I was never an animal person growing up. I was terrified of most of them—I thought cats were dirty little things and that dogs were scary and violent. It didn’t help that my mom’s dog always barked at the sight of me. I never understood the allure of having a pet until the internet became a thing and cats had essentially turned into glorified memes.
If you’re an aging millennial like me, then surely you remember the days of “I Can Has Cheezburger?” from the mid-2000s. These memes and countless viral videos had shown that hey, cats are both silly and dare I say, pretty cute.
My one regret is not discovering the joys of owning a cat earlier in my lifetime. They aren’t just cute; they also make one-of-a-kind companions that enrich your day-to-day life and teach you a thing or two about care and love. Thinking of getting a cat yourself? Read on and see if these sleepy little critters are the pets for you.
Why cats are cool
Charles Dickens, writer and famous animal lover, once said “What greater gift than the love of a cat?”
Cats are not everyone’s cup of tea. Unlike dogs, they are not so easily won over, and are mostly portrayed as scheming, manipulative creatures in modern cinema. Instead of thinking of them as pets that shower you with affection and love, think of them as tiny humans—little roommates, to be more specific.
Cats are not everyone’s cup of tea. Unlike dogs, they are not so easily won over, and are mostly portrayed as scheming, manipulative creatures in modern cinema
They’re independent and are firm on their boundaries—they don’t need baths or being taken out of the house to do their business—as long as they know where the litter box is, it’s all good. They’re impeccably neat and are natural hunters that are both curious and playful. They’re also really entertaining and silly, which is exactly why the internet loves them so much. And did I mention that for reasons unknown, their fur smells like flowers and fresh laundry 24/7?
Once you win over a cat to your side, it is the most rewarding feeling, just as Dickens had said. And you can expect a lifetime of laughter, cuddles, and a whole lot of love.
Bringing a cat into your home
Before you introduce a cat to your home, you need the following essentials: quality food (wet food is the recommended way to go) and fresh water, a litter box, scratching posts, and safe spaces where they’re able to hide.
Cats get attached to whichever place they call home. Adjusting to a new place is not the easiest thing for them, so you need to give them time to get comfortable. Once they do, strengthen your bond with them through playing (wand toys and catnip are key!), treats, and regular brushing. Pro-tip: I watched a lot of Jackson Galaxy videos before adopting my first cat and all his advice worked wonders.
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Another thing to ensure your cat’s quality of life is to find them a trusted vet. Regular vet visits at least once a year is very important—cats tend to hide signs of illness, so once they do show that they’re sick, most of the time it’s too late. Keeping their vaccines updated, giving them supplements, and spaying/neutering them at the appropriate age all help your feline friend live a long and rich life by your side.
In short: respect their boundaries, keep them healthy and happy, and feed them during a strict schedule. Once your cat understands its routine and knows you as their friend, they’ll become part of your family in no time.
Adoption is cool, too
Want to get a cat as soon as possible? Adoption is the way to go. A lot of stray cats are out there on the streets and in need of loving homes. They may not look as pretty as those with a fancy breed, but they’re just as affectionate and just as cute. Adoption is also free—no need to spend tens to hundreds of thousands just to have a furry friend. You’d also be reducing cat overpopulation and doing a good deed in the process.
Want to get a cat as soon as possible? Adoption is the way to go. A lot of stray cats are out there on the streets and in need of loving homes. They may not look as pretty as those with a fancy breed, but they’re just as affectionate and just as cute
It’s super easy to adopt a cat now that we’re living in the age of social media. Reaching various cat communities, vets, and rescuers is literally just a DM away.
Know a cat that roams your local city? They’re most likely a community cat that would love to be indoors. Volunteer groups from BGC, Makati, Mandaluyong, and other spots in Metro Manila care for cats in their respective areas and are always on the hunt for potential adopters. I adopted my first cat, Oscar, from Cats of Legaspi Village and went through a brief screening process to make sure I’m fit for the job.
Some vets also shelter homeless cats, like Biyaya Animal Care. Then there are independent rescuers or nonprofit organizations who foster cats and prepare them for their “furever” homes. Again, adoption is so much more accessible than it was before, with ads and posts just waiting to be discovered on your social media timeline.
Bringing a cat into your life is an invitation to a world of quiet companionship, quirky antics, and the gentle purr of contentment. All you need to do is open your heart to the possibility and you might just find that the best addition to your family is waiting at your local vet or cat community. Being a cat owner changed my life for the better, and I’m so sure it’s going to change yours too.
