A Cat Lover’s Guide To Owning A Cat: Everything You Need To Know
A Cat Lover’s Guide To Owning A Cat
Cats are entertaining and rewarding in ways no other pet can be. A cat will provide a wonderful 4 legged companion and will help reduce stress by being a great source of laughs and entertainment. Cats can also be good fur friend to snuggle with.
Many people think cats are less work to own than dogs and to an extent, this can be true. Owning a cat is still a big commitment of both time and money. This guide will help you understand the basics of owning a cat and help you decide if you are ready to make the decision to bring a cat into your life.
Questions To Ask Yourself Before Getting a Cat
Do I have enough time for a cat?
Most cats do not demand a lot of time however they still cannot be left alone for long periods of time. Cats like having you around and being able to interact with you. If cats are left alone for too long they will get bored/lonely and find ways to occupy themselves – scratching up the furniture, knocking things off counters/shelves, peeing on carpet/floors. These types of behavior are easy to avoid as long as you make sure to spend enough quality time with your cat.
You’ll want to take time to think about your lifestyle to see if you really can accommodate a pet.
- How often are you home
- Do you travel regularly and for long periods of time
- Are you about to make major life changes – getting married, having a child etc
- Do you have any health issues that could become worst
- Long-term commitment cats can live up to 20 years.
Cost Of Owning A Cat
If you adopt a cat from an animal shelter or rescue organization, you’ll likely have to pay an adoption fee. Cats from shelters/rescues are usually already neutered/spayed and vaccinated. Kittens and cats from neighbors or friends often have not been neutered/spayed and vaccinated.
One time expenses
- Adoption cost
- Bowls
- Beds
- Crate
- Microchip
- Litter box ( these need to be changed out every few years)
- Catio
Recurring Costs
- Food – I prefer raw food for cats
- Litter
- Toys
- Scratching posts
- Cat tree
- Annual exams with the vet
- Pet sitter
- Grooming
- Dental costs
Optional Expenses
- Pet Insurance
- Cleaning Fees
- Pet fees when renting
- Heating pad – cats like warmth
Remember to factor in your budget any unexpected vet visits for health issues that pop up randomly, as well as other essentials like toys, beds, and a crate.
Time Commitment Of Owning A Cat
You have the time to exercise your cat. Yes, cats do need exercise too. Cats can be trained to walk with a harness and leash which can be a lot of fun. You can also get toys like laser pointers, climbing trees, paper bags with handles removed, wands, make a catio, and of course, have scratching posts.
Keeping your cat mentally and physically active will not only keep them healthy and happy but can help you avoid potential behavioral problems that stem from boredom or loneliness. Plan to spend at least 20 minutes a day 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes in the evening giving your cat your undivided attention for some quality playtime.
Here are 7 games you can play with your cat.
Should You Get a Kitten or an Adult Cat
Kitten
- No bad habits yet
- Need a lot of attention
- Need constant supervision
- get lonely quickly
- Will require training -litter box, not to bite, not to scratch, etc
- Very cute
Cat
- Litter box trained most likely
- Cleaner overall
- No teething stage
- Personality is established so you know what you’re getting
- Calmer
- Adults have a harder time getting adopted you’d be saving a life
Should You Buy Or Adopt A Cat?
Unlike dogs, the majority of cats are mixed breeds. However, there are around 40 different breeds in the U.S today each with its own set of traits. If you want a purebred cat, then you’ll probably want to buy one from a breeder. If you decide to get a cat from a breeder make sure your cat has come from a reputable breeder.
Why You Should Adopt
Here are a few reasons why I think adopting is the best way to get a kitten or cat
- Costs are relatively low
- Vaccinations are included in the adoption fee
- Worming is included in the adoption fee
- They have already been microchipped
- Complimentary exam with a local vet
- Many colors and types to choose from
- You’re saving a life
When Should You Bring Your Cat Home
It’s best to bring your new cat home when you don’t have a lot going on in your home. If you have a few days to stay home even better. This will ensure a smooth and comfortable transition for your new cat. Once your cat has adjusted to the new environment then you can start introducing new friends/family, experiences etc. Just make sure your cat has time to adjust and doesn’t get too overwhelmed.
Preparing Your Home For A Cat
Preparing your home for a cat takes a little time and planning. All cats are different in terms of personality and temperament, but many cats do like to climb, explore, and get into things they probably shouldn’t! It’s worth it to take a bit of time to make your home pet-friendly, and specifically cat-friendly.
Is Your Home Safe For A Cat
Consider your cat regardless of age to be a new baby. You’ll need to make sure your home is cat-proof.
- Do you have any poisonous houseplants
- Where are your electrical cords located
- Put away any chemicals
- Any holes like a vent that a cat could climb in
- Cats like to climb make sure the surfaces are safe
- Do you have any food out on the counters
- Keep anything with strings put away – wand toys, ribbons – they can cause strangulation and death
- Plastic bags can lead to suffocation
- Be cautious with reclining chairs
- Use a breakaway collar if you use one
Keep in mind that cats are excellent climbers and jumpers, so placing items on a shelf or table won’t necessarily mean it’s out of reach.
Do You Have Room For Your Cat’s Supplies?
Do you have room in your home for your cats’ trees, scratchers, toys, and other supplies?
Finding A Cat Sitter For Your Cat
Pet professionals can also help you to provide excellent care for your cats. You will want to find a cat sitter to care for your cat and check on him and her while you’re at work during the day, or if you leave for a few days on a trip.
Most cats don’t need trainers, but if any behavioral problems arise, they can be a big help in working through issues. You’ll want to budget for routine vet visits, and you’ll want to have a good working relationship with your vet. Depending on your cat’s coat, a groomer can help keep your long-haired cat looking beautiful and healthy.
How Your Cat Will Change Your Life
Owning a cat will require time, money, and energy on your part, but it will truly change your life for the better.
Pros And Cons Of Owning A Cat
Cons:
- Freedom – Cats can live from 12-18 years
- Time commitment – you’ll have spend time with your cat.
- Many people underestimate the cost of having a cat
- Litter box cleaning
- You’ll need to make your home cat friendly
- Cats can shed like crazy
Pros:
- Cats can provide great company
- A cat can reduce overall stress level
- Make you laugh daily
- Provide joy on a daily basis
- Their purr is very calming
- You’ll be shown, endless love
- You’ll get lots of snuggles
- Very entertaining with their playfulness
- Giving a homeless cat a loving happy home.
- Will change your life for the better