Cats! When you hear cats doesn’t it lift your mood right away? I’m sure there are a lot of people like me whose day gets better when they get a glimpse of a cat. But you must know cats are high-maintenance as well. Therefore, you have to take the positives and negatives into consideration before adopting a cat.
Adopting a cat is going to be one of the prominent decisions of your life. Even though your heart is in the correct place, the decision to adopt a cat should not be done on the spur of the moment.
If your cat came from a sanctuary, it may have been exposed to harsh situations or have never been around children or other pets.
There are some things you need to consider before adopting a cat. Here we come to help you by guiding you through the journey. In this article, 12 Things to Consider Before Adopting a Cat I will discuss everything related to cat adoption. Hang tight till the end!
How Do I Know Which Cat to Adopt?
After deciding on adopting a cat, the second step is to find a place where you’ll adopt it. If you are opting for professional breeders then I would say it’s a bad idea. Because professional breeders sell mostly foreign cats and also interbred cats.
There is a misconception that you’ll get a well-trained, human-friendly cat from professional breeders, but this isn’t the whole truth.
In my opinion, you should opt for animal rescue shelters or groups and adopt a cat who needs a loving home.
Adopting a cat from a credible local animal shelter or rescue center is your best bet. You may have thought about adopting a stray or feral cat from the street, that’s also an option you can think about.
There are a wide variety of cats available at shelters, most of which have been sterilized or neutered and are currently on their vaccinations.
You can check the Facebook groups of the animal shelters and look for posts where a cat is finding a home.
What should be the Age of the Adopted Cat/Kitten?
You should fix your criteria as to whether you want a kitten or a grown cat. Many people want to adopt a new kitten so that they can start fresh with them. And many other people prefer grown cats whether it’s from shelters or professional breeders.
Kittens
Adopting a kitten at ten to twelve weeks of age is ideal. Vaccinations and neutering should have been completed by this point in the kitten’s life. Even if you find a day or week-old kitten at home you must be very attentive to them.
The reason behind being attentive is they are very much exposed to adversities and can’t immune themselves.
Shelters and breeders will have different adoption ages for your kitten. Many common household items can harm a kitten, including electrical cords, computer cables, knickknacks, cleaners, cabinets, door frames, toilet seats, and other pets.
Kittens are very quirky and playful. They hardly sleep so you must be aware. It is better if you got these kittens from your former cat. In that way, the kittens will be well-fed and get all their nourishment from the cat mom.
Perks of having a kitten,
- Playful, quirky
- Can be trained from scratch
- Due to the circumstances gets tolerant of children and other pets
- Food cost is less
- Longer Life Span
Negatives of having a kitten,
- Not potty trained
- Prone to frequent injuries
- Sensitive and easy-to-catch a disease
- Needs a lot of vaccinations
Mature Cats
An adult cat is much more relaxed and less likely to cause mishaps. So you know exactly what you’re getting in terms of its size, appearance, and personality when you adopt an adult cat. Depending on its personality, you can tell if it’ll be good on your lap or not.
You may be pleased with an adult cat in your family, depending on your age and lifestyle. For those who lead quiet lives, work full-time, or have children under five, consider adopting a cat or two.
A bonus to getting an adult cat is that you’ll be saving a life. Older cats are less likely to be adopted because most people prefer kittens. When given a chance, most of these cats turn out to be wonderful pets.
Perks of getting an adult cat,
- Calm and Composed
- Already Potty Trained
- Low maintenance
- So much love you’ll be receiving from them
Negatives of getting an adult cat,
- Might be a bit lazy
- Less tolerant of other pets around
- Takes time to adjust to the environment
- Higher veterinary cost
You have to accept your cat with all these perks and negatives. After considering all these factors, if you have made up your mind, we will proceed to the next step.
12 Things To Think About Before Adopting A Cat/Kitten
1. Try Fostering
A foster cat is a great option for people who have never owned one before, or who aren’t sure how much time they have to devote.
Many animal shelters allow their animals to be fostered for short or long periods. To meet a potential cat for adoption, could be a wonderful way to do so without making any commitments.
2. You are committing to this
Owning a cat means you get to relish the independence and self-reliance that cats bring to the table. This does not imply that they do not have a great deal of love to offer!
Adopting a cat means committing to a long-term relationship. It’s on you whether you want to give them the time and attention they crave at first, as they may be apprehensive or stressed in your presence.
In the beginning, it may be a little difficult for your new cat to cope with the changing environment. The commitment to adopt, whether it’s a kitten or an adult cat in need of some extra attention, is an important one.
