11 Reasons Why I Chose a Cat Over a Dog (Before having Akari)

In all honesty I was a dog person 100% (they're just too cute!), but now I know that cats can be just as adorable and make great companions (little kids). It also helps that Akari grew up to be extremely loving, attached to people, and the cutest thing in the world!! So for all you dog readers, I encourage you to take a second look with an open heart to another possible ball of furry love in your life.

1. Scooping is Better than Picking up Fresh Hot Poo

At the time I knew I wanted a pet, I was working in banking full-time and wasn't confident I could walk a dog three times a day. Cats are able to go do their business in the litter box and I can scoop it out whenever it's convenient. I ended up working 10-12 hour shifts and was completely swamped so this was a much better decision. I can't imagine walking the dog an hour multiple times a day through rain, or shine, or snow with such a busy schedule.

2. Cats (Mostly) Don't Need to be Walked

Unless you have a bengal or savannah cat, you probably don't need to walk them if you don't want to (although it's still encouraged!). Personally I try to walk my cat a few times a week just so she can get some fresh air and eat some grass along the way.

3. Cats are (Mostly) Quiet

I do enjoy a bark or woof at times, but when you live in an apartment (no pets in dorms) it's easier and more acceptable to have a cat.

4. Cats are Clean

Every time I smell Akari, she always smells so good!!! I rarely give her a bath (help control shedding. no hair balls so far!) and she still smells great. That's because cats lick themselves everyday, but dogs don't. I have a lot of friends with dogs and as cute as they are, they still have a strong smell even after they took a bath the day before.

5. Cats can be Indoor Only

Keeping cats indoors is encouraged just because there are a lot of things that can happen if you let your cat outside unsupervised. Also if you have a busy life or you enjoy Netflix more than the great outdoors, cats are perfect!

6. Cats are I-n-d-e-p-e-n-d-e-n-t

Often times people see this as a con because they interpret it as unloving. But when I'm doing something, I don't want an overly excited dog jumping on me, constantly trying to lick my face. Akari is more than happy to sit right next to me and ask for a belly rub. Cats can be left alone for most of the day when you go out to work too and when you come home your place won't be a mess.

7. Cats Don't Shed as Much

Even though I brush Akari's fur to help prevent hair balls, she doesn't shed much if any. Dogs are known for shedding even if they have short hair. Brushing is still mandatory for them.

8. Cats Cost Less than Dogs

Whether it's a visit to the veterinarian, food, or even pet insurance, dogs just cost more.

9. Cats Generally Live Longer

Depending on the dog you have or are interested in (mutt or purebred for example) can depend on the average lifespan. However in general, indoor cats live longer than dogs.

10. Cats Don't Need Much Space

Unless you have a small dog, it could be difficult to raise your pet in a studio apartment downtown somewhere. But regardless of where you live, cats don't need a lot of space. Akari just needs a window or a lap to sleep on.

11. Kittens Don't Need to be Trained

Puppies are notoriously known for "rough" behavior in the early years because they need to be disciplined on where to go to the bathroom and what not to chew. Now kittens still need some behavioral adjustment like not to jump on countertops (if that's what you want) or not to chew on cables (not all cats do this including Akari). However overall I would say that kittens require very little training. If there is a litter around, they already go there once they find it. For Akari I just needed her off the countertops to be safe from the stove. And for fun I taught her how to sit and give me her paw on command.

In Conclusion. . .

Akari is adopted and extremely loving. In fact all animals deserve a loving home. So whether you choose a cat or dog, be sure to research all you need to know so you can accept the huge responsibility of caring for another life. I still adore dogs and would like one when I am confident I can fulfill their needs on a daily basis, but if you are like me and work a lot, sometimes staying at home with a purring kitty is a nice stress reliever.

#Cat