Why do people get cats for pets?

Question

when they don't want anything in their house climbed on, shed on, or scratched? They never have money for a vet. Why do people do this? I was just wondering. Wouldn't it be better to just get a stuffed cat that needs no care or training? When will they realize cats are living creatures with likes, dislikes, and natural functions?

Answer 1

I wish I knew, but I bet these same people would leave their children in a box on the side of the road for the same things if they could get away with it.

Answer 2

Tinkerbell mentioned pet insurance being a mandatory thing before getting a pet...I wish they would make that the thing before people pop out a bunch of kids they can't afford either...it's a good idea but it will never happen. What about all the people who can't afford medical care for themselves? I make crappy money...live in a rural area that jobs just don't pay a lot. I use to live in a city, had a well paying job....it all went down the tubes because they started bouncing payroll checks...I lost everything. Does that mean I should give up my cats? Anyone tell me...what should I have done with them? Taken them to a over crowded pound or give them away to some family that is living off welfare? I was just curious as some people seem like they must have money to burn to tell others they shouldn't have pets if they are poor. All my animals get vet care when required...but a lot of people seem to think that only the rich should have pets because they can afford all the vet care that should arise. I would starve if it came to me taking my animals to the vet or buying groceries...but saying that people shouldn't have animals unless they buy insurance is the same as saying that you have to be rich to have it. I realize that I made a choice to stay where I live...but I also made a choice to keep my pets too. Sorry if I sound so frustrated, but it's hard to realize how many people out there think that only rich people should have pets or any other little bit of comfort in this world. I would love to have medical insurance on myself...but that costs $714 a month, can't afford it...couldn't imagine what insurance on pet would be as some of their medical problems cost as much as human procedures, so I can understand why some people have them put to sleep. It's better than letting them suffer when vets tell you they won't do anything unless you pay and that is how most vets are where I live. And there are no rescue places to help out either. The only relief they have here is cheap spaying and nuetering for people who can't afford it....all mine are spayed and nuetered and they are all indoor cats.

Answer 3

Dont get me started--guess you already have. When I first came into Answers it seemed that every other question was about a very sick cat but could it wait until Monday because the weekend ER vets charge so much.
These beautiful, wonderful creatures that give us so much and ask nothing in return but food, water and love.
Cruelty to cats is the only thing left that can throw me into a rage.
When I wake up in the morning the first thing I see is my Chloe's face looking at me. She starts my day and yes she follows me to the bathroom and everywhere else.
There is a buddhist sect that believes that when an elevated soul dies that soul goes into the body of a cat. Then when the cat dies that soul goes to heaven. Best explanation of it all that I've ever heard.
Thank You Pretty Kitty for your Diligence and Your Love in Behalf of these Wonderful Creatures.
Perhaps before each adoption mandatory vet insurance should be required. Sort of like no fault auto.

Answer 4

I agree...

I have three cats and they are my babies. If I didn't have money for their food of a vet visit, I wouldn't eat so they could go. My cats are only not allowed on the counters and kitchen table, just because that is kind of gross. Them walking threw their poo and then on the counter where I fix my food, not hyginic. Other than that and the outdoors, they are allowed anywhere and everywhere and are treated as valued members of the family.

I think a lot of people get cats because they think it would be cool, or they dont require much, or just because they can. And then decide the cat isn't worth it or the cat did something the owner didn't like so now they dont want the cat. It is horrible.

Answer 5

Well, you DO have a point here. And, the only answer I can come up with is: They got a cute (adorable, un-resistible) kitten, and it seemed like a good idea---at the time. These are the people who don't give ONE thought to the fact that they are NOT going to stay kittens for very long! And then, OMG! All-of-a-sudden we have a full-grown cat! I especially love the ones who don't bother to have them spayed or neutered, don't bother getting them their vaccinations, etc., then proceed to let them outdoors. Yep, you see these questions in here all the time: "My kitten is only 7 months old and PREGNANT--HELP!" If I were a really snotty person (like so many are), I suppose I could give them the answer of: "Well---how SURPRISING! And, to think--YOU are responsible for her getting pregnant in the first place---deal with it!!"
Other than this, I have no idea why people who are so "picky" and "high-maintenance" would ever bother getting ANY kind of pet--they are too self-centered to be bothered with any other living creature (I surely hope these people do NOT have children), as the kids would also be on the "back-burner". Having ANY KIND of pet should NOT even be an option for this type of person. I have to agree with you on this one. PLUS I surely must agree with "Tinkerbell"---I didn't want to get on my "soapbox" either! But, I COULD HAVE gone on-and-on about THIS!

Answer 6

I have always thought about that at times but I don't get into other peoples decisions to have a cat. They decided that. I have a cat and I care about my cat and I will be getting my cat a Vet once I find a good one where I live now. My cat has been very healthy and she does not need a Vet at this time and thats why I have not found one yet. I don't worry about what other people are doing wrong with their pets because that is not my place to deal with their problems with their pets. I deal with my own pets.

Answer 7

If you find someone with the right answer to this one I hope you share that answer with all of us.

I think some people get them for their children not realizing how much hard work they are. There are some people who don't feel complete without being able to say they have a pet. Unfortunately they are the ones who should not be allowed to have pets.

My three cats are treated better than a lot of people's children and they will be that way til the day they die. I have know so many people who just take them in and just forget about them, not changing their litter, not making arrangements for anyone to sit with them when they vacation. We got our third cat recently from some young girl who abandoned her apartment and just left the cat inside with a bowl of water and food and a note to the manager. They don't know how long he was there but he was pretty skinny and you could see his ribs when we got him.

Again, I can't really answer your question but I share your concern.

Answer 8

People get cats for pets because cats are very comforting, and unlike a dog don't need a lot of care at all, they are just wonderful, especially if you are depressed.

Answer 9

because they are the cutest. but i understand where your coming from. i think they do it because they "think" they are helping the cat out, by taking him in they are keeping him safe from anything bad that can happen to him when he's out. but your right cats need to be taken care of, like anything else we own(even though they own us). my husband was the same way, we got a cat and he was always complaining about him scratching his stuff and playing w/ it or that he had to be fixed and that cost money and he needed special drops and that cost money we didn't have. then Churby got sick and that stuff changed. (this was before he passed)

Answer 10

because cats offer so much and they are soo cute the love that a cat gives is irresistible there are community resources that will help low income people who have a pet to give them their shots and get them fixed these people don't know these programs exist I know about this because a friend of mine had a cat and couldn't afford the expenses and she did some research and found a organization that helps people with the expenses of low income people who have pets