If you have a busy household, which many families do, you’ll know there is always something going on and it is rarely quiet. With lots of activity around the home and a busy lifestyle in general, adding a pet into the mix may not seem practical. However, there is a good reason why cats can be the perfect choice if you want to be a pet parent.
Not all pets require endless attention or daily walking, which is ideal for those with busy work commitments and endless weekend plans. A cat fits nicely into this category, and whilst they do still need care and attention, they can be much more suitable in a busy home. Here’s just some of the great reasons a cat could be the companion you’re looking for.
Low Maintenance & Independent Nature
Whilst many cat owners may treat their furry feline just like a baby, cats are very independent which can be beneficial for those who have a hectic schedule. If the house becomes busy or too noisy, cats will generally take themselves off to somewhere quiet and relax elsewhere. Unlike having a dog, cats don’t require constant attention and can be quite happy keeping themselves entertained – when much isn’t going on, they’ll simply sleep, which takes up a lot of their daily routine anyway.
If you would struggle to walk a dog twice a day, or let them out to go to the toilet, this is another advantage for getting a cat. There’s no need for daily walks and once litter trained, a cat will be able to do their business whenever they need to, even when you’re not there. This is the same with exercise, as they will be able to stretch their legs around the home, especially if you provide cat trees for them to climb and scratching posts to enjoy.
In terms of keeping them clean, cats are very good at self-grooming, so you won’t need to bathe them like a dog (especially after a muddy walk). Apart from sleeping lots, cats will spend a lot of time grooming. If you get a long-haired breed they will need regular brushing to help with this, but in general, cats keep themselves in good condition. All you need to do is provide fresh water and food each day, and the rest they’ll take care of. When you do have a quiet moment, such as in the evening, a cat will enjoy cuddling up to you rather than need lots of playtime, so this can be great after a tiring day.
Great For Those With A Flexible Schedule
Everybody’s schedule will slightly differ, but if you find you’re juggling work commitments with school runs, and trying to maintain a social life as well as a home life, you want flexibility. Cats can fit nicely into this, especially if plans change at short notice. Of course, you want to have some quality time with your pet, but unlike a dog that can be more demanding, cats are generally flexible and very adaptable.
If you get home later than expected one day, or you work shifts that mean your hours change regularly, cats can be much more ideal in this situation than other types of pets. Yes, they will want to have some sort of routine with mealtimes, but as long as they aren’t going prolonged hours between meals, they should be ok. You may want to leave a bowl of dry food for them whilst you’re not there so that they can graze when they want to.
As mentioned, when you are not around or are very busy, cats will happily sleep, watch the world go by from a window or explore their surroundings at their own pace. They won’t need constant stimulation from you, so if you provide a good environment for them, they’ll generally be happy. When you do get home, they’ll happily greet you and give you a nudge if they want something.
Keeping Your Cat Safe Even When You’re Busy
Yes, cats are independent, but that doesn’t mean they can fully protect themselves all of the time. Being a pet parent is a big responsibility, none more so than looking out for them and keeping them safe. Even if you have an indoor cat that rarely goes outside, unexpected things can still happen in the home, especially when it’s hectic.
A misjudged jump, swallowing something they shouldn’t, or simply just becoming ill can happen at any time, meaning you will need to visit the vet and cover any costs to help them recover. This is where having pet insurance can really offer peace of mind. No one wants to be caught out by unexpected vet bills, so pet insurance helps cover the cost of accidents, injuries, or illnesses without adding extra stress to your already packed schedule. It means that even if you’re not there to prevent every little mishap, you can at least be prepared for the unexpected.
Many policies also offer extra coverage for everything from dental accidents to complementary therapy, which can be particularly helpful for active or adventurous cats. Being confident that your feline friend is protected, even when life seems endlessly busy, is important. After all, one of the best things about owning a cat is the reassurance that they’ll happily look after themselves – with just a little help from you when they need it most.
Emotional & Mental Health Benefits
With a busy household or lifestyle, stress can follow, and having a pet around can be a great way to take your mind off things or provide comfort. Cats in particular are great companions when you need a calming influence, as they themselves are quiet and discreet. If the idea of having a purring cat on your lap at the end of a long day sounds more relaxing than having to walk a dog in the wind and rain, you’re not alone.
Simply stroking a cat can help to reduce stress and anxiety, with their rhythmic purring helping you to relax. If the rest of the family is out and about or if you live alone, this can also help with any feelings of loneliness, as cats can be quite happy just being in your company too.
The sense of calm a cat brings to a home can be a powerful thing, so that no matter how busy life gets, you’ll know they’ll be there whenever you need them, hopefully bringing a smile to your face.
Perfect for Smaller Living Spaces
Not everyone has the luxury of space, whether you live in a small flat or family home with a lack of room, meaning a pet needs to fit into this without feeling overwhelmed. This is perfect for cats, especially as many like to find spaces to hide or do not require huge amounts of space indoors or outdoors. If you don’t have a garden, this can be tricky with owning a dog. A cat on the other hand can get by without this, making them a great choice.
Cats are very agile, so whilst most dogs will need to stay at ground level, cats can find space on top of bookshelves, under sofas, on windowsills, and anywhere else they can reach, so having limited floor space isn’t a problem for them. As they can use a litter tray, they don’t need to be let out for toilet breaks either. For smaller homes, cats make much more sense.
Will A Cat Be Your Perfect Companion?
Have we convinced you a cat is the best option? There is lots to consider, but when compared to other popular pets, cats are hard to ignore. A great fit for busy professionals, young or older families, or just those needing a low-maintenance pet, a cat can fit into your routine perfectly.
As long as you find the right breed to suit you and are able to provide all their basic needs, you can look forward to a long happy life together and enjoy each other’s company – even if they spend a lot of time sleeping!
