Why do cats make good pets?

People usually end up here while weighing up a simple, everyday choice: is a cat actually a good pet for the way you live—your space, your schedule, your budget, your need for companionship, and your tolerance for mess?

Cats can fit beautifully into many homes, but they’re not “no-effort” animals, and a few common claims (about allergies, being left alone for days, and “health benefits”) are often overstated. Here’s a clear-eyed look at what cats genuinely offer, what they need in return, and the practical checks that make the difference. ^{1, 2}

Independent, with a quiet social life

Cats tend to be good at entertaining themselves in short bursts—window-watching, patrolling the house, stalking a toy—and then sleeping for long stretches. Many also seek out contact on their own terms: a slow blink from the doorway, a rub against a leg, a warm weight settling beside you on the couch. ²

That “independent” reputation can be helpful in busy households, but it doesn’t mean a cat thrives without interaction. Daily play, predictable routines, and a home set up for feline behaviour (scratching, climbing, hiding, watching) are part of basic care, especially for indoor cats. ^{2, 3}

What “low maintenance” really means

Cats don’t need walks, and many handle being home while you’re at work. But they still rely on the same essentials every day: fresh water, appropriate food, a clean litter tray, and a safe environment that doesn’t punish normal cat behaviour. ^{2, 4}

Daily basics that keep most cats steady

• Food and water: fresh water available at all times, and a diet suitable for your cat’s age and health. ⁴
• Litter trays: enough trays, in the right places, cleaned regularly—because many cats will avoid a tray that’s dirty, noisy, or too exposed. ^{1, 2}
• Scratching and climbing: a scratching post and places to perch, so claws meet cardboard and sisal instead of your sofa. ⁴
• Play and enrichment: short, regular play sessions and rotated toys for mental and physical health, particularly if your cat is contained. ⁴

A quick correction: cats shouldn’t be left alone for “a few days”

It’s a common myth that cats can simply be topped up with food and water and left. Even aside from loneliness, practical risks stack up quickly: water can spill, automatic feeders can fail, a cat can vomit or stop eating, and litter trays can become aversive. For any overnight absence, organise a reliable sitter (or boarding) and make sure your cat has safe containment and hazard-free rooms. ⁵

Litter tray set-up (the make-or-break detail)

Toileting problems are one of the fastest ways a new cat home goes sideways. Many issues aren’t “bad behaviour” so much as a tray that’s in the wrong spot, the wrong type, too dirty, or competed over by other cats. ^{1, 2}

• Place trays in quiet, accessible areas, away from food and water. ¹
• Provide enough choice—especially in multi-cat homes (a common guide is one tray per cat, plus one extra, in separate locations). ¹
• Scoop daily and clean trays regularly; many cats avoid a tray that smells “used”. ^{1, 4}

Pest control: a real instinct, not a guarantee

Cats are predators. Many will stalk and catch mice if the opportunity arises, and some households notice fewer rodents once a cat moves in. Still, results vary by the individual cat, the home, and the local pest pressure. Treat it as a possible side benefit rather than a plan. ²

If pests are a serious issue, use cat-safe approaches and store baits and chemicals where a cat can’t reach them; accidental poisoning is a real risk in homes that mix pets and pest treatments. ²

Small homes suit cats—if the inside is rich enough

A cat doesn’t need a backyard, but it does need a landscape: vertical space, hiding spots, sunny rest points, and safe outlets for scratching and chasing. In a small flat, these details matter more, not less. ^{2, 4}

Contained cats especially benefit from deliberate enrichment—things to climb, places to retreat, and play that mimics hunting sequences (stalk, chase, pounce). ^{2, 4}

Stress, mood, and “health benefits”: promising, but not a prescription

Many people find cats grounding to live with: a steady presence, a soft routine, a warm animal choosing to rest nearby. Some studies link pet ownership with differences in stress responses and certain cardiovascular risk factors, but the evidence is mixed and often can’t prove cause and effect. ⁶

The safest way to frame it is simple: a cat can support wellbeing when the relationship suits your life, but it’s not a medical intervention, and you shouldn’t acquire a pet solely for health outcomes. ⁶

Cats and allergies: fewer myths, more reality

Cat allergies are usually triggered by proteins (not the length of the coat), and there are no truly “hypoallergenic” or allergen-free cats. Individuals can vary, and some people react less to particular cats, but breed alone can’t guarantee comfort. ^{7, 8}

If allergies are part of your decision, spend time with the specific cat you’re considering (not just the breed), and talk with your GP or allergist about practical management in the home. ⁸

Routine vet care: the quiet foundation

A cat that “seems fine” can still be carrying preventable disease risks. In Australia, vets commonly refer to core vaccines such as feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, and panleukopenia (often given as the F3 vaccine), with timing and boosters guided by your vet and your cat’s lifestyle. ⁹

If you’re choosing a cat, budget for preventive care (vaccinations, parasite control, desexing if appropriate), and plan for the occasional surprise—cats are masters of hiding illness until they can’t. ²

Final thoughts

Cats make excellent pets when their needs line up with the rhythms of a home: calm daily care, a clean toilet set-up, safe indoor enrichment, and companionship that’s offered rather than demanded. They’re often easier to house than dogs, especially in smaller spaces, but they still require planning—particularly around time away, allergies, and ongoing vet care. ^{2, 4}

References

1. RSPCA Knowledgebase: How do I encourage my cat to use a litter tray?
2. RSPCA NSW: How to care for your pet cat or kitten
3. RSPCA Pet Insurance: Essential cat care information
4. RSPCA Victoria: How to care for your cat
5. RSPCA NSW: Ready Pet Go (emergency preparedness)
6. American College of Cardiology: Summary of the American Heart Association scientific statement on pet ownership and cardiovascular risk
7. Thermo Fisher Scientific (Allergen Encyclopedia): Cat dander (Fel d 1)
8. Purina Institute: There are no allergen-free or “hypoallergenic” cats
9. RSPCA Pet Insurance: How often should our pets be vaccinated?