​Top 5 Traits That Make Cats Excellent Pets

December is National Cat Lovers Month, and it is the perfect time for Bull City Pet Care to celebrate the quirky, lovable traits that make cats such wonderful companions. Years ago, animal welfare groups and pet professionals began using December to spotlight feline care, adoption, and appreciation, which ultimately evolved into National Cat Lovers Month. Today, we’re taking the time to share the top 5 traits that make cats excellent pets.

National Cat Lovers Month

National Cat Lovers Month was created to honor the impact cats have had on human lives and to encourage better understanding and care of feline companions. Rumored to have been launched in 2014 by Catster Magazine, National Cat Lovers Month grew out of long-standing human admiration for cats, particularly their early domestication in ancient cultures and their later popularity as household pets. Today, December is widely promoted by veterinarians, shelters, and pet-care professionals as a time to celebrate cats, support adoptions, and learn more about feline behavior and wellbeing.​

Trait 1: Independent Yet Devoted Animals

One of the top traits that make cats excellent pets is their balance of independence and affection. Many cats are comfortable spending time alone, which is helpful for busy families and professionals who may be away from home during the day. Yet research and behavior observations show that most cats form strong emotional bonds with their people and often prefer social interaction over food, proving they are far from the aloof stereotypes they’ve been assigned. This combination means your cat can be happy at home while you’re out and about, but will still greet you with purrs, head bumps, and cuddles when you walk through the door.​

Trait 2: Playful, Curious Companions

Cats are naturally playful and curious, bringing a lot of joy and entertainment to a home. Many cats love chasing toys, climbing, exploring new spaces, and engaging in interactive play, all of which support their physical and mental health. That curiosity and energy can brighten even a quiet evening, whether a cat is pouncing on a feather wand, hiding in a cardboard box, or zooming through a tunnel. For pet parents, playtime is an easy way to bond, relieve stress, and enrich indoor cats. Plus, cats are so athletic and graceful, they are awesome to watch. And, their hunting abilities can keep pests away, making them extra handy around the house!​

Trait 3: Lower Maintenance Household Pets

Compared to many other pets, cats are relatively low-maintenance while still providing meaningful companionship. They use a litter box, groom themselves frequently, and typically adapt well to life in smaller homes or apartments. Cats often require less hands-on daily care, structured exercise like dog walks, and training than dogs do, making them a great choice for people with demanding schedules or mobility challenges. Of course, low maintenance never means low priority. Cats still need daily love and care to thrive.

Trait 4: Affectionate Mood Boosters

Cats are also wonderfully affectionate and can have a positive effect on human mood and well-being. Many cats enjoy being petted, curled up on a lap, or sleeping nearby, which provides both comfort and a sense of connection. Their healing purrs are often associated with contentment. Spending time with cats has been linked to stress relief and emotional support for their guardians.

For many cat lovers, that quiet companionship is exactly what makes a house feel like home. Of course, cats come in all personality types, and people seek different traits in their pets, so finding the right cat for each family is key. Whether they’re kneading a blanket, chasing a fluttering toy, or curling up for a nap in a sunbeam, cats have a charming way of turning simple moments into something heartwarming.

Trait 5: Cute as Can Be Creatures

We’d be remiss if we didn’t celebrate cats’ most appealing trait: how cute they are! Our feline companions captivate people with their big, expressive eyes, soft fur, and graceful movements. Their physical appearance draws instant attention, while their curious nature and quirky behavior make them endlessly endearing. From long whiskers and fluttering ear tips to chunky little toe beans, cats are so cute, it’s sometimes hard to stand!

​Top 5 Traits That Make Cats Excellent Pets

During National Cat Lovers Month and all year long, Bull City Pet Care is honored to support your feline family members with professional, compassionate care while you are away. Whether your cat is independent, playful, snuggly, or a mix of all three, this December is the perfect time to celebrate everything that makes them such extraordinary pets.

The Best Cat Sitters in Durham

At Bull City Pet Care, we love cats and care for cats where they are happiest, in their home! Join the Bull City Pet Care family by contacting us via bullcitypetsitting@gmail.com or 919-740-7481. We offer dog walking, cat sitting, and specialty services. You can also get started by clicking this link to schedule your meet and greet.

We proudly serve the following areas of Durham: Downtown, Lakewood, Tuscaloosa, Old West Durham, Old North Durham, Northgate Park, Watts-Hillandale, Trinity Park, Duke Park, Erwin/LaSalle, North Durham, Southside, Croasdaile, Walltown, Braggtown, Historic East Durham, Hope Valley, and Forest Hills.