Can You Have Cats if You Collect Anime Figures?

If you’ve been on the internet, you’ve probably seen way too many videos of cats dropping things (intentionally or not). Cats and anime figures don’t go together. It’s safe to say that you can’t have cats if you value your anime figures. However, having both is entirely plausible! I live in a household with over 250 figures and 9 cats.

Viral videos aside, cats like to perch on high places so your figures on shelves are always at risk of being knocked over. It doesn’t matter how high you put your figures, your cats will almost always get to them. Some cats have been known to jump as high as 7 feet. So, jumping to a standard display shelf that is about 4 or 5 five feet is child’s play for any cat.

How to Cat-Proof Your Anime Figures?

If you want your anime figure and cats to coexist, some cat-proofing is in order.

Place Your Figures in a Covered Display

Placing your anime figures in a covered display is the best and easiest solution to your problem. If you put your figures in a covered display, your cats cannot get to it. They may jump on top of your display, but as long as it is of sturdy construction, you have nothing to worry about.

Also, make sure your display has a pet-proof latch or lock. Otherwise, all your figures could get damaged if your cat somehow manages to get inside. Cats like enclosed spaces so getting inside your display case is like finding a new playground. I had this happen once. Thankfully, I was able to get the cat out without any figures toppling over.

Keep Your Figures in Your Room and Never Let Your Pets In

If you only have a handful of figures and don’t want to invest in a display case, keep them in your room and never let the cats in. Make sure everyone else in the house is aware that cats cannot go in your room. The moment someone accidentally lets the cat in, things will not end well. With that in mind, this strategy still carries some risk since the cat could get in unknowingly. If you have expensive grail figures, it is better to keep them in a covered display.

Stick Your Figures to Your Shelf

Not 100% catproof but it will at least reduce the odds of them falling over. This is not ideal for figures that have accessories or removable/interchangeable parts that fall off easily. Odds are those small pieces might fall and become lost when your cat brushes over your figures.

Don’t use glue to stick your figures to your shelf. Museum putty is a thing. It will help keep your figures in place and will not leave any residue should you decide to move them.

Don’t Unbox Your Figures

If you don’t unbox your figures, the odds of them being damaged are close to zero. Then again, you can’t admire your anime figures if they are left in their plastic and cardboard enclosures. This is a good temporary solution if cannot yet afford to get a covered display case.

Using Cat Deterrent Products

I have not used any cat deterrent products myself so I cannot recommend them based on personal experience. However, The Spruce Pets recommends these vet-reviewed and pet-approved products to deter your cats from causing damage to your property, and that includes your expensive anime figures.

• Best Spray: Pet MasterMind Cat Spray at Amazon ($17)
• Best Tape: Sofisti-Cat Scratch Deterrent Tape at Amazon ($10)
• Best Aerosol: Four Paws Keep Off! Outdoor & Indoor Cat Repellent Spray Outdoors & Indoor at Amazon ($9)
• Best for Outdoors: Safer Brand Critter Ridder Animal Repellent at Amazon ($24)
• Best for Furniture: Stelucca Amazing Shields Cat Scratch Deterrent at Amazon ($28)
• Best Scat Mat for Guarding Plants: D&D Cat Deterrent Scat Mat at Amazon ($27)

Other Solutions That Don’t Work

Spanking Your Cat

Spanking your cat whenever they attempt to climb on your shelves will never work. In the mind of the cat, they are only being spanked if he is caught jumping on the shelf. If no one is looking, it’s fair game. The moment you look away, your cat will still jump on your shelf and knock over your figures. It is difficult to alter this behavior because it is the cat’s instinct to seek out high places as it gives them a good view of their territory. Your home is their territory and they want to get to a high vantage point so they are aware of everything happening.

Using Aluminum Foil

Laying out aluminum foil on top of your shelves to deter cats from jumping on top of it is a popular solution that comes up online. What happens is the cat is surprised by the sound that the foil makes when they jump on top of it. Worst case scenario, your cat can get injured as they scurry away from fear of the aluminum foil. Also, this might work for a while, but soon they will discover that it is nothing to be afraid of. And when it’s time to remove the foil, it won’t be long until they start jumping on your shelves again. Next thing you know, your anime figures are splattered on the floor and in pieces.

