If you have been thinking about adopting a cat for some time, and now you have seen the perfect one, are you ready to make the move and bring the cat into your home? A pet is for keeps. You should not think that you can just get rid of it after a few weeks. That is not fair on the cat. If you are not 100% sure you should not go ahead. Someone else might be ready to give the cat a loving home, and they deserve that chance.
Is Your Family Ready For A Cat?
If you have young children, perhaps under 6, experts recommend that you wait a while before adopting a cat. Kittens particularly might look like a bundle of fur but they have sharp teeth and claws, If a young child pulls at them when they do not want to play, they will not hesitate to scratch or nip as a form of self-protection.
Is anyone in your household allergic to cats? If they is, steer clear of one as the allergies might get worse and then the cat will not be able to stay.
Are you prepared for some damage to your furniture? Not all cats do this, but some will scratch at wooden table legs, or play with frill on sofas and cushions. There is no way of knowing which cats will behave in this way, but you can be prepared by having a scratching pole for them to claw at instead. These are readily available in most good pet stores.
Can You Afford A Cat?
You may be thinking that it cannot cost much to care for a cat. After all, what do they need? Some food and water and maybe an occasional treat of some fresh salmon or chicken.
There is much more to the cost of owning a cat than that. They need their own bed, a litter tray, brush and should have some toys of their own as well. Those are usually one-off costs though. What you do need to consider are the vet’s costs. They need regular medical check-ups and you’ll need to factor in the annual cat vaccination cost, and there will be the cost of vaccinations as well. They may never become ill, but if they do you could incur extra vet costs.
Some pet owners take out insurance in case they encounter problems like these, but you need to ensure that you can afford to do that before adopting a cat.
Do Cat’s Make Good Pets?
Cats are independent animals. A cat does not need as much attention as a dog, and they are easier to leave on their own for an hour or two. They will not show the same loyalty as a dog, but they will be just as loving and will bond with you. They love to curl up on your lap or next to you and can be really good companions. So yes, cats do make good pets. You just need to make sure you are ready to bring one into your home before seeking one to adopt.
If you do bring a kitty back home with you, chances are you won’t regret it and you’ll have a friend for life!
