10 reasons to get a cat might seem like a topic exclusively for “cat people,” but at Pet Breeding Club, we believe that felines make incredible companions for everyone—even the most devoted dog lovers. The age-old rivalry between dog owners and cat owners often obscures the fact that these animals offer distinct, yet equally rewarding, forms of companionship. While dogs are known for their boundless energy and unconditional loyalty, cats offer a more subtle, sophisticated, and surprisingly deep connection.
If you have been hesitant about bringing a feline into your home, or if you are a dog owner wondering if a cat could fit into your pack, this comprehensive guide is for you. We have analyzed behavior, lifestyle benefits, and scientific studies to compile the ultimate list. Below, we explore the 10 reasons to get a cat that will convince even the staunchest canine enthusiast to visit a shelter today.
1. The Ultimate Low-Maintenance Companion
When people start looking for 10 reasons to get a cat, the number one factor is almost always convenience. Unlike dogs, cats are incredibly independent. They do not require multiple walks a day, regardless of the weather. If it is raining, snowing, or scorching hot outside, you do not have to leave the comfort of your home to ensure your pet relieves itself.
Cats are self-cleaning machines. While a dog might need a bath after rolling in mud, a cat spends roughly 30% to 50% of its waking hours grooming itself. This meticulous cleanliness means your furniture stays cleaner, and your home generally smells better. For busy professionals or families with a chaotic schedule, the low-maintenance nature of a cat is a lifesaver. You can work late without worrying that your pet is crossing its legs waiting for you to get home. This independence doesn’t mean they don’t love you; it just means they respect your schedule.
2. Built for Apartment and City Living
Another major point in our list of 10 reasons to get a cat is their suitability for smaller spaces. In today’s urbanized world, not everyone has a sprawling backyard with a fence. Large dog breeds often struggle in apartments, but cats thrive in them. Cats live vertically. A small apartment becomes a massive playground for a cat simply by adding a cat tree or clearing off a few shelves.
Because they exercise in short bursts—chasing a laser pointer or a feather toy—they don’t need acres of land to run. This makes them the perfect pet for city dwellers. Furthermore, many landlords who are hesitant about dogs are perfectly fine with cats because they cause less damage to floors and create less noise disturbance for neighbors.
3. The Healing Power of the Purr
Science provides some of the most compelling arguments. One of the most fascinating entries in the 10 reasons to get a cat is the therapeutic benefit of their purr. A cat’s purr vibrates at a frequency of 20 to 140 Hz. Studies have shown that frequencies in this range can help lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and even promote the healing of bones and soft tissues.
When you have had a stressful day, sitting with a purring cat on your lap is biologically soothing. It releases endorphins in your brain. This isn’t just folklore; it is a documented physiological response. For people suffering from anxiety or high blood pressure, a cat isn’t just a pet; it is a live-in wellness coach. This “vibrational therapy” is something unique to felines that you simply cannot get from other pets.
4. They Are Quiet Housemates
If you value peace and quiet, this entry in our 10 reasons to get a cat will resonate with you. While we love dogs, barking can be a significant issue, especially when the mailman arrives or a leaf blows across the driveway. Cats, by contrast, are generally silent observers.
They move through the house like shadows. Their communication is subtle—a chirp, a trill, or a soft meow. Even the most vocal cat breeds, like the Siamese, are nowhere near as loud as a barking dog. This quiet nature makes them ideal for people working from home who cannot have background noise during conference calls, or for families with sleeping babies who need a silent environment.
5. Excellent Pest Control
Historically, the search for 10 reasons to get a cat began with utility: pest control. Thousands of years ago, humans domesticated cats to protect grain stores from rodents. That instinct is still very much alive in the modern house cat.
Even if you don’t have a mouse problem, a cat will keep your home free of spiders, flies, and other creeping insects. They are natural hunters with lightning-fast reflexes. The mere scent of a cat in a house is often enough to deter rodents from entering. It is a chemical-free, eco-friendly way to keep your home pest-free. Watching a cat hunt a fly is also a great source of entertainment, showcasing their incredible agility and focus.
6. More Cost-Effective Than Dogs
Financial considerations are always important when choosing a pet. When analyzing the 10 reasons to get a cat, the impact on your wallet is significantly less than that of a dog. Generally speaking, cats eat less food than dogs (especially medium to large breeds).
