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Looking for reasons to get a cat?
I’ve got ya covered!
Hi! Proud cat dad, here.
Now, I might be a bit biased, but I truly believe that cats are blessings unto this Earth.
The reasons to get a cat far outweigh any mischief they might be prone to bringing.
(Actually, I’m tempted to say that mischief is a good reason for getting a cat, too!)
When I adopted my orange tabby, Oliver, back in December 2018, he was very timid and took several days to feel comfortable enough to leave my bedroom and explore the rest of this new home.
Now, not even three years later, we’ve been through many life changes together–not to mention a pandemic.
From career changes, to the loss of his big brother, Luci, to moving to another part of the country all on our own, Oliver and I have been there for each other.
I don’t know how I’d have gotten through the absolute mess that was 2020 without him!
Not everyone identifies as a “cat person”, but I do believe that almost anyone can benefit from being a person with a cat.
Here are nine reasons–one for each of those precious feline lives–to become a cat parent.
Reasons to Get a Cat: Cats Are (Relatively) Easy to Take Care Of
I try to refrain from calling any living being “low maintenance”, but cats truly are pretty simple to care for, comparatively speaking.
They do, of course, need just as much love as any other animal!
But when it comes to feeding and litter-training, cats are known to be independent, and only require a little bit of effort from you.
Food & Water
Water bowls should always be clean and full of fresh water, but when it comes to food, there are several options.
Some cat parents choose to keep their pet’s food bowls full at all times, and trust the cat to know how much to eat.
For cat parents like me who have chronic overeaters on their hands, it might become necessary to give them meals in measured scoops, in the interest of the cat’s health. I give Oliver a scoop in the morning when I wake up, and one at night.
Some people may choose to simply give one big scoop each day, and others may find the need to split the day’s portions into three meals.
There are also auto-feeders you can buy that allow you to set a timer, releasing a set amount of food at regular intervals. These can be a life-saver for people whose feline friends demand to be fed at ungodly hours of the morning.
Because they need a lot of water in their diet, it is a good idea to give your cat as much wet food as possible.
Litter
Kittens will naturally take to a litter box, preferring to have a place to hide their scent and thus far less likely to leave a mess on your floor.
Once they know where to go, all you have to do is scoop the box daily and replace the litter about once a week.
For the litter-averse, there are some self-cleaning litter boxes out there.
They can be quite the investment, but if you are set on having a cat in your life in spite of an aversion to cleaning up poop, they may be worth it.
Vet Visits
As for vet visits, most cats will only need to be brought in once a year.
Kittens will have to go more frequently in their first year, to get all their vaccinations.
Older cats (from about 7 years old and up) will benefit from going twice a year, just to make sure they’re aging healthily.
Once you find a vet near you and get your feline friend registered in their system, they’ll likely send you reminders for annual checkups, which I personally have found super helpful.
Reasons to Get a Cat: Cats Help With Anxiety
The sound of a cat’s purr has long been understood to reduce stress levels in humans.
The psychologically calming effect of those low, pleased rumbles can help put any anxious human at ease.
Not only that, but the act of petting a cat can help ground an anxious person and bring them back to the present moment, and the feeling of soft fur under their hands.
Cats are the next best thing to therapy, as far as I’m concerned.
I might even argue that having a cat is a form of self care.
Their innate ability to ease anxiety without even trying is one of the best reasons to get a cat.
Reasons to Get a Cat: They Will Give You Cuddles … Sometimes
Do cats like to be pet?
Of course!
Okay, so maybe they’re kind of known for being very selective about when and where they get their cuddles.
Picking up an aloof cat and squeezing them for all they’re worth will, at best, make them less inclined to be near you, and, at worst… possibly get your eye scratched out.
It’s important to always respect a cat’s boundaries–often made clear by their body language.
But, that’s not to say that cats don’t love to cuddle!
My tabby is especially cuddly in the mornings (although perhaps a bit earlier than I would like).
