There are few things in this world that cat people love more than cats. These people will buy cat merchandise, get cat tattoos and even spend thousands of dollars on transforming their house into a kitty paradise. While this may seem excessive to some, to cat people, it's absolutely normal. As someone who's had a cat since infancy, it's no wonder that I now own 11 cats with my mom and stepdad. It was never a goal of ours to have 11 cats; it just happened over time. Below are just a few of the purrfect pros and catastrophic cons to owning so many felines!
1. Your lap is a seat, no matter what.
As I'm writing this, there's a cat on my lap. It does not matter to him that I have to pee. It does not matter that I have chores to do. All he cares about is having a warm place to curl up. Cat people know the rule: Once there's a cat on your lap, you can't get up. To do so would be downright rude. After all, would you want to be woken up from a nap because the person you were snoozing on had to tend to basic human needs?
2. Toys are usually a waste of money.
I can't tell you how many times my parents have brought home stuffed mice or plastic balls with bells inside, only for them to be ignored. Instead, the whiskered heathens will attack appliance cords, shoe laces, plastic utensils, writing instruments, balled up tinfoil, food wrappers, etc. To avoid this illogical madness, I'd highly suggest sticking to toys with catnip in them (trust me, it's worth it.)
3. Everything has cat fur on it.
It's impressive how these cats manage to get fur on everything in the house. A sweater I haven't worn since last winter still has a variety of hair scattered all over it. Clothes fresh from the dryer have fur woven into the fibers. Food that was just made will have fur sprinkled on top like excessive seasoning. Water you just poured will have a few hairs floating on the surface. No matter how many times you vacuum the couch, it will never be truly fur free. As my parents like to say, we live in a world of fur.
4. Cooking and eating are a challenge.
The cats always assume that when you're eating, it must be for them too. You have to dodge swiping paws and ignore pleading meows. If you don't stand away from the counters or the kitchen table, you will be climbed on. They don't care how hungry you are, they're always going to be hungrier, even after just being fed. Cooking is no easy task, either. Cat after cat will jump on the counter or the cupboard to get closer to the stove. It's like a game making sure they don't get to the food (just as frustrating, too!)
5. Feeding time is...eventful.
My mom has trained the cats to go running to the kitchen when she shouts, "Whooo's hungry!" It's quite the sight. A waterfall of fur and whiskers flood down the stairs, meows echo against the walls.They all fight to be closest to the one filling the food bowls. They push each out of the way in order to be the first to eat. Prior bonds shatter; it's every cat for his or her self. Even after they all have a food bowl, they will still push each other to get to someone else's bowl. It's complete chaos.
6. Koda, our 12-year-old German Shepherd, acts like a cat.
Living with 11 animals of another species really must've taken a toll on the old man! He licks his paws and wipes his face with them, curls up as tightly as he can, rubs up against the couch and even licks the cats when they walk by him. I'm no expert in animal psychology, but I'd say it's safe to assume he thinks he's one of them.
7. It feels like we have a mini-rescue.
Though I don't have the exact numbers on litter and cat food and vet trips, I can tell you that owning 11 cats is anything but cheap. But when it comes to unconditional love, money is hardly an issue. Knowing we've made a difference in so many cats' lives makes the large funds well worth it.
If you're looking to increase your kitty count, please consider visiting your local animal shelter. Always remember to adopt, not shop!
