If you are thinking of adopting a cat to join your family then there are some considerations that you should be aware of.
Things to Consider Before Adopting a Cat
For lots of people, cats make great pets and companions, as well as being joyful and entertaining to have around the house. But, like any other pet, there are a number of things you’ll need to think about before you make the decision to add a cat to your household. Read on to get an overview on some of the things you will need to consider when adopting a cat or kitten.
Time and Commitment
Many people choose to own a cat because, unlike dogs, they are pretty independent and can look after themselves quite well. To some degree, yes, that is true. However, owning a cat still requires a level of commitment, time and effort to care for. You’ll need to consider things such as who is going to look after the cat, can you afford to pay for medical expenses and what will you do with moggy when you go on holiday?
Other Pets and Children
Adopting a cat or kitten and introducing them to your home can cause certain problems to other family members, so bear this in mind. If you already have pets, consider how a new cat will alter the dynamics of the household. Will the other pets get on with the cat, or will it only cause friction? And what about children? Owning a cat can be fun for a child, but note that very young children may not handle a cat very well, and if a child is susceptible to allergies, a cat may worsen them.
Age of the Cat
One thing you might want to ponder over before getting a cat is what age of cat you’d like to get. Undoubtedly, kittens are great fun to have around, but they can also cause havoc in your home. If you prefer your house to resemble a show home, then adopting a kitten might disturb this fine balance, as they treat everything they come into contact with as a toy. If you do plump for a kitten, you’ll need to train it not to scratch at your furniture, jump up on kitchen worktops, use a litter tray, etc.
Older cats, whilst not as popular as kittens, however, make a good choice of pet. They are more likely to be house trained than kittens and are easier to have about the house, so sometimes adopting a cat is the way to go dependent on your circumstances.
The Type of Home You Own
Before adopting a cat, consider if your home is suitable to own one. Many owners prefer to bring up their kitties as house cats, in which case it is important to house train early on and ensure the litter tray is frequently emptied. It’s also vital that a house cat has plenty of space to move around to stay fit and healthy.
If you are happy to let your cat roam around outside then you will of course need a cat flap so your pet can come and go as they please. They will also need to be micro-chipped and have all vaccinations up to date.
The Health of Your Cat
Cats generally look after themselves very well and are good at preening themselves, but there will be times during your cat’s life that you might have to take it to the vets. Can you afford to pay for any medical expenses that might crop up? For starters, you’ll probably want to get your cat neutered; cats that aren’t neutered don’t make as good pets as those that are, so it’s worth bearing in mind. You might also need to take your cat for injections, which can cost money. Taking out pet insurance can give you peace of mind, in case of regular trips to the vets.
The Type of Cat
There are lots of different types of cats you could own, so always do your homework before deciding which type of cat you would like. Read books, research on the internet and visit animal shelters to get an idea. If you are keen on a pedigree cat, then be aware that some breeds have inherent problems. However, a decent breeder should be able to offer you guarantees – so choose carefully where you adopt a cat from.
Long-haired cats are adorable, but their hair has a tendency to get everywhere! You’ll need to brush its hair regularly, to avoid knots, as well as clean your furniture.
When you go to pick your cat, trust your instinct on which one you’d like. Cats have different personalities just like humans, so choose one you think will suit your family home well.
