Twenty-first-century living is making cats as pets the most popular of all the animal companions in the United States and Europe. Cats as pets are not only fun to stroke, pleasing to look at, and great to have around, they have an independent streak that we admire. Though people treasure the trusting and faithful obedience of the dog, the high-maintenance pooch does not take itself out for a walk or throw itself sticks. In a world where leisure time is becoming increasingly limited, the self-contained, come-and-go-as-it pleases felines are becoming king of animal companions.

Not only that, but more cats as pets are becoming inside-only animals. Whereas a dog has too much raw energy for it to be kept inside, a cat can easily adapt to the confines of apartment living. The idea that Garfield of comic-strip fame is unrepresentative of the cat kingdom is soon disproved the minute you own one.

The huge boom in popularity of the Siamese, Burmese, and Tonkinese breeds are evidence that cat owners also appreciate the companionship of cats as pets. These are the most people-oriented of cat breeds, and owners often feel that their cats as pets can understand their moods and emotions.

Adaptable to almost any living condition, cats as pets are easy to care for and make loving companions for people of all ages. With approximately 90 million felines living in American households today, cats as pets continue to be very popular.  Most owners consider their cat to be a beloved member of the family.

Despite their independent nature, felines and kittens do love their human companions. Over time, they bond closely to their families, and given the right amount of attention, will often communicate with them. Unlike dogs, cats as pets do not see people as part of their pack or consider their owner to be their “master.” If anything, they consider their human to be an equal (or just another big cat).

Felines and kittens are ideal companions. They adapt quickly to almost any lifestyle and are content to live wherever you do—whether it’s in a tiny condo or in a large country home. They often are accepted into apartment complexes and other living situations that do not allow dogs. They are naturally quiet animals (with the exception of the vocal Siamese), and they won’t disturb the neighbors by barking as some dogs do.

Cats as pets are also self-reliant. You can leave them home alone for hours while you’re at work, and they won’t mind. In most cases, cats as pets will sleep all day while you’re gone. When you come home, they will rush to greet you and be ready to play or cuddle. Cats as pets and kittens know how to use the litter box with little or no training, and they are smart enough to learn that certain places in the home are off-limits.

Cats as pets are for cat lovers, and most owners couldn’t imagine living without one or more of these intelligent, loving companions.