Why I like Cats as Pets

I had to write about my preferences in animals. Dog lovers, you may hate what I have to say. My husband and I used to own dogs, but we couldn't afford them when they started to cost us over $2,000 every year. We now have a kitten named Roxy, and already, I like her 5 times more than all the dogs I've had in my life. I know America is a dog-loving country as a whole, but for me, a cat is the best pet. Cats just fit in with my family better than a dog. Our home is somewhat limited in space. Also, dogs require more care than I'd like to give. They're very valuable parts of society, and I think they are pretty smart, but give me a cat any day. I know dogs can save lives, detect illness and all that other good stuff, but I'm just looking for something cute, furry, inexpensive (which dogs are usually not), mouse deterring, less odor emitting and quiet. Of course, cats can stink up your house, too if you don't clean up after them, or if you have a (male) cat that marks it's territory. However, none of these are true for our cat. She's very clean, and although her poop smells like it belongs to a 250-pound man, it is always in the same location-never do I have to use a pooper-scooper or have neighbors angry with me because my cat got in their yard and dropped an atomic bomb on their perfectly manicured lawn.

Basically, I think what kind of animal you like comes down to your personality. I tend to be moody at times and need my space. My cat comes to me for attention, and once I give it to her for 20-30 minutes, she basically leaves me alone (or goes to play with my kids) for the rest of the day. Most of the dogs that I've had have always needed constant rough housing, and that just isn't me. I love that it only took 4 days to potty train my kitten, and how small of a mess she makes compared to say, a Boxer or German Shepard (both of which I've owned in the past). I don't have to take her on walks or worry about providing a back yard for her to run around in.

Maybe my cat and I are so happy together because we're so much alike: Moody at times, yet affectionate, quiet, and independent.

So if you are thinking about a pet, and you are like me, consider a cat. They aren't for everybody, but they are great pets if you are looking for a low-profile animal with little need for extra training.