What is the best pet for people with busy lifestyles?

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Welcome to “Debarking Pet Myths,” a monthly series devoted to solving common myths, misconceptions, and old wives’ tales about dogs and cats.

Cats have a reputation for being low-maintenance and easy-to-care-for pets, which is why many people believe that cats don’t need as much attention as dogs. These people apparently believe this month’s myth:

Cats are PURRfect pets for people with busy, on-the-go lifestyles.

Of course, cats are more independent and are well suited to apartments and small homes. They can also be left alone more easily than dogs. But as longtime feline lovers know, many cats are social animals that benefit from their owners’ daily attention and affection.

Plan to spend time at home with a cat

The fact is, no cat does well when left alone for long hours each day without environmental enrichment or companionship – no matter how self-sufficient they may seem. Without enough stimulation or contact with other pets or their owners, a kitten can become bored, depressed, and even develop problematic behaviors such as excessive grooming or avoidance of the litter box.

You should also know that cats bond with their owners and even crave their company. (Many cats greet their owners at the door each night with meows and ankle rubs!) If your social life and career regularly take you away from home, you should reconsider getting a pet. But if you spend most of your evenings and weekends at home, a cat can be a wonderful companion that helps you relax with soothing purrs.

What you should know Before adopt a cat

There are things you need to think about before getting a cat. For starters, owning a pet means committing to providing your cat with the basics, like food, fresh water, litter and litter, toys, and veterinary care. “Releasing a kitten or a cat to a good home” is really a myth.

You should also be prepared to make some lifestyle changes when you bring home your new feline friend. Here’s what people often don’t tell prospective cat owners about owning a cat:

  • Cats can be extremely picky with their litter boxes, so it’s important to keep the boxes clean and fresh to avoid house soiling “accidents”. The rule of thumb is to have one litter box per cat. more one more.
  • Indoor cats can live 15 years or more, so if you’re adopting a kitten, be prepared for a long-term commitment.
  • Scratching is a necessity for cats, so you’ll want to provide plenty of suitable scratching posts and surfaces.
  • Cats, even those that spend the vast majority of their time indoors, also need routine veterinary care. Not only do they need protection against infectious diseases such as rabies, panleukopenia (feline parvovirus), herpesvirus and calicivirus, older cats frequently suffer from chronic diseases such as an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) , chronic kidney disease and diabetes.
  • Just as dogs have different personalities, so do cats. Some are aloof and don’t like to be held back; others like to snuggle up in your lap and be petted. You may need to adapt to your cat’s individual personality.

Before you adopt (or buy) a cat, you’ll want to learn more about these amazing and quirky companions. The American Association of Feline Practitioners has created a website, The Cat Community, which is dedicated to educating pet owners about all things cat. Check it out!



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