When considering getting a pet, we often think it will be a hassle and leave an unpleasant odor. However, you can have a pet and still keep your apartment clean. How, you ask? All you need to do is get a cat.
Cats wash themselves
We've all seen cats fervently lick their bodies after eating, after being petted, or for any reason at all. Cats are very clean, but that's not the only reason they wash themselves so often. It turns out the need to groom is genetically programmed. Ancient wild cats used this method to wash off their scent before hunting, so their prey wouldn't smell them. The average cat spends about a third of its life grooming itself. It combs its fur, removing loose hairs and dirt, and smoothing out matted fur. A clean, well-groomed cat's coat prevents mats and skin infections. A clean coat also prevents fleas and ticks from accumulating.
Unlike cats, dogs have always hunted in packs, so they have no need to wash off their scent. Of course, this doesn't mean dogs don't wash themselves—every animal needs to clean itself, they just do it less frequently and less diligently. Therefore, after a walk with your dog, you'll have to wash them yourself to remove dirt from your home.
Cats don't need to be walked outside.
Another big advantage of cats is that they don't need to be walked. Let's face it, not everyone has the time to walk a dog twice a day. Sure, it's nice to run or stroll through the park and get some fresh air, especially in the company of a four-legged friend. But the weather isn't always perfect—you don't really want to go outside when it's pouring—but you can't tell a dog, "Just wait until tomorrow. I don't want to leave the house today, let alone get out from under the covers." You have to go for a walk! Besides, you might get sick or go out of town for a while on vacation, but a dog needs to be walked every day. It's much easier with a cat. Indoor cats who aren't used to going outside usually don't rush out, although sometimes, out of curiosity, a cat really wants to know where their owner goes every morning. However, usually after one such foray they lose any further desire to explore the world outside the apartment door.
Cats always try to hide their toilet visits.
As noted above, cats are very clean animals, so they have special requirements when it comes to their litter box. Any self-respecting cat will never use a dirty litter box. If you forget to change the litter, they'll simply relieve themselves nearby, never in the dirty, designated spot. Furthermore, cats always try to hide their toilet visits, so they always cover everything with sand or litter. Even if they miss the litter box, they'll still instinctively scratch the floor, even though there's no practical benefit. Dogs, on the other hand, are generally indifferent to where they go, although they often choose tall grass for their business.
If you're deciding between a dog and a cat, we recommend carefully considering the individual needs of each animal. If you're not up for the hassle of walking a dog and washing it and your apartment after each walk, consider cats. They'll not only keep you company on long rainy evenings at home, but they'll also keep your apartment clean and tidy.
