Cat Adoption Is A Great Option
I want to start off by saying, even if you are only considering cat adoption, you’re making a freat decision. Adopting a cat from a shelter or rescue organization is often a more ethical and rewarding choice than buying from a breeder. By adopting, you’re giving a homeless animal a second chance at a loving home. Shelters are often overcrowded, and cat adoption helps reduce the number of animals euthanized.
Consider This Before You Adopt a Cat
Are you considering cat adoption? According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 32.1% of U.S. households own at least one cat. That’s not for no reason! Studies that show that cats may improve your quality of life by reducing stress and promotiong better overall well-being.
As great as that sounds, cat adoption is not a decision to be made lightly. Keep reading to find out the 3 most important things you should know before becoming a new cat owner.
Watch a video summary of this post below.
1. Your cat will destroy your belongings.
Cats are built for destruction. This may seem like an obvious point, but it’s important to be aware of before you adopt a cat. Having realistic expectations of life with a cat in your home will help you decide if the commitment is right for you.
Imagine scratched furniture, broken dishes and overturned trashcans. If this makes you uncomfortable, you may want to think a little longer about your decision. The level of destruction may vary depending on your cats’ personality, but it’s guaranteed to happen.
There are things you can buy to help limit damage but you’ll also need to adjust your routine. Quite often, bad cat behavior is caused by boredom or lack of exercise. This means you’ll need to dedicate some time to play with your cat as often as you can.
Even if you do everything you can to keep destructive behavior at bay, you will need to be prepared to make some sacrifices. A cat will be a cat no matter what, so you may still need to get rid of plants or hide away things that could be easily broken.
2. Vet Care Can Be Costly
You’ll probably be really excited once you’ve decided that you want to adopt a cat. All that excitement might cause you not to consider all of the costs involved. In addition to food, toys, litter boxes and other supplies, you’ll need to be prepared to pay vet bills.
Understandably, you might like to think your kitty will never end up at the vet’s office for anything other than the routine things. Maybe you’ve already budgeted for check-ups, vaccinations, and spaying or neutering. While that’s great, the cost of a unplanned vet visit can be shocking. Just one accident or illness can create a real financial burdern or leave you unable to get your kitty the care they need.
The days of shrugging off pet insurance are well behind us. Be prepared to get coverage as soon as (or before) you bring your new cat home. While it’s a great investment in the long-term, it’s another cost to be considered.
3. Cats Can Be Demanding
There’s a rumor that cats are low-maintenance compared to dogs. Every cat is different but, based on my experience, this is not necessarily true. Cats can be demanding, and you can double that if you’re bringing home a kitten.
Cats are known to sleep up to 16 hours a day but during their waking hours, it might feel hard to catch a break. Whether it’s wanting to play or to be fed or even just cuddles, you will likely be serving the needs of your feline overlord. In addition to responding to cat requests, you’ll need to stay on top of litterbox cleaning, nail trims, fur cleanup, and more.
If you want yo adopt a cat but only expect occasional interaction — think again. More likely, you will have a furry, four-legged shadow who seems to always want something. In addition, you’ll have a to-do list attached to maintaining your cat and your home.
Should you adopt a cat?
There’s something about cats that make a home seem incomplete without one. However, you must consider your tolerance for broken things, your ability to manger cat-related expenses and your desire to be a hands-on owner.
Personally, my decision to get a cat feels like one of my best. Living with a feline can be frustrating at times, but it’s so worth it. You’ll have a special bond with a furry friend who will always be by your side.
