Before adopting a cat you should not only think about your desire to save a cat from the street or to buy a purebred one. Adopting a cat is a commitment that involves more than just the joy of having a pet. It is very important to evaluate your lifestyle, availability and financial resources before taking this step. A cat needs a safe environment, adequate food, regular veterinary check-ups and, above all, affection and attention.
Additionally, it's important to educate yourself about the responsibilities and potential challenges that come with living with a cat. From protecting your home against minor accidents, to managing specific behaviors, to planning for vacation periods, these are all things to consider. Adopting a cat is not only an act of love, but also one of responsibility that will transform your life in a unique way.
I can say from experience that the schedule for many vacations has been changed because of the two cats we have in the house. Either health issues came up and we had to cancel going on vacation, or we couldn't plan to go away for several days because you can't leave the cats alone at home for any length of time. An article in this regard that I recommend to you before adopting a cat is: “How long can we leave the cat alone at home? Are you going on vacation?“
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What you need to know before adopting a cat into your home
As I said before, adopting a cat is a serious commitment that involves responsibility, patience and dedication. It's not enough to want a cat, you have to make sure you can give it all the conditions to be happy and healthy. The decision to bring a cat into your life is influenced by your lifestyle, the environment you live in, and the financial and material resources you have available.
Here's what you need to consider to make sure this step is a well-thought-out one.
1. The time and attention you can give them.
Even though cats are considered more independent than dogs, they need attention, care and regular interaction. Even if the cat does not need to be taken out for a walk two or three times a day, it needs a lot of your attention and implicitly some time dedicated to it. A kitten, for example, will require more supervision, training and feeding at regular intervals than an adult cat. You will also need to invest time in socializing him, especially in the first few weeks, to help him become a balanced and well-adjusted cat. If you work a lot or spend a lot of time away, think about how you will ensure the well-being of the cat in your absence. What will the cat do if it stays alone in the house for 10 hours a day, 5-6 days a week?
Some time ago I wrote an article that will help you understand better how long you can leave the cat alone at home and what you need to take into account.
2. Living space and adaptation of the house.
Before adopting a cat, you should consider that these felines are curious explorers and need a safe environment. If you live in a small apartment, you will need to create areas for playing, climbing and resting. Be sure to remove electrical cords, chemicals, or toxic plants that may endanger the cat's safety. Give him access to a litter box in a quiet place, and the feeding area should be separate from the toilet area. If you have a home with a yard, you need to take steps to prevent it from wandering off or being exposed to outside hazards.
Useful articles to read before adopting a cat:
- What dangers threatens your cat when it is alone at home
- Christmas plants poisonous to cats
- Toxic Essential Oils for Cats (doTERRA Top 5)
- What are toxic (poisonous) and non-toxic plants for cats?
3. The financial resources needed to adopt a cat.
Keeping a cat involves a number of costs, from quality food and regular vet checks to vaccinations, deworming and possibly neutering. In addition, you need to consider the purchase of accessories such as litter, bowls, toys and a play set. Pet medical insurance or keeping some cash can be a good idea to be prepared in case of unforeseen health issues.
4. Compatibility with your lifestyle before adopting a cat.
Before adopting a cat, ask yourself if your lifestyle is suitable for such a companion. Do you have small children or other pets? Some cats can be more patient and sociable, while others prefer quiet and routine. Do you travel often? In this case, you will need to make sure that there is someone to care for the cat in your absence.
From personal experience, I can say for sure that this really is a problem when we schedule our vacations. There has to be someone who can visit the cats regularly or even stay with them while we are away from home. It is not recommended to leave the cat alone at home for more than one night. Anything can happen, and we detailed our (unpleasant) experience in the article: "How long can we leave the cat alone at home? Are you going on vacation?“.
5. The right type of cat for you
Not all cats have the same characteristics and temperament. Whether you choose a kitten or an adult cat, pedigreed or not, each option comes with different challenges and benefits. Adult cats are usually calmer and more predictable, while kittens require more attention to train. If you choose a cat from a shelter, it may take a longer adjustment period, especially if the animal has been through traumatic experiences.
Also, most of the time, temperament also depends on cat breed. Some breeds are more sociable and easily adaptable to new environments, while other breeds need more time to adapt. It is recommended that you look for the breed of cat that fits your lifestyle, unless you are adopting a cat from the street or a shelter (which we encourage).
Conclusion
Adopting a cat is a decision that can bring you a lot of joy, but also a long-term responsibility. The life expectancy of cats is between 14 and 20 years. Carefully consider all aspects of care, time, space and financial resources available to you. With the right training, you will be able to provide your cat with a safe and loving environment, and your relationship will be a beautiful and rewarding one.
