“One day you are in a crate, third from left, bottom row, and the next day, you are on top of the world!” Are you thinking about adopting a cat or in the process of doing so? Congratulations! What a great idea! You are headed for some amazing times, but before you begin that journey, we decided, along with some help from petfinder.com, to compile a checklist of sorts for you to consult so you can easily navigate the adoption process and be prepared to bring your new friend home to begin the bonding process.
First of all, there are a few questions you should consider before adopting your cat: Do you have other pets? Is your residence suited to the cat you are adopting? How will this adoption affect your work and social obligations? Do others with whom you might live have any objections to getting a cat? Do you or does anyone in your home have health issues that could be exacerbated by the presence of a cat? Is there any sort of stress or tension in your home that a cat could pick up on an ultimately aggravate certain health problems in him? Also, who has agreed to be the primary caretake of the cat?
There are several other questions that might arise, but those should offer good talking points. You also have to consider your ability in terms of time and patience to care for a cat. Consider your current lifestyle. Do you think it is better suited for a younger cat or an older one? Do you see this cat as simply an easy-going buddy or are you willing to put in the work to train him? Are you okay with a cat that might be clingy, or do you prefer one who is a bit more independent?
Then there are the costs involved. You will most likely incur an adoption fee from the agency from which you acquire the cat. You may also have to pay to have your cat neutered or spayed and then you will have the routine costs of food, veterinary care, licensing, collars, IDs, litter and box, grooming equipment and supplies, a microchip, a bed and some toys…and that is just for starters. The list goes on but bear in mind you will have costs throughout the lifetime of owning your cat. Are you and your budget prepared for those?
Then you should look at the investment of time when it comes to owning a cat. A cat does need to be fed a couple of times a day and he requires a constant supply of fresh water. Are you prepared to stay on top of those requirements? Are you able to give at least one hour of direct attention to your cat on a daily basis? This may take place in the form of training, exercising, grooming and/or playing with your cat. Or, the two of you can just chill out on the couch together.
Certainly there are a host of other things to consider, but these should provide a starting point. Always remember, however, that despite the time, energy and financial costs associated with owning a cat, the return on the investment is immeasurable!
Written by Ann Butenas
An internationally-recognized author and writer, Ann began her professional writing career at age 12 and began speaking while in college. She has been published thousands of times over the past three decades in all media forms, was former editor and publisher of KC Metro Woman magazine, and has also hosted three talk radio shows in the Kansas City area.
