Why Not to Keep a Cat?
They may be the world's most popular pet, but our furry feline friends have plenty of downsides. It is not that cats can't be great pets, but as with most things, their "good" comes with a "bad" and an "ugly." Check out the 6 negative aspects of cat ownership below.
1. Litter-Box
Cat poop and pee are disgusting. The worst part is that most cats do their business inside your home, hence the need for a litter box. If you seldom do housework, changing the litter box can be one of the most stomach-turning chores ever.
2. Fleas
All a cat needs to contract fleas is contact with another animal. Once fleas are confirmed, your house and all of its contents can harbor fleas and their eggs.
Flea eradication is time-consuming and expensive, and it doesn't always work.
Image by Igor Schubin from Pixabay
3. Clawed and Hairy Furniture
Cats will shred your furniture. Your couch is just a scratching post to them. And when your cat isn't abusing your furniture, you can bet they're at least shedding all over it. Cat hair will become a constant and pervasive nuisance in your home.
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4. Traveling Difficulties
Cats are poor travelers. Even a trip to the local vet can be fraught and difficult. Cats do not take kindly to being confined in new areas, and most do not react well to being on-leash. They are fine on their own for a weekend if you are away. But longer than than you will need a cat sitter.
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5. Allergies
Cat allergies are a relatively common condition. Up to 30% of the population experiences allergic reactions to cats. Even if you don't get affected, they can be a real issue if you want to invite friends or relatives over to your home.
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6. Training Woes
Cats are self-willed and can be virtually impossible to train. Unlike dogs, felines will not obey orders. But this does not mean they won't give orders. You can expect to hear from them periodically any time they desire something you can provide (e.g. food, going out, coming in).
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7. Disrupted Sleep
Cats sleep most of the day, but they hate the idea of their owner getting any rest. They will walk all over you in bed, knead your chest, purr in your face, and tickle your nose with their whiskers and tail—usually to demand feeding or attention. If you love sleeping, this can be quite annoying.
Photo by Oleg Ivanov on Unsplash