Like many places around the world, pets have found their way into several Nigerian homes. While raising pets isn’t as significant in Nigeria as in other Western countries, the culture is largely shifting, and more Nigerians are embracing the idea of having furry friends. Over the decades, Nigerians have traditionally kept dogs as pets in their homes. However, many are not accustomed to owning cats because they still adhere to the superstitious notion that cats are witches’ and wizards’ vessels. Some point the finger at religion, and Christians in southern Nigeria uphold the widespread notion that cats were familiars of witches during the Middle Ages in Europe.
This is changing, though. Increasing media exposure is shifting the mentality of many Nigerians about being cat parents. These days, there are a lot of adverts on e-commerce sites for the adoption of cats, and both domestic and international breeds are being adopted. Social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram are also not left out, as they’ve been a great tool in demystifying many of these myths and prejudices that Nigerians have harboured against cats for decades. Many cat parents on these platforms have built a thriving presence by creating funny and educational content, documenting their daily lives with their furry companions, and creating a community of pet-friendly Nigerians while desensitizing many others.
Cats are incredibly playful and friendly animals, making them the perfect companions for anyone wishing to get one. While parenting these pets isn’t currently considered common in Nigeria, many Gen-Zs and even millennials have become beacons of hope and possibility for anyone who dreams of becoming a cat parent in Nigeria. This trend has us curious about the motivations behind people deciding to adopt cats and what their lives feel like. That’s why we decided to ask three cat parents immersed in this life. Join us as they help us provide answers to the numerous questions about cat parenting. Let’s get into it.
Once I had a bit of freedom and independence, I started considering getting a pet. A dog seemed expensive at the time, but lucky for me, a friend’s cat had just been delivered and said friend offered me one of the kittens for free. I had always thought cats’ personalities were more interesting than dogs’ anyways, so I said, why not?”
Jorge, 25, Freelance Writer
My name is Jorge, a freelancer based in Ile-Ife with a weakness for cute, cuddly creatures. Currently, I am indentured to two cats – Bast, an unpredictable, short-haired female diva, and Oreo, a mostly mellow male. Bast is also Oreo’s mum, by the way, although you’d find it hard to believe, watching their interactions.
I have been a cat parent for about three years, and Bast was my first cat. I’ve always liked animals, and I’ve wanted a pet for as long as I can remember. Once I had a bit of freedom and independence, I started considering getting a pet. A dog seemed expensive at the time, but lucky for me, a friend’s cat had just been delivered and said friend offered me one of the kittens for free. I had always thought cats’ personalities were more interesting than dogs’ anyway, so I said, why not? That kitten was a spicy ball of white fur that is now known as Bast today.
I have not faced a lot of challenges, thankfully. The major one I struggled with was the issue of litter when I was starting as a cat parent. Actual cat litter is surprisingly expensive and I was not ready to be shelling out N13,000 or so for it circa 2020. So, improvisation was needed, and I got a plastic bowl wide enough for a kitten as a litter box and used sand as litter. The sand was also problematic as it meant the cat was tracking dirt everywhere. Later on, I moved to chicken pellets. The pellets were significantly cheaper than real litter and helped a bit with the smell, but those got harder to procure at a point, so I gave up. Luckily, I discovered my cats were smart and comfortable enough to do their business in an empty bowl, and I just ran with that.
When it comes to the crazy parts of having a cat, I can state a few easily. One’s the fur. Furry cats shed and you have to be prepared for that. Another is the burst of energy they sometimes get after dark; they will run around and climb whatever they can. Some may even yowl in the process. Trying to train them to use the litter as kittens can be hard, but if you’re lucky like me, your cat will pick it up in a day or two. All of these seem worth it, though, when they come to cuddle beside you for warmth or as you watch them get up to their funny antics.
