For cat lovers who want to open their home to their first cat or even their second or third, it seems like an easy decision to head over to a cat rescue or breeder to adopt a cat furbaby. The idea of getting a cat is exciting. What cat lover doesn’t want to have another family member and feline best friend? However, before bringing a kitten, adult cat, or senior cat into your home there are factors to consider. In this article, we go over what to know before bringing home a cat.
What to Know Before Adopting a Cat
The first thing anyone looking to adopt a cat needs to consider is that they are a long-term commitment. Cats live anywhere between 15-20 years, on average. If you are someone who will be traveling a lot or may be moving around a lot, a cat may not be a good fit, because cats need someone to be home with them to care for them and usually do not like moving around. In addition to time and living situation, another important consideration is your financial capability to care for a cat. Cats have recurrent costs, between food, treats, routine medical care, toys, accessories, and perhaps, medication.
Special Needs Cats
Not only are there cats of different breeds, sizes, and ages, but there are also special needs cats who need a home. Depending on your time, financial situation, and home life, you may be better suited for a kitten, an older cat, or a cat that has high-demand needs. Not everyone is capable of caring for a senior cat or a special needs cat, and that’s ok. Special needs cats require frequent vet visits, medication, physical care, and home accommodations.
Some examples of cats with special needs to be aware of are:
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV+) Cats
- Feline Leukemia (FeLV+)
- Physically disabled
- Sight Impaired
The Right Fit
Most people will look to adopt a healthy cat, but cats are not all the same. Cats have varying personalities, energy, sizes, and temperaments. Before heading over to pick up a kitty, consider your home setting. Do you live by yourself? Do you have children? Are there other pets living in your home? All of this is important information you should have front of mind as you learn about the personalities of the cats available for adoption. Some cats are skittish and afraid of children or dogs. Bringing home a cat that isn’t a right fit is unfair to the cat and the other people and animals already living in your home.
While cats don’t vary as much in size as dogs, they still vary in weight from about 4 pounds to 20 pounds. Examples of smaller cats are Burmese, Siamese, and Munchkin cats. Medium-sized cat examples include the American Short Hair, Scottish, and Sphynx. Lastly, some examples of large cats are the Maine Coon, Siberians, and Norwegian Forest cats. Once you’ve decided having a cat is a good fit for you, spend time with the cats available for adoption to see if you have a connection.