Cats have a 20-year average lifespan. As a result, they require a great deal of pampering and attention, and you’ll need to put in the effort to maintain that level of devotion and commitment.
3. Do you have accommodation for the cat?
Before bringing a cat into your home, do look out for the accommodation of the cat. Cats do need an ample amount of space and you have to ensure that. Apart from the accommodation, you’ll also have to discuss these things with your family members.
If your family’s schedule is already jam-packed, ask yourself if adding a cat to the mix would be plausible. Unless, of course, you and your family are all swamped with obligations and you happen to have diverged from the same clan.
If you have a pet, you’ll likely need a housekeeper to care for it. As a result, having a family discussion is essential to come to a decision. If all your family members agree on your terms then it would be easier to handle your cat.
Ask yourself if you have the time, energy, and space to live with a cat. Can you commit to their mischiefs and all the bitings? Do you fully understand the behavior of a car or are you interested to learn them now?
4. Money and time Investment after the cat
Having a pet of any sort is pretty expensive. Cats are no different, they require a lot of attention and you need to spend a fortune after them. You have to be solvent enough to bear the cost of food, toys, and many more.
Adopting a new pet involves not only a financial and time commitment but also an emotional one. Find out how much a cat will cost you in terms of bedding, toys, food, and vet bills by doing some research.
If you’re considering adopting a cat who has health issues, you’ll also need to budget for the cost of meds and vet visits.
Food
Certainly, you can cut back on your cat’s food choices a little bit by purchasing the least expensive top-quality cat food, buying bigger bags of dry food, or even substituting premium cat meals with grocery store brands until your funds improve.
Wet/dry kitten food is fed to kittens for the first 10-12 months of their lives. To make sure your kitten is getting the right amount of food each day, follow the directions on the food packaging’s feeding guide.
Consult your veterinarian for advice on how much weight to gain and when to gradually switch to adult cat food for your kitten. Every day, cats and kittens should have access to plenty of fresh, clean water.
Your cat’s annual expenses will be mostly food and litter. The cost varies on the type of food (wet, dry, or a mix) and the type of litter (you/they). It usually costs more to feed your cat a largely raw diet.
For the sake of your cat’s health and well-being, shop around for the healthiest and most cost-effective cat food available. In this way, your cat will get proper supplements and you also don’t have to lose your time and money stressing over it.
Litter and Scratch Post
Litter disposal units have become a vital piece of many cat owners’ daily lives. When it comes to purchasing kitty litter containers, they’re a lot like diaper pails. So litter and scratch posts can cost a fortune.
Even if some kitties prefer to discharge themselves in the open, it’s always best to provide them with a dedicated indoor litter box. At least once a week, this will need to be emptied to discard any filthy material and a full wash and change. The cost of litter, like food, can vary widely.
Clawing is a natural and normal behavior for cats, so a scratching post is essential.
You’ll need scratch posts to keep your furniture intact. It’s not uncommon for cats to ruin furniture and couches.
Even if you buy them one scratch post, it won’t suffice. To entice your cat, you’ll need to put up at least one scratch post in each room. But this might be a little heavy on your pocket.
Vaccination
Feline distemper, rabies, and an upper respiratory ailment called feline viral rhinotracheitis should all be vaccinated against. Cats need booster shots every three to seven years, which might cost a fortune, but they’re worth it because they’re so vulnerable.
On the other hand, the frequency of vaccinations varies depending on the health of your cat and its lifestyle. Cats in some areas may require additional vaccinations. You must visit the vet for consultation at least twice a month. You have to budget for the vet separately as well.
Neutered or Spay Cost
In several areas, stray cats are a serious issue. Feral cats will develop from the breeding, and they will live off your trash can. Spaying a cat is a safe procedure that protects the animal against illness.
Plan ahead of time if you intend to adopt a kitten or cat that has not been neutered or spayed before being adopted. Spaying and neutering a dog or cat can be a costly procedure.
Your pet’s anesthesia, surgery, and recovery will all be handled by skilled veterinary medical experts, so you’ll need to have confidence in their abilities.
Owning an unmodified pet is dangerous for a cat’s health because of its long-term effects on the animal’s body. Unwanted litter can also be a hassle and a financial burden.
Toys
You’ll have to play with your cat a lot to avoid scratching your furnishings and to keep them entertained. And that requires buying toys, but not too many — cats have a low tolerance for toys.
Every year, you’ll most likely purchase a few toys for your fur baby companion. Toys, cat furniture, beautiful costumes, adventure gear including collars and leashes, and cat snacks are all included in this category.
