Cats are among the most commonly found and beloved pets. Quite independent and autonomous, cats take up little space and can easily adapt to modern human lifestyles. In theory, they can be the perfect pet. In practice, there are a few aspects you should consider before bringing a cat into your family.
Not all cats have the same temperament
Contrary to popular belief, not all cats have the same temperament. Some are indeed independent, but certain breeds require much more attention from their human companions. In general, pedigree cats tend to be more attached to their owners, while common house cats need less attention.
Of course, if you decide to adopt an adult cat, it’s quite easy to figure out its temperament. However, if you opt for a kitten, you can help shape its attachment style according to your preferences.
Cats have specific basic needs
Before bringing a cat home, you will need the following:
- Special food for the type of cat you choose (adult vs. kitten)
- Bowls for food and water
- Litter box
- Toys
- Tools for grooming and coat maintenance
- A carrier or bag for transportation
- A scratching post
- Optionally, you can get your cat a comfortable bed and a cat tree for play.
Veterinary visits are essential and quite expensive
Since diseases and parasites from cats can easily be transmitted to humans, it is crucial for both the cat's health and your family’s safety to take your cat to the vet regularly. Vaccinations, deworming, and periodic checkups are not optional, but a necessity, and they can be quite costly.
Sterilization is crucial for your cat's and family's well-being
An unspayed or unneutered cat can be problematic for several reasons. First, even if it only stays indoors, it will go into heat at the appropriate time, whether male or female. When this happens, you’ll be dealing with a completely different cat. It will become noisy, its behavior will change, and in the case of male cats, it might mark its territory throughout the house, even if there are no other cats around. Furthermore, this behavior doesn’t only happen once a year—it happens periodically, and the only effective long-term solution is sterilization.
Sterilization is a simple procedure, and the chances of something going wrong during the surgery are minimal. However, the comfort and well-being of your cat will significantly increase after the procedure.
Choosing the right food can make a difference
Pay close attention to the food you choose because cats are carnivores and quite a picky species. The better the food, the higher the chances your cat will live a long and healthy life. For more information on choosing the best food for your cat, take a look at our article, How to Choose the Best Food for Your Cat.
Don’t forget about daily care
Cats need their litter box cleaned daily to avoid health issues and unpleasant situations where, lacking space, they might relieve themselves around the house. Additionally, it’s recommended to brush them daily to prevent them from swallowing hair and forming hairballs in their stomachs.
If you’ve gone through this list and still want to adopt a cat as a pet, make sure to thoroughly research each breed and consult a specialist before making the final decision.
