When I was a young pup, I used to love chasin’ cats. As I git older, I’ve found that they’re good to have around, specially if ya got varmints gettin’ into everything. Cats and dogs got four legs and are furry but that’s bout where the similarities end. Dogs are way better, everyone knows that WOOF, but not every home is right for a dog and those are the humanz that can think about cats. If ya wanna know if that’s you, here are some things to think about. Ya can’t just go off half cocked about this stuff, ya gotta think about it an make a plan. Shelters are full of cats and dogs cuz no one realized that cute li’l kitty was gonna be a cat real fast like. Lemme get my Lady to tell ya a few questions to consider before adopting a cat.
Questions to consider before adopting a cat
Will it make me happy long term?
This is the big picture question, especially if you’ve recently lost a pet or had a big lifestyle change like moving, ending a relationship or starting a new job. Is this something that you will still enjoy once the new wears off? Are you willing to commit to the emotional investment in an animal? What benefits will you and the pet receive?
How will it change my lifestyle?
Do you travel a lot, either for work or recreation? If you do, do you have someone that can care for the cat while you’re away or are you planning on taking it with you?
Cats are generally lower maintenance than dogs in terms of this, but extended absences will still require planning. Do you have children or are you planning to? Will you still be able to care for your cat? Are you willing to work with both children and the cat during the adjustment phase?
Are you REALLY ready?
Can you provide financially for your cat? This is more than just cat food, vet bills for immunizations, spay/neutering or any accident or cat illness. It also means having a stable environment. If you rent, is your landlord OK with a cat? Do you have a place for the litter box that’s easily accessible?
All of these questions matter and if you think you’re ready, then spend some time with the cat before you take it home. Have everyone in your home be around the cat in case of an unknown allergy. Do it a few times, sometimes it takes repeated exposures to manifest. If one cat does cause a reaction, try others, not all cats have the same allergens, another might be ok.
Make sure everyone in the home is OK with the responsibility. Make sure no one is afraid of the cat. Also know that cats are unlike dogs. They will seek out your attention when they want it and will actively discourage you when they don’t. Don’t think that just because you want to pet the cat, it’s going to want to be held.
Cats are much more independent than dogs in other ways. Give them a few play toys, food and water and a clean litter box and they won’t require much from you. If you don’t provide those things, don’t be surprised when your cat lets you know, in ways that can be unpleasant. If you think a cat is for you and you can provide a good home with love, you might be ready to adopt a cat.
so,so true,,im a dog person myself,but our foster daughter wanted a cat,,and we let her get a kitten,,when she left at age 18,,she wanted to be an adult,,but we didn’t let her take the cat due to the fact we weren’t sure she would properly take care of him,,which we wouldn’t have,she ended up not taking care of her children and got them taken away,so we are 6 grown kids out the door and 13 grandchildren,and guess whos still at our house,,the CAT…lol..he is very antisocial and doesn’t like many ppl,,never will he jump in your lap,he is content just to sit or lay near us and observe,,so after 9yrs later he is well taken care of and we let him choose how much attention he wants
This is a great article about all the things to consider before getting/adopting a kitten/cat.
I have 4 right now 17 to 3 and we love them all so much but make sure you do have $$$ put aside for their medical needs you will need it especially as they get older.
These are super important things to consider before adopt any animal. I’m planning on adopting a kitten/cat within the next couple of months after losing my 16 year old cat last past March. I’m ready and know that my dog isn’t mean to cats. He actually likes them. 🙂
All is super advice. I have 2 adopted cats now after my long time companion of 20 years died..
I’ve had many cats over the years. Love them.
It is good for those who haven’t had pets to realize the long term commitment that goes along with adoption. Pets are part of the family and that needs to be considered before taking on the responsibility.,
I am a cat lover and I liked this post!!
(Questions to Consider before Adopting a Cat) All good things to know before adopting any type of animal into the home.
Thanks for the great advice on adoption. We lost out special kitty, and he never came back last year, so I have such an emptiness, I am considering an adoption, so this comes in really handy.
These are very good questions, hints & tips to being a cat person. If you get one cat, be prepared to get a second at the same time, preferably a litter mate or one that has already bonded with the one you want. Cats & kittens get lonely too if you are gone to work all the time. A second cat or kitten, preferably a litter mate, adopted at the same time will keep the stress levels down & provide companionship while you are away.
Thanks for the article, it was very useful.
Thanks for the article, great information on adoption.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful article. People have the idea that cats are self maintained and cats don’t get quite the attention as dogs which is unfortunate.