The Story of When My Cat Broke One of My Anime Figures

When I talk about cats breaking anime figures, I am not talking hypotheticals. In fact, I already have several figures dropped by cats but only one really sustained significant damage.

One night, I was arranging some of my figures when someone cast a Sleep spell on me. I left a few figures out on my desk and lay down on the couch for a quick snooze. Just as I was falling asleep, I was awakened by a crashing sound. As I opened my eyes, I saw a black cat scurrying away to the kitchen. The result was a figure on the floor in pieces. Thankfully, only one section broke off and the rest were accessories that needed to be reattached. I was able to fix it with a bit of super glue.

Granted this was my fault for leaving the figure on my desk. The cat is not to blame. The cats never got to any of my figures that were in a covered display.

If You are Looking for a Cat…

Adopt, don’t shop. There is no shortage of cats in shelters that need a forever home. Millions of cats end up in shelters every year, and many never find a home. Adopting from a shelter not only saves a life but also helps reduce the overpopulation problem. Shelter cats come in all shapes, sizes, and temperaments, so whether you’re looking for a playful kitten or a calm, mature cat, there’s a good chance you’ll find your perfect match.

You can even get a cat already litter-trained, spayed/neutered, vaccinated and dewormed.

What Cat Gender Should You Get?

Choosing between a male or female cat can depend on the general tendencies of each gender, but remember that individual personalities vary widely. You can consult with the shelter so they can help you find a cat with a temperament aligned with your preferences.

Female Cats

• Temperament: Female cats are often more independent and reserved. They can be less likely to seek constant attention and may be more content spending time on their own.
• Behavior: They are usually less rowdy, making them a good fit for homes where you want to minimize the risk of your figures being disturbed.

Choose a female cat if you prefer a pet that is independent, calm, and demands minimal attention.

Male Cats

• Temperament: Male cats, especially when neutered, are typically more affectionate and sociable. They often enjoy interacting with their owners and can be quite playful, even mischievous.
• Behavior: Neutered males are less likely to exhibit territorial behaviors like spraying. They tend to be more relaxed and can form strong bonds with their humans.

Choose a male cat if you want a more affectionate cat that seeks your attention. Male cats are balls of energy and often will be running and jumping around the house. If you are getting a male cat, make sure your anime figures are in a covered display case.

Overall, the best choice depends on your personal preferences and the specific personality of the cat you are considering.

Spay/Neuter Your Cats

Spaying or neutering your cat is crucial for their health and your peace of mind. Spaying/neutering your cat is as much as it is for you as it is for the cat. It deters spraying, peeing and pooping outside the litter box, yowling, territorial marking and other aggressive behavior. Most importantly, sterilizing your cats helps with cat overpopulation.

Benefits of Spaying/Neutering

There are many benefits to spaying and neutering. There is no reason not to do it. Early spaying or neutering is best, as it can prevent many behavior and health issues before they start and become a habit. This simple procedure can lead to a longer, healthier, and happier life for your cat, and a more harmonious home environment for your anime figures.

• Prevents Spraying: Spaying or neutering reduces the likelihood of territorial spraying. Believe me, you don’t want your home smelling like cat pee.
• Health Benefits: For female cats, spaying eliminates the risk of uterine infections and significantly reduces the risk of mammary gland tumors, which can be cancerous. For male cats, neutering prevents testicular cancer and reduces the risk of prostate problems.
• Behavioral Improvements: Sterilized cats tend to be calmer, less aggressive, and less likely to engage in behaviors such as roaming, fighting, and excessive vocalization. Sleep is scarce when you have a yowling cat in heat.
• Population Control: Spaying and neutering helps control the cat population, reducing the number of homeless and stray cats in communities.
• Increased Lifespan: Spayed and neutered cats generally live longer, healthier lives as they are less prone to certain illnesses and injuries associated with mating behaviors and territorial disputes.
• Environmental Benefits: By controlling the cat population, spaying and neutering minimize the impact of stray and feral cats on wildlife and ecosystems, as well as reducing the strain on animal shelters and rescues.
• Responsible Pet Ownership: Choosing to spay or neuter your cat demonstrates responsible pet ownership by preventing accidental litters and ensuring your pet’s health and well-being.
• Financial Savings: While there is an initial cost to spaying or neutering, it is typically much less than the expenses associated with caring for a litter of kittens or treating health issues that can arise from not spaying/neutering. Vet bills are no laughing matter!

