There are many great reasons to introduce a cat into your home and your life. They are intelligent, affectionate animals that are relatively easy to take care of. Having a furry friend around the house can be a fantastic way of relieving stress. However, not everyone is suited to owning a cat, whether that’s due to their home environment, level of income, or the amount of time they have available to spend with their pet. Before you consider adopting a cat of your own, ask yourself the following questions.
Where Will You Get Your Cat?
A variety of places offer pet cats. Pet stores, private sellers, and adoption centers are just some of the available options. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
- Pet stores that sell cats can differ from each other greatly. How they acquire their animals and how well they are treated while under their care will depend on the store. Be careful not to endorse a pet store that mistreats its animals.
- Private sellers are another option that requires some research before your purchase. Cats and kittens from these tend to be expensive due to breed, which might mean that the seller has little concern for animal welfare and simply wants to make money.
- Adoption centers are the best place to find a pet cat. Animals that have been found without homes make excellent pets and are just as deserving of love and care as any purebred pet.
How Old Will Your Cat Be?
Consider the age of the cat you are willing to adopt. Kittens are a lot of fun, and adopting them at an early age gives you the opportunity to bond. They are also hard work and take a lot of time to raise. Older cats already have plenty of personality and will appreciate being adopted later in their lives. Whatever age your new cat might be, make sure to have them checked at EasyVet so that they are kept healthy and happy.
What Type of Cat Do You Want?
If you want a specific breed of cat, you will most likely need to find a breeder. If, however, you are happy with any breed of cat, adoption is a kinder and cheaper option. Mixed-breed cats tend to be healthier than their purebred counterparts, too.
Can You Afford It?
Cats require constant care, and this costs money. If you can’t afford the food and vet bills, you should wait until your finances change before bringing home a cat.
Do You Have the Space?
Is there enough space in your home for the cat? Although they are small animals, they still require room to roam and places to sleep. If you live near a busy road, you might want to consider keeping your cat indoors to protect it from cars. Most cats appreciate the opportunity to explore the outdoors, however, so if this isn’t possible, then perhaps you should rethink adopting a cat. You want to give it the best life, so make sure you’re in a position to do so.