Their toys are cheaper—a cardboard box is often their favorite toy—and they destroy less property. Boarding fees for cats are usually lower than for dogs, and because they are indoors, they are less prone to tick-borne diseases or injuries from fights at the dog park. While veterinary care is essential for all pets, the overall lifetime cost of owning a cat is often lower, making them accessible companions for students or those on a budget.
7. They Respect Personal Boundaries
This is where the “dog lover” might be skeptical, but hear us out. One of the most valid 10 reasons to get a cat is that they teach and respect consent. A dog might jump on you the moment you walk in the door, demanding attention regardless of your mood. A cat waits.
Cats approach you when they feel comfortable, and they leave when they have had enough. This creates a relationship based on mutual respect rather than dependency. For people who get overstimulated by constant physical contact, a cat is the perfect balance. They offer companionship without being suffocating. When a cat chooses to sit on your lap, it feels like a genuine compliment because you know they aren’t doing it just to please you—they are doing it because they want to be there.
8. Long Lifespans
At Pet Breeding Club, we know that saying goodbye is the hardest part of pet ownership. Therefore, longevity is a key factor in our 10 reasons to get a cat. Indoor cats live significantly longer than most dog breeds. The average lifespan of an indoor cat is 15 to 20 years, whereas many large dog breeds may only live 8 to 12 years.
Getting a cat is a long-term commitment, but it also means you get more time with your best friend. You get to watch them grow from a clumsy kitten into a wise, majestic senior. This extended lifespan allows for a deeper bond to form over decades, becoming a constant presence through various life stages, moves, and career changes.
9. They Can Actually Get Along with Dogs
Many people reading this article are searching for 10 reasons to get a cat because they already have a dog and are considering adding to the family. The good news is that cats and dogs can be best friends.
Despite the cartoons, many cats coexist peacefully with dogs, especially if introduced properly. A cat can provide companionship for your dog when you are not home. They can play together, sleep together, and groom each other. For a dog that suffers from separation anxiety, having a cat around can provide a sense of security. It brings a different energy to the “pack.” The cat offers a calming influence to the dog’s high energy.
10. They Are Hilariously Entertaining
Finally, we cannot complete a list of 10 reasons to get a cat without mentioning the entertainment factor. The internet is built on cat videos for a reason. Cats are unintentionally hilarious. From their sudden bursts of energy (the “zoomies”) at 3 AM to their failures at jumping onto counters, they provide endless laughter.
Their curiosity leads them into bizarre situations—getting stuck in sleeves, boxing with their own reflections, or sleeping in impossible positions. Having a cat means you have a live comedy show in your living room every day. This laughter is vital for mental health and creates a joyful atmosphere in the home.
Why “Dog People” Should Reconsider
If you identify strictly as a “dog person,” reviewing these 10 reasons to get a cat might challenge your perceptions. You might think cats are aloof or unloving, but that is a myth. Cats show love differently. A slow blink from a cat is a kiss. A head bump against your leg is a hug.
Once you learn to speak their language, you realize that their affection is just as deep as a dog’s; it is just earned rather than freely given. This “earned” affection can feel incredibly rewarding.
Making the Decision
At Pet Breeding Club, we encourage responsible pet ownership. Before you act on these 10 reasons to get a cat, ensure you are ready for the commitment. Cats need scratching posts to save your furniture, litter boxes that are kept clean, and mental stimulation.
However, if you can provide the basics, the return on investment is massive. You get a roommate who is quiet, clean, independent, and affectionate. You get a healer who purrs away your stress. You get a comedian who makes you laugh after a hard day.
Conclusion
Whether you are looking for a low-maintenance buddy or a long-term family member, the 10 reasons to get a cat listed above prove that felines are superior pets in many ways. They fit into modern lifestyles seamlessly while bringing a touch of wild elegance into our homes.
We hope this breakdown of 10 reasons to get a cat has opened your eyes to the possibility of feline adoption. Even if you love dogs, there is always room in the heart (and on the sofa) for a purring friend. Visit your local shelter, spend some time with the cats there, and you might just find that you are a “cat person” after all.
Sources
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Scientific American: The Science of the Snuggle: How Pets Improve Our Health.
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Mental Floss: The frequency of cat purrs and bone healing.
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American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): Pet Ownership Statistics and Lifespans.
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The Humane Society: Cats vs. Dogs: Maintenance and Care.
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Journal of Vascular and Interventional Neurology: Cat ownership and the Risk of Fatal Cardiovascular Diseases.
