Some people call themselves a “dog person” or a “cat person” but these classifications need not be mutually exclusive. Many have considered themselves “bipetual” or converts (“never thought I could be a dog/cat person”) once they have opened up their hearts to a new companion animal. If you’re having a few misgivings about bringing home a cat, let us help you decide.
But cats aren’t sweet!
Cats have earned a reputation for being cold or aloof, but they actually just have different ways of showing their love. There are, of course, the openly affectionate cats who will boop you to no end, rub their bodies against your legs and stay on your lap or chest forever. But then, there are those who are more reserved and less showy. These cats may object to being carried or hugged and would never sleep beside you — but you can tell that they like you in many other ways. Some will wait for you outside the bathroom door, some will expose their bellies while they sleep, some will look at you from afar with that ever-so-subtle slow blink, and some, of course, will purr. And yes, cats do learn their names, too — it’s just that some choose not to respond to you when they hear it. As the popular saying goes, “Dogs come when called; cats take a message and get back to you.”
Miracle, a CARA adoptable
But cats are noisy and are always “in heat”!
Cats who are intact (not spayed/neutered) will vocalize and will do whatever it takes to get out of the house to mate. However, if your cats are spayed/neutered once they come of age, they will be content staying in the comforts of your home. (Read more about the benefits of spay/neuter here. ) There are some cats, though, who are naturally chatty and would meow endlessly to get your attention — it’s part of their charm and you’ll understand cat-speak once you get to know them better.
But I can’t keep more than one cat because they will mate and/or fight!
While it is true that cats, in general, are very territorial, they can live harmoniously with other cats as long as they are spayed/neutered, given ample space of their own to climb, sleep in, escape and hide whenever they need it.
But if I don’t take the cat outside, they will pee and poo all over the house!
Cats instinctively bury their waste, so if you provide a litter box with appropriate litter (or, alternatively, newspaper, wood shavings or chicken feed), you need only to show it to them a few times. Within a week, or less, they will already know what to do. Housesoiling tends to happen among cats who are not spayed/neutered as they need to mark their territories.
Buchi, a former CARA adoptable, now adopted and living in the US.
But cats are boring, all they do is sleep!
Cats do sleep about two-thirds of the day, and for most cats, their more active hours are when we are asleep. You can make the most of their waking hours by petting and playing with them. While most cats would rather stay in familiar territory, some cats can also be trained to walk on a harness and lead to enjoy an outdoor stroll.
But they won’t get along with my dogs!
Some dogs and cats do take kindly to living with each other and, especially if they grow up together, can even be the best of friends. Introducing a cat to a home with a dog (or dogs) can be tricky, but it’s possible. Isolate both pets from each other (no visual) to let them get used to each other’s scents and presence first. It may take a few weeks before you can let them see each other. When you do, let them watch each other from a good distance, preferably through a barrier to ensure both their safety. Patience is key.
Bandit, a CARA adoptable at one of the Adoption Events.
But cats will scratch the furniture!
Scratching is a natural and necessary activity for cats. To keep them from scratching your furniture, provide them with their own scratching surfaces such as sisal or cocofiber-covered posts or beams. Whether they are store-bought or DIY (even a simple cardboard box can do the job), what’s important is that they are rough and sturdy surfaces that cats can also stretch against. Sprinkling catnip or silvervine will help make the scratcher more attractive and so will associating it with treats. Introduce the scratcher early on so the cat leaves your your sofa alone.
But kittens are so rowdy, I won’t be able to sleep with them playing at 3AM!
Cats are avid hunters even when domesticated, and they become good at it by starting young. Kittens get really rowdy when practicing their play-hunting skills and yes, it can get inconvenient when they prefer to do this in the middle of the night. You can make your sleeping quarters off-limits to these furry troublemakers or just be extra patient as this stage of hyperactivity usually tapers off as they grow older. If you want a more chill pet right at the start, consider adopting an adult or senior cat instead. (Here are more reasons why you may want to adopt an older cat.)
Carlos, a former CARA adoptable, now adopted.
Cats can be very mysterious or funny or both, and like people — each with its own unique personality. Certainly, they will be always be a joy to watch and to have around.
If you are interested in adopting a cat, there is one (or two!) out there with the purr-fect purr-sonality to match yours. Check out our wonderful felines at the CARA Adoptables Gallery or better yet, head over to the CARA cattery to meet them in person! Click here to find out more about CARA’s adoption process.