Our feline friends have special places in our hearts for their furry coats, peaceful purrs, and playful, round eyes. Despite their cuteness, not all pet owners have lifestyles that align with the duties and perks of cat-parenthood. Here are some important responsibilities and considerations if you are trying to decide if adopting a cat is the right decision for you and your family.

Caring for a Cat

It is the age-old question: Should I keep my cat indoors or outdoors? Well, the most effective way to ensure the safety of your cat is to have them live indoors. If you decide to do this, place toys around the house and give them plenty of quality play time to keep them intellectually stimulated.

It is so important to give your cat a healthy diet. Supply your cat with plenty of fresh water and nutritionally balanced food. A strong, healthy cat can live for up to 20 years, so be prepared for the long-term, rewarding commitment of having a feline friend.

Cats have a natural instinct to be clean and will, therefore, easily adapt to using a litterbox. In order to avoid unpleasant odors, you should scoop the box at least once a day and wash it with dish soap about once every few weeks.

Personality

All cat breeds have differing personalities; some are calm, while others are more energetic. For example, Siamese cats can be vocal, loving, and active, while Manx cats are typically quiet, sweet, and gentle. There are so many different cat breeds and personalities that one of them is bound to match your lifestyle.

Cats can also be great therapy pets; their purring is a natural healing agent for stress and can even decrease the risk of heart attack. Because of their calming tendencies, many cats are perfect companions for pet parents looking to curl up and relax after a long day.

Other Animals

Some pets are great companions for cats, while others are… not as much. Cats do incredibly well with fish in contained, closed off tanks. In fact, fish tanks provide continuous entertainment for cats! Additionally, with a little patience and training, cats and dogs can even become loyal friends.

On the other hand, many cats have a natural instinct to hunt and, therefore, may not be compatible in homes with rodents such as hamsters, mice, or rats. However, this is not to say that it is impossible to reside in a house where cats and rodents live in harmony. As long as you make sure your rodent’s cage is always closed and that the cat doesn’t get too close when the rodent is being held, you should have no problems.

Cats are enjoyable, loving pets that make for wonderful new additions to families. If their care, personalities, and interactions with other animals don’t appeal to you, then maybe a cat isn’t meant for your lifestyle – and that’s okay! There are plenty of other furry friends that will be the purr-fect fit for you.

Sources:

1. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/cats/tips/cat_care_essentials.html
2. http://www.cfa.org/Owners/FindingAKitten/BreedPersonalityChart.aspx
3. http://www.dailyinfographic.com/the-healing-power-of-cat-purrs-infographic