Are cats right for you?
Thinking about getting a cat for the first time in your life? Congratulations!
You probably like cats, but before you adopt your first kitten, ask yourself: “Do I really love cats? Am I a cat person? How can I find out? Ask yourself the following three questions that cat lovers are commonly identified with.
1. Do you understand cats?
One of the first steps in determining if you are a cat person is talking to other pet owners. Visit a few friends who have cats to get to know the different breeds and personalities of these graceful animals. Visiting friends who have cats is also a great way to check if you’re allergic to animals. If there is, don’t despair. Proper care and allergy medication can make living with a cat easier, but be sure to check with your doctor before making a final decision.
It’s a good idea to visit local animal shelters to find a suitable friend. The shelter will talk to you about the temperament, energy, social skills and personality of cats and kittens that are ready for adoption. You will also be able to play and communicate with animals, which will be invaluable help in the decision-making process.
Ask your friends important questions about what it’s like to have a cat. For example, ask them how much time it takes to take care of a furry beauty, what responsibilities they have with her presence in the house, and how much money they spend on her food, accessories, and medical care every month.
It must be remembered that although cats are wonderful pets, they are also very pronounced individualists. They may not be the most affectionate creatures to bond with, and it’s important to understand this before you bring your cat home. A lot of patience and understanding of your cat’s temperament will help you get along better with her and not get frustrated by her occasional aloofness.
2. Do you have funds?
Your financial situation should allow you to support a kitten. In addition to the basics like food, bowl, litter box, toys, tag collar and veterinary checkups, there are other costs to consider, Vetstreet points out: consider paying for regular veterinary care, an emergency budget, and the cost of insurance if you decide to purchase one.” Find out the cost of such services in your area for more competent preparation of the family budget.
A pet requires not only financial but also emotional investment.
If you are a frequent traveler or constantly busy, even if you are at home, then you may not be ready to have a pet. Petcha explains that although cats are good at entertaining themselves during the day, they still occasionally get bored and lonely, feeling separated and stressed if their owners are often and/or long absences. To a certain extent, cats are self-sufficient animals (for example, you do not have to rush home at lunchtime to let them go outside to use the toilet), but you should not leave them alone for a long time.
Living with a cat also requires extreme patience and understanding. Whether you bring home a kitten or an adult cat, you will inevitably have to face an adjustment period during which you will get to know each other’s temperament, habits and preferences. Sometimes cats do weird things, like running around the room for no reason or staring at the same spot on the wall for a long time, but don’t worry, this is completely normal for them.
Cat owners also have to deal with various unpleasant phenomena and activities, and you should ask yourself if you are ready for this. Tray cleaning, occasional scratches, early morning meows, and gifts of dead mice are just some of them. In doing so, you must give the cat love and affection even in the most difficult times.
Another thing to be clear about to make sure you’re a cat person is your willingness to share your stuff because your new furry housemate will take over your couch, your favorite chair and your bed. These things will no longer be only yours! You may even have to rearrange to welcome your four-legged friend into your home. Remember that cats need things like a bed, a scratching post, a cat tree, and more, all of which require space.
And since the cat will make your home his own, you must create a safe space for her. Examine your home through a cat’s eyes for potential hazards, including loose cables and wires, poisonous plants and flowers, fragile items, and objects that can create a choking risk, such as rope, ribbons, buttons, and coins. Preparing your home for a pet is a lot like keeping your baby safe at home, and by the way, if you have kids, it’s important to teach them how to interact safely with a cat.
Perhaps the most important question you should ask yourself is, “Am I aware of the long-term intention of this?” Cats can live up to 20 years or more and you will be their world. Your furry friend relies on you to keep him healthy, safe and happy.
If you answered “yes” to these three questions, then you are definitely a cat person! We wish you and your future furry friend all the very best.
