There are so many wonderful things about being a pet owner. Nothing beats having a warm ball of feline fur curled up on your lap purring away or watching your canine companion looking so proud of themselves when they find the perfect stick to carry in their mouth as they trot along beside you on your walk.
But there are also times when you likely wish you weren't a pet owner. Whether it's having to retrieve one of the best cat toys from underneath the couch for the millionth time or picking up poop in the rain while your pup runs around enjoying themselves, there are definitely downsides to having a fur friend in your life.
I'm sure you have your own list when it comes to the worst things about owning a dog or a cat, but here are a few things that spring into my own mind when I think about the hardest parts of being a pet parent...
1. Cleaning up poop
When it comes to things that make you wish you weren't a pet owner, cleaning up poop is at the top of the list. Whether it's picking up after your dog in the park or scooping out your cat's litter tray, it really is one of the most unpleasant jobs around. There's not a lot that can be done to solve the dog poop problem, but thankfully the best automatic cat litter boxes can make life easier for those of you out there who have a feline friend in the family.
2. Muddy paws on clean floors
One of the worst things about owning a cat is when your feline friend comes in from the rain and decides that now would be a great time to jump up on your bed and wander all over your fresh sheets. And dogs are just as guilty. Sometimes they'll slip through your grasp when you get home from a walk and run merrily through the house leaving a trail of dirty paw prints all over your floors and carpets.
3. Interruptions when you're trying to work
Whether you have a dog whining at your feet or a cat who loves nothing more than to sprawl across your laptop, working from home with a pet in the house can make it hard to get things done.
4. When your pets have a fight
Whether it's dogs and cats living together or a multi-cat household, having more than one pet can be tricky at times. While some animals will gel instantly and be best friends for life, others will fight and leave you feeling like you're playing referee. Thankfully, with a little bit of time and patience, most pets can learn to tolerate each other – even if they never become friends.
5. Fleas
They may be small, but fleas pose a big problem to the health of our pets. What's more, if your fur friend has an infestation, those pesky parasites can also set up camp in your home – which is not at all pleasant. Regularly using one of the best flea treatments for dogs or a suitable flea treatment for cats will ensure your beloved bundle of fluff stays protected.
6. Vet bills
Whether it's puppy shots, cat and kitten vaccinations, or a medical emergency, those vet bills can sure add up. It can be worth exploring different pet plans to see if a monthly payment could offer you peace of mind.
7. All that fur
Unless you happen to have one of the cat or dog breeds that hardly shed, chances are you spend plenty of time picking up fur off your floors, carpets, and furniture. While there's no way to stop your pet from shedding, you can minimize it with a daily grooming session.
8. Scratched furniture
If you have a feline friend in your family, chances are at one time or another you've found yourself wondering how to keep cats from scratching furniture. Cats scratch for many reasons, but often it's a way of marking their territory or it may be that there aren't enough suitable alternatives in the home. If you think your cat may be scratching furniture because they don't have anywhere else to sharpen their claws, consider investing in one of the best cat scratching posts.
9. Chewed carpets
Is your dog chewing the carpet? You're not alone! A common complaint amongst those who have a canine companion, finding your carpets, rugs, or clothing chewed to pieces is one of the worst parts of having a dog in the family. The good news is this behavior is fixable with consistent training and ensuring your pup is getting enough mental and physical stimulation each day.
10. Training
Training your dog on your own can feel challenging, and let's not even get started on what it's like trying to tell a cat what to do! While we all know that there are lots of reasons to train your cat or dog, the actual process of teaching them certain skills and behaviors can leave you feeling both exhausted and exasperated.
11. Exercise
While exercise is indeed good for the body, mind, and spirit, some days when it's wet or cold outside, all you want to do is hibernate indoors. Unfortunately, if you have a dog in your family, the daily walk must go on – rain, hai,l or shine!
12. Overstimulation
There's a slightly crazed look that dogs and cats get in their eyes when they push past play and into overstimulation. That's when we're likely to see behaviors such as the zoomies, which, while completely normal and harmless, can be a lot to deal with – especially if you're walking downstairs or carrying something heavy into another room and your fur friend suddenly decides to dart in front of you or run between your legs.
13. The cost
Whether it's stocking up on the best cat food, buying your dog new toys or clothes, or investing in something pricier like one of the best gps tracker for pets, having a fur friend in your family isn't cheap.
14. Trying to go on vacation
There are lots of reasons to take your pet on vacation, but traveling with pets can be complicated. You need to find pet-friendly accommodation and if you're not planning on driving, a mode of transport to get you and your fur friend to where you want to go. And heading off without them isn't without its challenges either, with pet sitters, catteries, or kennels to book and detailed instructions to write out and leave.
15. All that noise
Dog won't stop barking? Cat constantly meowing? While it's true that some cat and dog breeds have a reputation for being super quiet, others are very, very vocal, which can make for a rather noisy living environment — that can be hard to take if all you'd like is five minutes of peace and quiet.
16. The mess
They may be smaller than us, but most pets are notoriously messy. Whether it's tracking cat litter through the house, digging up the house plants, trekking through the house with muddy paws, or leaving food on the floor, you're certainly kept busy when you have a fur friend in the family.
