"Four little Persians, but only one looked in my direction. I extended a tentative finger
and two soft paws clung to it. There was a contented sound of purring, I suspect on both our
parts,” declared George Freely, Broadway producer, when asked about why he chose his first
pet. Throughout time, dogs have been professed as, “man’s best friend.” This common saying
may contain some truth, but dogs are not the only animal friend whose companionship people
enjoy. For many pet owners, a cat is the household’s best friend. Despite what dog lovers may
believe, cats make excellent house pets as they are good companions, they are civilized members
of the household, and they are easy to care for.
In the first place, people enjoy the companionship of cats. Generally speaking, cats are
affectionate. They will snuggle up and ask to be petted or scratched under the chin. The purring
of a cat is a comforting feeling after a bad day at school or work. Feline friends tend to use their
affection to make it irresistible for families to deny their companionship. Furthermore, if they’re
not feeling affectionate, cats are generally quite playful. They love to chase balls and feathers, or
just about anything dangling from a string. Their batting paws are anxious to engage in any
activity that allows them to be spirited. They especially enjoy playing when their owners are
participating in the game. Their playful affection helps their owners to adore their camaraderie.
Contrary to popular opinion, cats can be trained. Using rewards and punishments, just like with a
dog, a cat can be trained to avoid unwanted behavior or perform tricks. Cats learn from
experience, just like humans. Rewarding experiences cause them to repeat their behaviors while
unfulfilling experiences cause them to avoid behaviors. With the right type of reinforcements,
cats will use the bathroom instead of a litter box. Cats will even fetch! This type of
companionship makes it clear that cats make excellent house pets.
In the second place, cats are civilized members of the household. Particularly, unlike
dogs, cats do not bark or make other loud noises. Most cats don’t even meow very often. They
generally lead a quiet existence devoted to providing their owners with affection. Feline
companions’ polite, unobtrusive demeanor demonstrates why these creatures are far more
civilized than their canine counterpart. Furthermore, cats also don’t often have “accidents.”
Mother cats train their kittens to use the litter box, and most cats will use it without fail from that
time on. Even stray cats usually understand the concept when shown the box and will use it
regularly. A cat’s litter training instinct alones proves that they are far more civilized then poor,
potty, predisposed pooches. Likewise, cats can be declawed. While most dogs’ nails cannot be
removed, a cat’s nails can be surgically removed. This modification of a cat’s anatomy allows
for feline owners to secure their homes from destruction. Considering that dogs can both chew
and scratch, a cat’s civilized demeanor again proves to be the best choice for a household
companion.
Lastly, one of the most attractive features of cats as house pets is their ease of care.
Namely, cats do not have to be walked. They get plenty of exercise in the house as they play, and
they do their business in the litter box. Staying indoors with a cuddly creature on a cold day
makes owing a cat very easy. Specifically, cats also take care of their own grooming. Bathing a
cat is almost never necessary because under ordinary circumstances cats clean themselves. Cats
are fastidious critters. They tend to take care of themselves pretty well, always licking their fur to
keep it clean and in its proper place. Cats are more particular about personal cleanliness than
people are. In addition, cats can be left home alone for a few hours without fear. Unlike some
pets, most cats will not destroy the furnishings when left alone. In fact, with a scratching post
and some kitty toys full of cat nip, odds are that cats will not even miss their owner’s absence.
They are content to go about their usual activities until their owners return. Undoubtedly, a cat’s
ease of care makes it the best choice for a domestic pal.
All things considered, some may disagree and be extremely devoted to their four legged
bark boxes. Those canine companions clearly do not know what they are missing. Cats make
great companions, are civilized household pets, and are virtually maintenance free confidantes.
In many ways, cats are the ideal house pet. As George Freely explained, it’s hard to tell who is
purring when one meets the perfect cat.