are cats hard work?

Question

hello my name is megan and i was wondering are cats hard work its just that i got put off when my mom told me they have hair balls and they dont bath and they are harder to train to the litter box so is it true please help thank you from meg

Answer 1

I have never had trouble with cats using the litterbox,they're easier then dogs.Cats give themselves baths and hairballs are not normally too much of a problem.You can buy stuff to give them that will cut down on hairballs.They sometimes claw things,so you need to make sure to get them a scratching post.And they lose hair but I normally never have a problem with that either.We have 3 and they're easy to take care of.They sleep most of the time and take care of themselves mostly.

Answer 2

Actually, they're not much work at all. You don't train them to use a litter box, they use it insinctively. They groom themselves every day (their tongue is like a tiny brush) and you rarely need to give them a bath. They do cough up hairballs on occasion, but it's rare.

The work lies in that cats are very clean and their litter box should be scooped daily, you can get away with a couple days if need be but the cat will want it cleaned regularly. If not, you will have a smelly litter box and an irritated cat. You don't need to ration out their dry food like you would do for dogs, just make sure the food and water dish don't go empty. Long haired cats are a bit more work because you will want to brush them to keep shedding down, especially in the spring when they lose their winter coats.

Answer 3

No. Dogs are hard work. Most cats will take right to the litter box, make sure when you bring it home that you show it where it is, and if it has an accident show it the accident, then put the cat in the litterbox. They do bathe themselves, and most cats are taught that from infancy so as long as the momma cat was a good momma, they are very clean animals. Generally, food, water, and a clean litterbox is all cats require. Love and attention are a bonus.

Answer 4

Hi Megan

No, cat's aren't hard work at all. I've got EIGHT.

They're more likely to get hair balls if you get a long-haired cat, but you can buy special food or treats to combat this - Katalax from the vet is good.

They don't bathe, but they wash themselves frequently - their tongues are specially designed for this. If a cat licks you, their tongue feels like sandpaper, whereas a dog's tongue feels smooth.

They're not hard to train - usually you find that the mother-cat has already trained them to use the litter box anyway! If she hasn't for any reason, all you have to do is introduce them to it after they've eaten or when they wake up from sleeping.

Have a look at the site I've pasted the link to. It's the Cat's Protection League, it gives you lots of advice on everything to do with cats.

Don't forget, cats as well as dogs are for life.

xxxxxxx

Answer 5

Hi Megan. I have had cats all my life. If you are really wanting a cat, go to the SPCA. They will come pre- kitty litter trained and all ready spayed or neutered. It's true that they sometimes do get hair balls, but usually a little petroleum jelly on its paw will help it pass. Cats are very clean animals, they clean themselves all the time. And to top it off they sleep most of the time. One of the things you have to remember is a cat will require to be taken to the vet for routine shots and visits and when sick. And to keep them and your parents happy they like lots of toys. And remember since they have to go potty in a box that will have to be cleaned out at least once a week. I hope this helps you out. Good luck on getting a kitty. I added some links to websites and hope they help you out.

Answer 6

Ok, I think cats are very easy to take care of. I've never had a cat with a litter box training problem. Even my current cat that I found in a barn (who had never even seen a box) went straight for the litter when she had to use the bathroom. Cats also bath constantly. This is why they get hairballs occasionally. Some cats have more of a problem than others with the hairballs, but you can buy special food at the grocery store that helps with it. I absolutely love my cat. She is loving, fun, hilarious, and very self-sufficient.

Answer 7

Cats are great! All you have to do is feed them, clean their litter box and give them lots of TLC. I have seven cats and they don't often get fur balls. I've never had to train a cat to use a litter box. You just show them the box and it comes natural, they know what to do. In general cats are very clean. If you have a dirty cat, odds are it has a health problem.

Answer 8

I love cats and they are actually self sufficient and are very clean animals, they have to be litter trained like dogs, but they soon decide to go out, least trouble of all pets I would have said, a cat will be seen washing and preening itself all the time, if you are worried about house training what about your local cat sanctuary, you will be able to get a fully trained adult cat, some are there maybe because the owners have died, or they are lost, they are desperate to find homes for these loving animals

Answer 9

Cats are very independent and therefore very easy pets. They are quick to use the litter tray, prefer to use outdoors (so you may not even need a litter tray if you get a slightly older cat rather than a kitten), they spend half the day grooming themselves - hence they do not need a bath. If you get a short haired cat they don't even need brushing!

Answer 10

I have always had cats. They are the cleanest animals. They clean themselves. They have special tongues that can clean their hair. It is very easy to train a cat to use a litter tray. Because they are basically very clean animals so will use the litter tray once it is changed often. Think of it this way. Have you ever seen a filthy cat?