by Anna Szperka (6th)

When people think of cats, they either think of fluffy fur and soft paws, or they think of the claws… As far as cats being kept as pets, this is a pretty mixed issue. Some people say that cats are wonderful fuzzy creatures, and others say that their claws destroy everything in their path. The truth is honestly a little bit of both, (but mostly the first example!) Without further delay, here are the reasons why cats are, in fact, quite fabulous. 

First of all, I must address the misinformation that cats are less loyal or compassionate to their owners than other animals. This is simply not the case. Cats take a while to warm up to certain people, and are sometimes more shy than other animals. However, once they do warm up to you, they will show you that they care. There are stories of cats who defended their owners from danger, or even got rid of rat infestations! Cats like to come to people on their own time, and do not appreciate being chased. This is one of the main reasons why cats don’t have as great of a reputation as they deserve.

Secondly, cats are sometimes seen as “less energetic” than other pets. This entirely depends on the specific type of cat you have. Certain cats love to play, other cats love to rest. Each cat has its own unique personality, but a generally good rule of thumb is the older a cat is, the less energetic they will be. Certain breeds of cats usually have similar personalities. For example, Bengal cats are EXTREMELY energetic, and love to play! There are so many different cats, and each one has a unique personality that would be a puuuuurr-fect pet for someone. 

Thirdly, many people say that cats destroy furniture. Admittedly, this isn’t completely false, but many other pets such as dogs and birds also destroy your living space. At the very least, when cats harm furniture, it’s typically just scratches and claw marks, not completely ripped. Cats usually don’t do much serious damage, and they are typically quite easy to clean up after.

Now that we have gotten the reasons why cats aren’t as popular as they should be, here are some of the reasons why cats are absolutely fabulous!

One of the best reasons why cats are amazing pets is that they are easy to care for. Cats clean themselves, use a litter box, can be left on their own for a little while, and when they do make a mess, it is relatively easy to clean up. (Except the furniture… that’s not coming back…)

Another amazing positive about cats is that certain types are hypoallergenic. This means that they do not cause allergic reactions, and are perfect if you are allergic to most fluffy critters.

Cats also have mental and physical health benefits. Petting or playing with a cat is not only good exercise, but can also improve your mood! Some outdoor cats even like to take walks! (Though most cats do not.) Taking walks or playing with your cat is great exercise for both you and your cat!

Cats also have an amazing history! Cats first started helping people by getting rid of rodents. This was crucial, as rodents spread diseases and ate grain. Cats were present during Ancient Egypt, and played a huge role in their civilization!

And finally, there is a cat out there for everyone. Some people might like a calm, relaxed cat, others may want a cat that loves to play. No matter what kind of cat you are looking for, there is sure to be a perfect kitty waiting for you to adopt it. 

To conclude my article, I must admit, having a cat is a big responsibility. However, I at least hope that if you disliked cats before reading this article, that your point of view has at least shifted somewhat. Until next time, this is Anna Szperka, signing off.