17. A constant need for attention
Pets can be super full-on – especially if you have a dog or cat that needs a lot of attention. Separation anxiety in dogs and cats is more common than you might think, and even if you're just in another room, your fur friend may struggle. This can lead to whining, meowing, barking and all sorts of other behaviors you wish your pet wouldn't engage in.
18. Grooming
High-maintenance cats and dogs have coats that require a lot of attention. They tend to have extensive grooming needs and need brushing on a daily basis to ensure their fur stays in tip-top condition. While investing the time and energy into doing this is well worth it in terms of preventing mats and tangles from forming, it can often feel like another task on an already long to-do list.
19. How restrictive it can be
There's a certain amount of freedom that gets lost when you become a pet parent. You can't just pack up and go on vacation without considering who will look after your pet or whether you'll take them with you. There's also a daily routine that has to be adhered to – dogs and cats require regular feeding, exercise, and grooming, and depending on the breed you have, they may not be able to be left alone for long periods during the day.
20. Getting woken up at 4am
Ahhh, the 4am alarm clock that is our pets demanding to be fed! While some cats and dogs have impeccable manners and are more than happy to wait until your feet hit the floor, others are not quite so polite and will think nothing of waking you up well before the sun comes up with the expectation of an early breakfast.
21. How smelly they can be
Whether it's the smell of wet fur after they've been outside on a rainy walk or the present they leave you inside of their litter box, there's no denying that our pets can be stinky. And don't even get us started on cat and dog farts — which are just in a league of their own when it comes to things that smell bad!
22. Counter surfing
They may get plenty of the best dog treats or cat treats and ample breakfast and dinner portions, and yet still our pets feel the need to counter surf. It's amazing how you can turn your back for such a short time only to turn around again and find your pup has stolen a piece of bacon off your plate or your cat has their face in the butter dish. Honestly, you'd think we never fed them!
23. Getting gifted dead animals
Why do cats bring you gifts? It's often a way to show off their hunting prowess, plus, if they were in the wild, they'd naturally take their kill back to their den so they can eat it in a safe environment. But finding a dead bird or mouse in your kitchen is definitely one of those times you probably wish you weren't a pet owner.
24. Allergies
While there's no truly hypoallergenic cat or dog, there are definitely cats and dogs that hardly shed, which can help to keep allergy symptoms at bay. If you struggle with allergies, having a pet can make your life pretty miserable, so considering a low-shedding breed may enable you to enjoy all the joys of having a fur friend without all the sneezing.
25. Neighborly conflicts
Some people aren't huge fans of dogs and cats or, at the very least, don't want them in their backyard – and that's okay. As pet owners, it's important we respect other people's boundaries. Just because we adore our fur friend, doesn't necessarily mean other people will.
To prevent conflict from breaking out, ensure your backyard (if you have one) is well-fenced to prevent your dog from wandering or, if you live in an apartment, consider a quiet dog breed that won't bark a lot and disturb the peace. For cat owners, it may be worth keeping your kitty indoors if they have a tendency to roam into the neighbor's backyard.
26. The time commitment
It's not just the daily routine of feeding and exercising with your pet that can take up a good chunk of your time – training your cat or dog is also a very time-consuming process that requires a lot of energy and patience. While having a pet can bring us so much joy, in all the excitement of getting one, it can be easy to overlook what a huge commitment they are.
27. When they refuse to listen to you
Sometimes our pets behave perfectly and sometimes it's like they've got selective hearing. We've all had that experience of asking our pets not to do something only to have them rather boldly go and do it anyway – yes, we're looking at you dog who counter surfs and cat who knocks that ornament off the shelf just for fun. Being a pet parent can be downright exasperating some days.
28. When they ruin your clothes
Chewed slippers. Jeans with claw marks. Shoes that have been slobbered on. Laces that have been eaten through. Wool sweaters with pulls in them from sharp nails. The list goes on. Having a pet means having to accept that some of your clothes and shoes simply won't survive.
29. Poopy paws
If you've got through pet ownership so far without having to deal with poopy paws, consider yourself very lucky indeed! Unfortunately, sometimes cats and dogs will step in their poop while doing their business, or in the case of our feline friends, trying to cover it over. Not only can this mean poop tracked through your house, but it also means having to clean their paws – definitely one of those times you wish you weren't a pet owner.
30. When they get lost
Having a pet go missing is a heartbreaking experience. It's easy for your mind to go to the worst-case scenario, but it's worth remembering that thousands of lost pets get reunited with their owners every year. Making sure your dog or cat is microchipped can be so helpful, as can fitting them with one of the best GPS trackers for pets.
31. When they're not feeling well
A sick dog or a sick cat can cause you a lot of worry. It's hard watching your fur friend struggle and it's easy to feel helpless and unsure of what to do. Our pets get sick just like we do, and most of the time their feeling unwell will be nothing to worry about. However, if you're at all concerned, be sure to get your beloved bundle of fluff checked over by a vet.
32. Saying goodbye
When it comes to the times when you wish you weren't a pet owner, having to say goodbye to your pet is at the top of the list. It can be hard to know how to cope with the loss of a pet that has been such a big part of your life, but giving yourself time and reaching out for support can both be helpful. Know that it's normal to grieve and that there's no right or wrong way to do this.