He’s been known to move from the foot of the bed (where he sleeps) up to my pillow when the sun comes up.
He’ll lie down and rest right next to my head, and maybe even give my hands some scratchy kisses when I reach up to pet him.
Cats will bond with their loving human companions naturally.
While each feline has their own personality, it’s not unreasonable to expect that on occasion they will find their way into your arms for some pets and purrs.
Reasons to Get a Cat: They Help You Feel Responsible
As a young adult, adopting a cat of my own was a huge step to feeling independent.
I was no longer the child being cared for–I had a (furry) child of my own!
Sometimes, on particularly rough days, what might get me out of bed in the morning is the need to feed and care for my cat.
Maybe I don’t always want to work, or go to the store, or whathaveyou, but Oliver needs me to, and so I push through.
He gives me motivation on the days when I have a hard time finding it.
It’s nice to be needed, you know?
Reasons to Get a Cat: They Will Make You Laugh
Cats are funny. We’ve all seen the proof in countless viral videos of these funny felines spazzing out.
Whether you’re playing with them with cat toys, or just watching them go about existing in a world full of curiosity, each of a cat’s nine lives are guaranteed to make you laugh on the regular.
Reasons to Get a Cat: They Don’t Care How Weird You Are
If my cat’s seen me dancing around my room in my underwear, or rehearsing Hollywood interviews for when I’m rich and famous, he’s never said anything about it.
Maybe it’s just because he can’t speak English, but something tells me that he just isn’t concerned with human standards of “normal”.
I love him for that.
Reasons to Get a Cat: You Can Finally Tell People You’ve Become a Parent!
For the child-free adults out there who’ve grown tired of the question:
“When are you going to give us a grandchild, hm?”
Well, tell your parents the wait is finally over.
You’re going to be a Cat Parent.
Hey, it counts!
I fully consider myself Oliver’s dad.
I adopted him, I take care of him, and I love him unconditionally.
(Even if he did puke on my bed that one time).
That’s what being a parent is, isn’t it?
Reasons to Get a Cat: Cats Can Track Down Pests in the Home
Free pest control is one of the more practical reasons to get a cat.
My Oliver isn’t great at actually taking care of the pests–he leaves that bit to me (thanks, buddy).
But he has alerted me to the presence of many bugs (and even a mouse!) many times.
When you hear the tell-tale sound of chittering, accompanied by several small meows, follow your cat’s line of sight and you’re likely to find a creepy crawly.
It’s always a bit unnerving to be made aware that there’s a bug in the house.
But I’d sure rather know where it is so I can take care of it!
Thanks, Ollie!
Reasons to Get a Cat: You Might Be Saving a Life
Many animal shelters are constantly at capacity due to so many animals on the streets being brought in.
When you adopt from a shelter, a space opens up so that they can accept another animal.
The Benefits of Adopting From a Shelter
Beyond potentially saving a life, there are many reasons to get a cat from a shelter versus a breeder:
- It’s often much cheaper to adopt than to buy from breeders.
- You’ll typically be able to find out more about the cat’s personality
- Many of these cats will come fixed and vaccinated at no charge to you.
Some shelters even work out partnerships with local veterinarians, giving adoptive parents a discount for their cat’s first visit.
Whether you’re looking for a specific breed, or open to whatever precious feline “chooses” you in the moment, animal shelters will work with you to find the right fit for you and your home.
If you’ve been asking yourself, “Should I get a cat?”, and then actively looking for reasons to get a cat, then I think part of you already knows the answer.
You already know you want a cat, don’t you?
So go bring one home!
And remember, adopt, don’t shop!
Sincerely,
We’ve covered the many reasons to get a cat. But have you considered getting a bunny?
Do you have a heart for animals? Volunteer with them!
Can you think of any more good reasons to get a cat?
Drop ’em in the comments below! ⬇️⬇️⬇️
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