So before you adopt that rescue kitten or invest in a fancy Ragdoll, ask yourself this: Am I truly prepared for the responsibility? Let’s examine what actually needs to be thought through, uncovered and properly detailed to help you make a deliberate choice before bringing a cat home.
1. Are You Truly Familiar with Cat Behavior?
Cats are not antisocial or aloof creatures like many make them out to be. They simply prefer some less than others.
Here’s what to expect:
- Affection is on their terms. They might not want to be picked up. That’s not rejection it’s preference.
- They need Mental Stimulation. Without toys, interaction, or places to explore, cats get bored and destructive.
- Scratching is non-negotiable. Get a scratching post. Or several. It’s not bad Behavior it’s Normal Cat hygiene.
- They communicate subtly. Miss the tail flicks, ear turns, or stare-downs, and you’ll end up scratched.
2. Are You Getting a Kitten, Adult, Or Senior?
Every life stage provides a very different experience:
- A kitten’s life stage is the most chaotic. They climb curtains, chew on ankles, and seem to turn the house into their very own playground. They also require socialization, and Training to use the litter, and spay or neuter surgery.
- Adults are usually easier and more predictable to integrate. What’s done is done with their personality so for adults, you get exactly what you see.
- Seniors can require attention and void in being active but are usually very affectionate. They are often overlooked but seniors can be very good companions for medical households that prefer to be more inactive.
Important tip: Avoid trying to manage a kitten if it is your first cat.
3. Purebred or Rescue? Personality Over Pedigree
Some people easily get attracted to a purebred cat for their looks, Sphynx, Bengal, and Maine Coons, and Scottish Folds are popular too. This is totally fine as long as you’ve done enough research.
But do note these:
Breed specific issues often come as a package deal with purebreds. Folds come with joint issues and Persians are well known for respiratory issues. Another example tends to be a highly energetic breed such as a Bengal whose requirements are beyond the average person’s scale.
The most beautiful breed might not work well with your setup as these are all very different. The personality is also very different.
Cats and spaying also tend not to do well in shelters, and those that do often are deeply grateful and very unique with loads of character. They also help with the choice of the owner based on the temperament for the cat instead of just how they look.
4. Before Committing. Are You Ready for the Long-Term Investment?
Cats are not “beginner pets.” Cats have an above average lifespan, living anywhere from 15 to 20 years. They are equally as reliant on you as a dog.
This includes:
- Daily Care. Pets need to be cared for, fed, brushed (especially long-haired breeds) and engaged with during playtime. Fresh litter and water should be provided daily.
- Emotional Care. Cats require care and an owner to be present. Cats, just like humans, have the ability to grieve, feel lonely, bored and anxious.
- Medical Care. Cats require annual vet checkups, dental cleanups, and preventative care for parasites. They may need attention during emergencies.
While they have some independence, they are not “pick up and leave” pets and require long term investment and care.
5. What Is Your Everyday Life Like and How Does a Cat Fit In?
Let’s explore some lifestyle aspects:
Space
Cats do not require a yard, however, they do require vertical space.
Perches, trees, shelves, as well as window perches and hideouts are all crucial.
Kids
Cats are not always child friendly, not all kids are ready for cats.
Attentive kids, along with kids who are gentle and calm often do well with cats who like to be pets.
Rough and unpredictable older kids often result in angry cats and scratches.
Other Pets
This can be a tricky situation. Some dogs are prone to view cats as a target and a number of cats simply can’t stand dogs.
The same situation applies to cats. Most prefer to be the only ruler in their domain. If you are trying to adopt multiple cats, you will need a slowly strategic intro plan.
Traveling and Flexibility
Are you busy with back-to-back meetings and flights across different time zones or a packed schedule of last-minute travel? Just who is looking after your cat?
Cats might seem independent and low-maintenance, but they can’t fend for themselves when the litter box needs cleaning for two days.
6. Reality of the Litter Box
Let’s discuss the box. It’s the cat’s toilet but also the source of many behavioral problems.
Here are some rules you should consider:
- One box for each cat, plus an additional box.
- Daily scooping and a thorough cleaning every week.
- Discreet, low-traffic areas not adjacent to the food bowl or a busy laundry room.
- “Punishing” a cat for not using the box will result in missing the box is not an effective approach. It is often stress, illness, or poorly set up box related.
If you are not prepared to clean up after your cat daily, you are not ready to get a cat.
7. Do you or someone in your household is allergic?
Spending time with the pet for the first time should not be after you have adopted the pet. Especially for long-haired cats, spend time around them before committing.
No cat is truly hypoallergenic. Even the hairless Sphynx breed produces allergens.
8. Are You Emotionally Prepared To Be A Cat’s Caregiver?
Cats may seem aloof, but when they bond with you, it’s deep. They’ll follow you, sleep on you, meow at the door, stare at you while you brush your teeth.
They may not jump all over strangers, but they’ll greet you at the door. And when that connection forms, it’s powerful.
Abandoning that because “life gets too busy” isn’t fair, to the cat or your conscience.
Bottom Line: Make An Informed Decision
Ultimately, everyone has their own unique reasons for wanting to have a cat. What matters most, is “I gave this deep thought, and now I’m being considerate and prepared to share my life with an amazing animal.”
And yes, cats do require attention, care and affection, just like other animals. They are sensitive, charming, and possess an immense amount of humor, intellect and character. If you’ve worked through all the things to consider before getting a cat and still feel confident? You’re ready to meet your match.
Start your adoption journey with the Pawrpose App on Google Play or the App Store designed to connect you with rescues, guide your preparation, and support you every step of the way.
