Are you considering adopting a cat? Being a pet parent is a ton of fun. You get a little furry friend who will play and snuggle with you. However, you must also realize that caring for a cat is a lot of work.
You’ll need to consider several factors before becoming a cat parent. So, before the catnap, here’s everything you’ll need to consider before welcoming a new family member.
1. Long-Term Commitment
First, it’s essential to realize that cats are a commitment. They can live for 13 to 17 years, sometimes even longer.
You must consider whether you can care for a pet for the next 15 years. You’ll be responsible for this cat throughout the rest of their life. That’s quite the commitment!
Cats must go to vet appointments to ensure they’re healthy and have updated shots. If you don’t think you can reliably bring them to these appointments, then waiting to adopt a cat would be a good idea.
Many people don’t realize how much of a commitment cats are. You’ll want to consider how prepared you are to care for a pet for the next several years. You can check out websites like catloverstyle.com to know more about cats in detail.
2. Cats Need Daily Care
Cats don’t need as much attention as other animals, like dogs. However, they require daily care, and you’ll dedicate time to their health and well-being.
For example, cats need plenty of exercise and playtime. You’ll want to play with your cat for about 20 to 60 minutes daily. It’s best to split the playtime up into multiple shorter segments. Doing so gives your fuzzy friend enough exercise and social interaction. Plus, your cat will love you for it!
Cats need regular feeding and grooming. You’ll also have to ensure you have enough time to keep their litter box clean.
So, even though cats are viewed as low-maintenance pets, you still need to ensure you can give them the daily care they require. If you’re confident you can do that, you will surely be an excellent pet parent. It would be a good idea to wait if you don’t think you can invest enough time in caring for your cat.
3. Allergies Can Be an Issue
Next, you’ll want to consider whether anyone in your household has cat allergies. These allergies are common and can cause complications for many people.
Those with less severe allergies can still happily live with a cat. It’s possible to build up an immunity to cat allergies, but it would be best to be tested by a doctor.
You could also lessen allergic reactions by choosing a cat with shorter or no hair. Cats with less hair shed less, so there’s less dander, which causes allergic reactions, loose in the home.
In short, you want to ensure that you and anyone else living with you don’t have an allergy before adopting a cat. These allergies can cause watery eyes, sore throats, and running noses, which can be exhausting when dealing with them daily.
4. They Need a Lot of Space
Even though cats are small animals, they still need a lot of living space. You don’t want your pet to feel cramped, or they’ll become anxious. Cats love to have room to run, play, and explore, so make sure you can give it to them.
Generally, a 300-square-foot apartment can be big enough for cats to feel comfortable. This amount of space lets cats eat in peace and have space to wander. You can put their litter box away from the main rooms, too.
5. You’ll Need a Budget
Next, you’ll need to be comfortable paying for several cat expenses. Cats need to go to vet appointments. They’ll also need money for food, cat litter, grooming, and toys. Some pet parents also choose to get pet insurance for their cats.
The first year of having your cat will be the most expensive since you’ll need to go to more appointments and buy more cat supplies. Rover estimates that the average cat parent spends between $325 and $1,600 on these expenses.
You’ll want to make sure that you’re aware of these costs beforehand. Many people jump into owning a cat without realizing how much it can cost. You’ll want to set up a budget to give your new family member a comfortable life.
6. Check in With Your Lifestyle
Considering how your lifestyle will work with a cat in the house is a good idea. Cats thrive on a consistent routine. They want to be fed at the exact times and tend to have bursts of energy when they want to play at similar times every day.
If you have busy, unpredictable days, especially if you must travel often, your lifestyle might not be a good fit for a cat.
You’ll also want to consider your social life. If you have people over a lot, you’ll want to ensure your cat is comfortable with them. Some cats are more social and appreciate being around many new people. Other cats hide and feel stressed, which can be harmful if it happens constantly.
Lastly, think about your plans for the future. Are you planning on moving or switching jobs? Knowing that your cat will also be comfortable with your upcoming lifestyle changes is essential. You can always talk with a vet if you’re unsure whether a cat fits your lifestyle.
7. Check Whether Your Home is Cat-Friendly
Finally, think about whether or not your home is cat-friendly. Not every place will allow dogs, cats, or some other pets. Plus, you want to ensure your space is safe for the cat.
Remove any items that could be dangerous to them, such as toxic plants and chemicals. You should walk through your home and check for hazardous objects before bringing the cat home.
Become a Cat Parent Today!
You’ve already shown you’re responsible enough to care for a cat by considering what they need beforehand. Use the above considerations to decide whether a cat will fit in with your lifestyle well or not.