5. Number of Cats You are Going to Adopt
The decision on the number of cats you want to take should always be into consideration. Don’t impulse adopt many cats when you don’t even have room for more than one cat. If you are opting for a kitten then you should adopt one kitten at first because you’ll be new to cat parenting.
But if you have a busy family and someone else is taking care of your cat most of the time then you should adopt a pair of kittens or adult cats. This way they can give company to one another. And if you have pets before this that means you have experience in this hence you can adopt as many as you can provide.
6. Do you already have former pets?
Take into account your existing furry family. If you already have a cat, try and match complementary character traits when selecting a second cat, and be ready to do a gradual shift. If you have a dog, look for a shelter cat who’s had initial as well as positive interaction with dogs.
7. Look at different options before setting your mind
Before settling down to a cat you must surf your options a little bit. Every cat in an animal shelter needs a home but you have to find your cat. To do this you have to do in-depth research about cat breeds and cat behavior.
It’s all too easy to fall in love with the first cat you find, but take the time to do an overall walk-through. You might meet a bunch of cats with whom you’d like to spend a lot of time. If you choose the very first cat you see, you will miss out on the amazing cat journey and knowing them.
8. Lifestyle
You must devote time to your cat daily. For example, you’ll have to serve them food, start changing their litter box, give them water, and play with them. As a result, before bringing your cat home, make sure you have time for it.
Your lifestyle will be heavily altered when you’ll live with a cat. Because of this, you might have to adjust your lifestyle to theirs.
Having a cat in your life can provide you with joy, comfort, and a sense of calm. You can teach your child how to be compassionate while still keeping your child’s secrets safe with a cat. The benefits of having a cat can’t be overlooked, especially if you’re ready to invest a lot of work and effort.
9. Make a timetable for your cat
When you first get a new cat, you might feel a little overwhelmed. Your cat may require additional love, affection, or high perches to help him feel secure in his new surroundings.
To make your cat feel like a member of the family, focus on the type of schedule you’ll have in place before you welcome one into your home.
Ensure food is put out daily at a specific time, and provide the cat with areas where they are welcome. As long as you get it right, your cat will show you what they prefer!
You should do the same with any pet you have so that they are aware of the regularity of their feeding schedules and can plan accordingly. It’s a good idea to follow your vet’s recommendations when it comes to feeding your cat.
10. Research the vets around
Before adopting, it’s a good idea to build contact with a veterinarian near you. Ask ahead of time about the vaccination and preventative treatment regimen, as well as the expected expenses of any relevant exams and treatments.
Get a cat from a shelter and make sure it is seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Your adopted cat may be infected with parasites or have other health issues that need to be addressed right away.
Give your cat some time to adjust to its new surroundings if you have one. Depending on the basic vaccination plan, expect your cat to require an annual veterinary inspection and perhaps booster vaccinations after a year or every 3 years.
11. Grooming your cat
Cats are meticulous about their hygiene and will spend considerable time doing it. To avoid a lot of shedding, it is recommended that you regularly brush your cat. It also means that your cat is less likely to cough up hairballs as a result.
You’ll want to cut their nails frequently if you have a cat. It will keep your couches and rugs safe from accidental scratches and damage. If your kitten exhibits any symptoms, such as a runny nose or dirty ears, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Grooming difficulties such as a runny nose or itchy ears might indicate more serious health problems like an upper respiratory tract infection or ear mite infestation.
12. Cats and Children
There’s no better companion for your child than a house cat. With children in the family, it’s not as simple as trying to pick up a cat from the local animal shelter and take them home to play with. There are a few things to consider before adopting a cat with children to make sure the match is a good one.
While cats make fantastic playmates for kids, they must be handled gently or they may become wounded or lash out in self-defense. Some youngsters prefer to play more excitedly and energetically, therefore a cat may not be the greatest asset to their household.
Some cats are friendlier with children than others. When looking for your perfect cat, ask the rescue which cats are good with kids. In contrast, kittens are frequently hyperactive and live in their realm. While you may be tempted to get a kitten, an adult cat may be a better long-term friend for your youngster.
Final Words
In this article,12 Things to Consider Before Adopting a Cat, I have discussed almost every possible thing you’ll have to think about before adopting a cat. Remember that if you adopt an adult cat, he has a background.
It may take him a while to get over his past or his shelter-living stress. Do not anticipate your new cat to be a great feline friend in 24 hours.
Cat adoption is a special event in your life and I would advise you to deal with it patiently. Best of luck for taking such a great initiative. I hope that I have made the journey to find your furry friend a bit easier.
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