Also, Keep Your Cat Indoors

Keeping your cat indoors is the best way of taking care of your cat. Indoor-only cats lead better lives. By keeping them indoors, cats are protected from various dangers such as traffic accidents, attacks by predators (and other territorial cats), and exposure to diseases and parasites. This helps reduce the likelihood of injuries or illnesses that they can catch outdoors.get outdoor cats may encounter. This also helps reduce your cats impact on the local wildlife.

Not to mention, keeping cats indoors also allows you to bond better with your cat. Did you know that bonding with a cat can help reduce your stress levels?

What Supplies to Get If You Are Adopting a Cat?

I would advise you to cat-proof your anime figures first — preferably by putting them in a covered display case. After you’ve got the cat-proofing sorted out, you still need to get cat supplies. Here’s a list of things that you’ll need:

• Cat Food – We recommend feeding only a wet food diet. Choose a quality cat food like Royal Canin. Dry kibble is cheaper but make sure you do not feed something with high salt content.
• Food and Water Bowls
• Water Fountain (optional) – Cats prefer to drink from running water sources so having a water fountain is a good option for promoting hydration and preventing kidney stones.
• Cat Bed (optional) – Comfy cat bed for sleeping.
• Cat Carrier (necessary for trips to the vet)
• Litter Box – Get one litter for each cat and clean it daily. We recommend a litter box with high sides or a domed one for less mess.
• Cat Litter – To fill your litter box. There are many types of cat litter – sand, tofu, wood, silica crystals, etc. Here’s a guide that will help you pick out a cat litter. If you just want to pick something now, BoxieCat is a good option.
• Litter Mat (optional) – This helps reduce/eliminate litter tracking in your home. Getting cat litter on your furniture is not very sanitary.
• Cat Brush – A cat brush is necessary if you are getting a cat with a thick coat. Otherwise, cats are self-grooming.
• Nail Clippers – Some cats love to cuddle and will occasionally jump on your lap. Trimming their instruments of death will save you from a world of hurt.
• Scratching Post – Save your furniture from being scratched by placing scratching posts in different parts of the house.
• Cat Toys –
• Catnip (optional) – Catnip has a calming effect on cats but it is not a necessity. Also, do note that some cats are unaffected by catnip.
• Cat Shampoo (optional) – You don’t need a cat shampoo on the regular. In our case, we only bathe the cat the first time they come into the house. Other than that, they only get baths in very rare cases when they dirty themselves in something they can’t groom on their own.
• Breakaway Collar (with GPS tracker) – When it comes to collars, a breakaway tracker is a must. Collars get caught in stuff and in case this happens, a breakaway collar will simply snap off. If you don’t use a breakaway collar, the cat could choke. A GPS tracker comes in handy in case the cat somehow gets out of the house.
• Flea and Tick Prevention – If your cat is coming from a good shelter then they probably would have already treated for fleas and ticks. In case they didn’t, a dose of Frontline is all it takes.
• Cat Condo (optional) – This will be your cat’s personal space.
• Dextrose Powder – When cats are feeling ill, they will usually stop drinking and eating. This is where dextrose powder comes in handy. You can give them dextrose water so they will still have energy and can stay hydrated. Mix the dextrose power with water and feed it to them using a syringe. You still need to take them to the vet as soon as possiblle.
• E-Collar – Elizabethan Collars or cone collars are necessary if you want to stop cats from licking a wound. This also stops them from overgrooming when they are stressed.

You Can be an Anime Figure Collector and a Cat Parent

You can be an anime figure collector and a cat parent simultaneously. Cats and collections can coexist harmoniously with a few precautions. If you have any questions about taking care of cats and protecting your anime figures, feel free to ask in the comments section. Additionally, if you have tips or experiences on how to cat-proof your collections, please share them – I might include them in the post!