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Are you trying to make a decision about getting a cat? Maybe you had one when you were a child and have fond memories of your furry feline sleeping on your head. Or, maybe those memories of head-sleeping are not-so-fond and are causing you to second-guess the addition of a kitty to your home.
If you just can’t decide on whether or not to get a cat, draw up a list of the pros and cons of ownership and go from there. If you have no idea what those pros and cons might be, allow us to give you a glimpse into what you might, or might not, be taking on.
Pro #1: Low Maintenance
Cats are famously low maintenance. You can even leave a cat home alone for a few days; just fill up the food and water dishes and they’re good to go. No kennel costs, no house sitter. And when you are at home, cats don’t really need you around to have a good time due to their fierce independence. If you are a busy person who wants a pet, cats are your best bet.
Con #1: The Litter Box
Cat poop, just like dog poop, stinks. Dogs, however, get to do it outside while cats do it in your house for all of the guests and residents to smell. Cats will instinctively use a litterbox, but you’ll have to use a good quality litter to keep the odor and bacteria at bay, and you’ll need to scoop it at least every other day. If this chore is more than you can take on, reconsider the kitty.
Pro #2: They Share The Love
Despite that independent streak, most cats are very affectionate. If they like you, you’ll know it. If they trust you, they’ll roll onto their backs for a good belly rub and if you sit down for more than a minute, they’ll find their way into your lap. Cats will rub up on your legs and snuggle down with you when you’re sick. And the purr? Heart-melting!
Con #2: They Shed
Yes, all cats (except the hairless breeds) shed. And some shed more than others, which can cause a mess on your furniture and the seat-of-your-pants. Cat hair can find its way into any space and it can weave itself into most materials. You will be forever rolling the lint brush and vacuum cleaner around if you choose to own a cat.
Pro #3: A Natural Exterminator
Say goodbye to houseflies, spiders, rodents and anything creepy-crawly. Cats are natural hunters and they live for the fun of the chase and the thrill of the kill. If you have an apartment, this is a good way to save on exterminating fees.
Con #3: Claws In The Paws
Yes, cats have claws. Yes, cats are scratchers. If you want to avoid having your furniture scratched, get them a scratching post and provide them with cheap carpets and cardboard to use instead of the sofa. If you want to avoid having parts of your body scratched, keep their nails trimmed. But by all means, if you think that declawing them will stop the nonsense, take a pass on a cat.
Pro #4: Good Apartment Dwellers
If you have an apartment or a small house, your cat will be just fine. They don’t need a lot of room and many have no interest in going outside. Give them a good windowsill to perch on so they can observe the outdoors and they’ll be happy as can be.
Con #4: The Willful Pet
Cats have strong wills and you really can’t train them to do much more than use the litterbox. They won’t listen to your “commands” but will likely look at you lazily through one open-eye with contempt. If you’re looking for a pet that performs, cats are not the best option.
As you can see, the pros often outweigh the cons because even the cons are manageable when it comes to a furry ball of love.
Top 10 Cat Food Brands
Now that you have decided that a cat would be the purrfect addition to your home, you’ll need to decide what to feed your furry friend. We’ll provide you with a list of the top 10 cat food brands, but feel free to pick whatever cat food brand you like.
The important thing to remember about feeding a cat is that they are carnivores; meat eaters. Cats were born to hunt and then devour their prey; cats were not meant to hunt corn-cob and devour it! Foods that are high in carbohydrates, grains, artificial preservatives, and fillers are not good for your cat. Choose brands that have real meat or real meat meal at the top of the list and avoid all meat by-products as these are the parts of the cow or bird that are unfit for human consumption, such as blood, brain, feathers, and organs (to name a few).
These brands were all chosen based on their high quality ingredients and they are in no particular order. Flavors and type may vary.
- Addiction Cat Food – try Hunter’s Venison Stew (wet)
- Blue Buffalo – try Indoor Health Adult Chicken and Brown Rice (dry)
- By Nature – try Duck Stew (wet)
- Evo – try Herring and Salmon (dry)
- Natural Balance – try Duck and Green Pea (wet)
- Nature’s Variety – try Rabbit Meal (dry)
- Wellness – try Grain-Free Beef, Venison, and Lamb Formula (dry)
- Wysong – try Fundamentals (dry)
- Blue Wilderness – try Turkey (wet)
- Orijen – try Regional Red (dry)
Every brand carries different flavors and varieties, so keep reading those labels while looking for something nutritious and delicious for your new addition.
Getting a new pet is always a decision that should well thought out and well planned. Be sure that you have the ability to care for your new pet so that she’ll be healthy and happy; and so will you.
