cats
Adopting a cat involves a a commitment that can last for many yearsThis involves making proper travel arrangements, maintaining consistent feeding schedules, and providing regular veterinary care. Although cats are independent, they need daily interaction, play and stimulation to stay healthy and happy, which involves certain adjustments in daily life.
If you spend many hours away from home, you may wonder if a single cat will be enough or if they could benefit from having another cat. two or more felines that they keep each other company. A single cat can get bored and lonely, which sometimes results in excessive meowing, destructive behavior, or lethargy. With two compatible cats, they usually have More exercise, more play, and less boredomreducing the risk of some behavioral problems.
When considering expanding your feline family, it's important to take into account the character of your current catConsider the available space, your budget, and your time. Not all cats readily accept another companion, and introductions should be made gradually and carefully. Adopting more than one cat also means taking on additional responsibilities. More veterinary expenses, more sand, more food and some additional planning when you go on a trip.
Many shelters offer programs of temporary shelter or advice to help you determine if living with cats fits your lifestyle. This is a great opportunity to learn more about their needs, avoid common mistakes when raising them, and decide responsibly if you're ready to share your home with one or more cats.
take the time Reflecting on all these advantages and disadvantages allows adoption to be a considered, not impulsive, step, and ensures that the bond with your future feline companion is born from respect, responsibility, and the desire to share many years of life together.