Six Things to Consider Before Getting a Cat

Cat ownership involves more then providing dry cat food and clean litter. Often, people go out and get a cat with out considering the long term commitment they are making or the financial aspect of providing excellent care for the cat. Many people actual get a cat for their kids because they feel cat ownership is cheaper then dog ownership. Society values cats less then dogs and cats are often thought as disposable pets. Here are six things to consider before getting a cat.

Cats Require More then Dry Food and Clean Litter

Sure, you may think it would be less expensive to get your kids a cat instead of a dog. In reality, the cost of care is about the same. Your cat will need to receive vaccinations and yearly checkups at a veterinary's office. You also need to spade or neuter your cat to avoid unwanted kittens. You will also need to consider the out of pocket costs of litter pans, food dishes, and toys. Do not get a cat just because you think it will cost less.

Cats Can Live for 20 Years

Cats can live to reach 20; think about that fact. Are you prepared to sift through cat litter daily for twenty years? Do not get a cat if you are not prepared to. It is a long term commitment when you add a cat to your family. You can not in good conscious just get rid of it when your kids grow tired of it. As cats age, they require more veterinary care. Often people run out and get a cat only to abandon it a year later on the street or at a pet shelter. This is irresponsible and cruel. Cats are just as valuable as any other living creature and are not disposable pets. If your kids have short attention spans, get them a hamster. Hamsters only live two or three years.

Consider Your Lifestyle

Will having a cat in the house fit your lifestyle? While cats do not demand the constant attention to the same degree as dogs, they do need quality time with people to be happy. Just because cats do not need to have daily walks does not mean you can leave them home alone for more then a day. Are you able to deal with the cat litter and the cleaning it requires? Cats can cause damage to furniture by scratching it. They leave cat hair near every where they go. Think about how owning a cat will change things before getting one. Some friends and family members might refuse to enter your house once you get a cat.

Children and Pets

If you have children or other pets in the house, you must consider whether or not it will be safe to introduce a cat to the household. If your kids are young, they may pull and squeeze the cat and hurt it. Cats will bite when they are scared or being hurt. If you have a bird, you will need to take precautions to keep a cat from harming it. If you have a dog, you need to make sure your dog doesn't hurt the cat. If your children are not old enough to handle a pet, do not get one until they are. You do not want to be at an emergency pet hospital trying to explain why a kitten got thrown across the room by your three year old son or daughter.

Where You Live

If you own your own home, you don't have to worry about this one. If you rent, you must consider the consequence of getting a cat. It is legal for land lords to discriminate against families with pets. It is much harder to find an apartment or a house for rent that will permit you to have a cat. When you do find a place that will let you have a cat, be prepared to shell out a big non-refundable pet fee and monthly pet rent. When you move, you will not get your deposit back even if there was no real damage. If you get a cat and your land lord doesn't approve of it, you can get evicted for it. You do not want to sneak a cat in and then face eviction.

What Type of Cat

There are many types of cats to choose from. There are long hair cat that require daily brushing to prevent mange and knots. There are short hair cats that require only weekly grooming. Siamese cats are known for being verbal. Persian cats are known for being fickle. The choices are endless.

Also consider whether you want a kitten or an adult cat. Kittens tend to require much more attention and due to their playful nature get into more trouble. Adult cats are usually less destructive then kittens. You may want to go to local pet shelter to find out what type of cat will fit your lifestyle. When you get a cat from a shelter, you save a life. They have already received their first vaccinations and are spade or neutered before you take them home. They have kittens as well as adult cats to choose from.

Adding a cat to your family is rewarding. Just make sure you know what you are getting into and make sure you can handle the long term commitment you are making to your new pet. Never get a cat or a pet on a whim without considering the consequence of the new responsibility. Cats need much more then dry food and litter just remember that.