by Janet Farricelli CPDT-KA

Created on: January 28, 2009   Last Updated: March 25, 2009

Are you exuberant, easy going and extrovert? Or are you solitary, a bit aloof and quiet? Chances are the choice of your pet may reflect a bit your personality. It is not a surprise why poets, artists and writers have a history of being cat people while movie stars, singers and those that generally have a lot to do with people choose the friendly dog. Whether or not this is true or just a generalization, there are also many other factors to keep in mind when choosing between a member of the canidae family or a felidae member.

Having owned both sides, I can say that they both come with their fair share of pros and cons. Deciding whether one is better compared to the other, is ultimately a choice left to the single individual, its lifestyle and personality.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Cat

PROS

1) Cats are easy to maintain. All they need is a food, a water bowl, a litter box and they should be good to go. Additional items can be added at your own free choice. Some spoiled cats have cat trees, scratching posts, toys, catnip, special shampoos and grooming kits. Others simply enjoy a window view and a piece of paper rolled up and that will make their day.

2) Cats are independent. Yes, you can go to work for 8 hours straight and your cat may not miss you or at least it will not show much commotion when you leave. They can easily entertain themselves and cater to their needs on their own. I once, had to leave my cat for the week end alone (boarding was out of question as she did not do well in unfamiliar territory) and I was sick worried and when I came back there she was like if nothing happened.

3) Cats are clean. You will not smell that typical doggy odor and they rarely have anal gland issues. Your home will not smell like cat and if you are particularly careful in keeping the litterbox clean and fresh with high quality litter chances are, nobody will ever now you share your roof with a feline.

4) Cats are lazy. Well, some are really not much. There are some hyperactive breeds such as Bengals and Siamese, but most cats are pretty lazy pillow warmers that sleep up to 16 hours a day. No need to walk them every day to keep their energy levels low, a ball tossed about the room will suffix.

5) Cats are litter box trained. Cats do not need to be walked at 5 in the morning in the dead of the winter with Subarctic temperatures. They will do their business in their litter box while you can sleep in after a late evening. All they need is a cat litter and a litter box and a 5 second

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