Read This Before Getting a Cat!

Having a cat can be very giving and nice. Cats require less care then dogs, and are therefore often the best alternative as they can provide just as much a friend or companion as a dog. There is however way too many people that get a cat without really thinking about what they are getting themselves into. The cute little kitten seems so innocent and sweet, and it's very easy to forget that the little sweetie will grow up and become an adult cat to be around for many years to come.

Here are just some of the things that a cat owner to be really need to think about before taking the final leap.

The first thing is that one must remember that cats are not dogs. With that I mean that cats do not take no for an answer. If the cat does something it's not supposed to, you can say no all you want, but the cat will in most cases not learn anything from it. Cats are very independent and think of themselves as the boss around the house. This can sometimes be very frustrating, because you would think the cat would learn what not to do after 50 times. Very often they do not.

Cats scratch. Whether it's expensive carpets, furniture or kids, the cat is bound to scratch. My cat has a scratching post, and even though he uses it frequently he still scratches carpets and rips up seats of chairs with his claws. I once tried to fix this by putting on him special claw covers, but the result was that once those covers were gone the nails were sharper than ever and the damage even worse. So be prepared for ripped up things around the house.

Cats also require attention and lots of care. You have to be there for them every day of their life. They need food and water of course, you need to find expensive pet sitters if you go away for the week, and these things sum up to a great deal of money. On my last vacation I ended up spending 13 of my vacation costs on cat housing. This money I could without a doubt have found more suitable spending for during my trip.

Another thing to think about is that cats have accidents. They get hairballs and puke, and they do not care if it happens on your pillow or favorite blanket, it will come out where the cat wants it to. Sometimes they decide to go potty outside the litter box too, much to the owner's frustration. The litter box is yet another thing, cleaning up after an animal for the rest of its life can be a hassle in its self. It has to be done however, otherwise you can be sure the cat will go elsewhere in the house and the house itself will smell horrible.

Cat hair everywhere is a given unless it's a naked breed. So if there are any kinds of allergies in the family, or you like to keep the house nice and clean the cat is going to be a problem.

The commitment you make towards the cat will be for 15-20 years. Cats bond to their owners, and an adoption would break their little hearts. So make sure you are ready to commit for this long time when you choose what to do.

They tear up boxes, want to play when you're dead tired, nag until they get what they want and get in all the trouble they can think of. Yet they are so adorable and sweet, and are the right choice for many. I don't want to discourage anyone from getting a cat; this is just a little reminder of the work that comes with it.