My mother was very hesitant to get a cat. She thought that a pet meant more mess that she would have to clean up, and like many people, she believed the hasty stereotype about cats: they are mean. My mother was proved wrong, to say the least. She treated the cat like a baby, buying an excess of cat toys and wrapping her in a baby blanket. After only a couple of days, it was clear to see my mother was in love, and once you get a cat, you will be too.
Cats are Low-Maintenance
Cats are very low maintenance. You will never have to experience the joy of picking up after your pet’s waste products or even stepping in it as you walk across your lawn when you have a cat. Cats require almost no training because using the litter box for them is instinctual. They do not have to be walked or bathed either. It is still a conundrum to me how my cat’s fur is silkier and more fragrant using her own saliva than my own hair will ever be after using expensive shampoo and conditioner.
Cats are Affectionate
A common misconception about cats is that they are unaffectionate creatures. Precisely when my alarm goes off every morning, I hear my cat purring from behind the door. When I open the door, she comes rushing in, circling my feet and rubbing her head against my leg. When I kneel down, she jumps on my lap and licks my hands, begging for love. When she hears the garage door open, she waits patiently in front of the door to greet us as we get home. Cats are a man’s best friend. Cats also sleep an average of 13-16 hours a day, making them great napping companions.
Cats are Quiet
Almost everyone is familiar with the sound of incessant barking from your neighbor’s backyard at 7 in the morning, and almost everyone has experienced arriving to someone’s house where the dogs instantly erupt into a cacophony of barks, their owners unsuccessfully holding them back from practically mauling you as you enter the door. Unlike dogs, cats are quiet creatures, which not only creates a more peaceful home, but also allows you to sleep in a little on the weekends.
Cats are Silly
As can be seen all over YouTube, cats do funny things. Whether that be kneading imaginary biscuits on a pillow, or jumping into the sink to sip from the dripping faucet, cats are natural comedians and will never fail to brighten your day.
Cats are Great Hunters
If you are anything like my sister, your worst nightmare is finding a cricket in your bedroom. In my house, anytime we encounter an unwelcome creature from the outdoors, we instantly send our cat to take care of it. Living in a house full of girls, our cat definitely ends many arguments and tears over who has to take care of the creepy crawlies in our house.