For people looking to adopt a cat, be sure that you can really handle the responsibility and change that comes with them. I have seen several people get frustrated and give up shortly after getting a cat once the reality of those responsibilities sets in. Those first few weeks can be stressful on both cat and human, new environment and all. Once you’ve accepted that responsibility, I’d recommend patience with the cat as you try to get used to its behaviour – think of it as living with toddlers who can’t grow up.
Remember that cats have such different personalities. You should also prepare your mind for the eventuality that your cat may not be as into you as you are into him or her. Cats are also freakishly agile and stealthy, so you’d have to start keeping your food more securely if you get one.
The internet has helped me a lot when it comes to being a cat parent. There’s no doubt that it can be dramatically negative when looking up what is wrong with your cat, but it can help with a hint at what you’re looking for. You also get to read about how other people who have similar problems with their cats navigated the issue.
Access to a vet is also valuable. You need someone to tell you things are, in fact, alright when you start panicking that your cat is suffering from a life-threatening condition.
I just love their cuteness. I have always wanted it for a long time, but my parents wouldn’t allow it until I started staying alone.
Ibrahim, 30, Product Manager
I have been a cat parent for close to a year now. I just love how cute cats are. I have always wanted to have them for a long time, but my parents didn’t allow me to get them. So, it wasn’t until I started staying alone that I decided to adopt one.
I don’t have many challenges with raising my cat. I really love the way they snuggle around me. However, if I had to name something, the only thing I can say I have is people’s perception of cats in this part of the world. A lot of Nigerians believe that they’re evil and can’t be trusted. So, if you’re a cat parent, you may have to keep them from a lot of people because people are ready to harm them. After all, they don’t like them.
I have only a golden tip for anyone who wants to be a cat parent—be ready to have a partner who would frustrate you in a cute way.
I love cats because of how neat, independent, fierce and big on boundaries they are. Parenting cats has taught me a lot about boundaries and also how to see and learn from a different being existing in this world just as I am.
Olúwatamílọ́re, 26, Writer and Poet
My name is Olúwatamílọ́re Ọ̀shọ́. I’m a 26-year-old writer and poet living and working in Lagos, Nigeria. I have an orange cat named Ginger; she’s sweet when she wants to be, but her default is usually functioning as a crackhead and my big ball of mischief. I love her so much and wouldn’t have her any other way.
I’ve been a cat parent for 6 or 7 years now. Ginger is actually the 5th cat I’ve owned within those years before her. There’s been Nala, which is my first cat, Anyanwu, Lucifer and Stromae. My motivation for raising cats stems from my deep affinity for animals. I’ll adopt any animal in a heartbeat as long as I have the space and funds to take care of them. I actually became a cat parent accidentally; I was walking to school one day when I found a tiny kitten in front of my neighbour’s gate. Their gateman told me that the kitten had fallen from their roof, and he was worried the dogs in the compound would kill it, so he brought it out; he wasn’t willing to adopt it, so I did. Of course, my mum & neighbours were against having a cat in the compound, but I stood my ground. It’s been a great experience since then. My mum eventually warmed up to the kitten.
I love cats because of how neat, independent, fierce and big on boundaries they are. Parenting cats has taught me a lot about boundaries and also how to see and learn from a different being existing in this world just as I am. It’s been so beautiful. I feel like being a cat parent has helped me become a better human.
However, my major challenges with raising cats are financially related; the cost of cat food, litter boxes, cat carriers and other things are so expensive, but I’ve been able to find my way around that by getting cheaper alternatives. For example, I went to the market and got a big bowl which serves as my cat’s litter box. I also had someone buy me sawdust to use for her litter. In this part of the world, though, access to affordable pet healthcare is the most challenging part of being a cat parent.
For anyone looking to become a cat parent, do your research, read up on a lot of articles and watch videos about cats. I watched a lot of YouTube videos and read articles when I got my first cat. These materials helped me understand their behavioural patterns and how to navigate them. Also, make sure to have a neat environment because cats hate dirt. Try your best to learn the art of patience because raising anything requires patience and grace.
All images courtesy of their parents.
