National Cat Lover’s Month is celebrated in December to honor the love our cats give us and celebrate why having cats is such a treat. Domesticated yet wild felines have a mixed reputation but, as professional pet sitters who have the pleasure of caring for cats every day, we think cats are amazing pets. Today, we're telling you why we love cats.
Cat Lover's Month: Cats Are Wonderful Companions
While they can be fierce little beings with sharp teeth and claws, cats are wonderful pets for humans of all ages. Cats only use their strength, teeth and claws included, when they feel threatened, therefore a well-adjusted cat in a healthy home environment will thrive alongside their family.
Cats have lived alongside humans for thousands of years and continue to be one of the most popular pets because of their smaller sizes, fun personalities, and ability to make humans’ days brighter with a purr and a snuggle.
Cat Lover's Month: Cats Are Assertive
There is a common misconception that cats are aloof and standoffish, but that’s only because they are constantly compared to the friendliest of dogs. Cats are usually independent and confident. They seek human companionship on their terms but can often be very cuddly and sweet, especially when they feel safe.
Cats are athletic and agile. Yet, as both predator and prey, they are highly aware of their surroundings and hide when threatened. Their protective behavior doesn’t mean they don’t like us; it's self-preservation.
Truth be told, we believe we can all learn a thing or two about boundaries from cats. They assert their independence when they need to and show affection when they want it in return. Shouldn’t everyone be encouraged to do the same?
Cat Lover's Month: Cats Can Be Self-Sufficient
When indoor cats are provided with adequate space, enrichment, and well-maintained litter boxes, they become pretty self-sufficient. Many cat toys on the market today allow cats to play and satiate their innate need to stalk and hunt. There are also practical feeding tools like automated feeders, filtered water fountains, and treat-dispensing toys that let cats meet their own needs when their families get busy.
Of course, as professional cat sitters, we see first-hand how much cats enjoy engaging with the humans they know and trust. From a cat's perspective, there is nothing better than a wild wand chase or snuggle session with a favorite human followed by a long nap.
Cat Lover's Month: Cats Love to Be Part of the Family
As stated, cats can be independent and self-sufficient but also love to interact with their humans and environment.
These days, cat adventuring is becoming increasingly common. Cat parents are starting to take their cats out on the town in strollers and backpacks. Cats of all ages are being harness-and-leash-trained to participate in hikes, walks, and even canoe trips.
When a cat joins the home, it doesn’t have to stay inside forever. In this day and age, with online cat experts teaching clicker training, enrichment, and more, cats can safely be an active part of our lives both inside and outside the home. What fun!
Cat Lover's Month: Cats Live Long Lives
Choosing a cat as a pet is a long-term commitment because cats can live 10-20 years, depending on their breed, genetics, diet, and overall health. Indoor cats, in general, require fewer vet visits and tend to take fewer safety risks when compared to dogs.
Isabel Alvarez Arata, Pet Tech Certified Pet First Aid Instructor says, “As a species, cats tend to make better choices. Many dogs end up at the vet because they ingested poison, broke bones, tore ligaments while running or playing, or caused an intestinal obstruction because of something they ate. While there are exceptions to every rule, cats tend to visit the vet for wellness checks and because of illness, not usually due to risky behaviors,” she explains.
Cat Lover's Month: Cats Can Be Very Friendly
Routine veterinary care helps cats live long and happy lives while early socialization helps them feel at ease around unfamiliar people. Cats are incredibly intuitive and playful. They bring tons of joy and often are the perfect addition to a home that isn't ready for the commitment of raising a puppy, for example.
With all the tools and education available today, cats can be raised to be social pets that travel well, binge-watch a show on the weekend, and even share their lives with dogs and other species.
If you’re considering adding a cat to your home, we encourage you to start your search at The Cat Corner, Peninsula SPCA, and 4Paws Animal Rescue are great places to start in the Yorktown area.
If you are new to Hearts at Home, please complete a new client questionnaire here. For more information, visit our website or contact us by email at Hello@HeartsAtHomePetSitting.com or by phone at 757-745-9868. We are limiting the number of new clients we can take at this point but are happy to get things started for 2024.
Our pet sitters and dog walkers provide in-home pet care services for Yorktown, Poquoson, Newport News and Hampton, Virginia.
And, don't forget, give your cats some extra love during Cat Lover's Month! Happy Holidays!