Terri Ramsey Beavers Are you planning to open up your home to a kitty?
Adopting a cat will fill your home with excitement and love. Adoption also offers a better life to an animal who needs a home.
But, it also comes with great responsibility. Read on to learn 5 important considerations before making this decision.
1. Time
Do you have the time to take on an extra family member? Though cats require less attention than other pets, they still come with needs.
Your new fur friend will need daily water and food and litter maintenance. Pet supplies like the collar activated cat feeder can help you save some time. You should also give them love and attention on a daily basis to keep them from turning destructive and antisocial.
Also, consider the amount of time it will take to vacuum your house regularly to keep it clean from the cat hair. Unless you get a hairless sphynx, they will shed. Siamese, Siberian, and Cornish Rex tend to shed much less than breeds like the American Bobtail or Maine Coons.
2. Expenses
Can you afford a cat?
Adopting a cat from the humane society costs next to nothing. But, you need to consider how much it takes to maintain a pet.
You need to pay for food, treats, litter, another cat products, Owning a cat may cost you between $200 and $700 each year.
This price could jump into the thousands if they get injured or fall ill. Do not take home a pet if you cannot afford everything they may potentially need.
3. Commitment
On average, cats live for 12-15 years. Some may even make it into their 20s!
When you adopt a fur friend, they adjust to your home and the people in it. They become comfortable and fall in love.
After years of keeping a pet, deciding you do not want the responsibility anymore can be devastating for a kitty. You must take into consideration the weight of the commitment before you take it on. Part of the commitment of owning a cat is playing with them every day. Make sure to buy or make a variety of toys to use for playtime. Rompicatz has some really good cat toys. For more information on these great toys – visit the Rompicatz by PetKi website!
4. Space
When adopting your cat, consider their energy level. High energy cats can make due in small spaces, but they may literally run up your walls and drive you insane. British Shorthairs and American Shorthairs tend to act a little more sluggish and maybe even enjoy smaller spaces.
5. Family Members
Who lives in your home makes a big difference for whether or not you adopt a pet and which cat you choose. For instance, if you get a rescue pet, pay close attention to if they get aggressive with children or shy away from a certain gender due to abuse.
Also, consider your family’s health. If a family member suffers from asthma or allergies, you may want to consider a hypoallergenic breed like an Oriental Shorthair, Siberian, Cornish Rex, Bengal, or Russian Blue. If the shelter does not know the breed, you may not want to adopt that particular cat.
Adopting a Cat Seems Purrr-fect
Do not think of these considerations as scare tactics. Just understand that taking on a pet requires a serious commitment to their wellbeing and yours.
If adopting a cat seems purrr-fect for your family, then enjoy adding more snuggles and love into your home. Read more pet info on our website!