Table of Contents
Introduction
Caring for an animal is a big responsibility. That’s why you need to be sure that adopting a cat is the right decision for your family. Before you bring home your new feline, there are some important questions you should ask yourself to ensure that this family member lives a long, healthy life with you and yours.
Is your cat going to be an indoor or outdoor cat?
If you are planning on keeping your cat indoors, the chances of them getting injured or lost are lower. However, indoor cats may be at a higher risk of developing allergies due to their lack of exposure to pollen and fleas.
On the other hand, if your cat is going to be an outdoor cat, they will be more likely to get injured and develop parasites but less likely to develop allergies as they don’t spend as much time indoors.
Do you want a long-haired vs. short-haired cat?
Long-haired cats, while they may look like a fluffy bundle of cuteness, are actually more likely to get matted hair and need more grooming. If you have long-haired cats, you will need to brush them at least once a week to prevent matting and keep their coats looking healthy.
Short-haired cats are also an option if you want an easy-care cat. These little guys don’t require as much brushing as their longhaired counterparts but they still benefit from regular brushing sessions in order to keep their fur from getting too tangled or dirty (and since short haired breeds don’t shed nearly as much as some long haired types).
What gender of cat do you want?
It’s important to know if you want a male cat or a female cat because each gender has its own attributes and its own personality. Male cats are more affectionate, but they also tend to be territorial and aggressive; female cats are more independent, but they’re also better at parenting and hunting.
If you want a cat that is affectionate, then the best option would be to adopt a male cat. Male cats will love spending time with their owners and cuddle up on your lap whenever possible! If you don’t mind an independent cat who doesn’t need much attention then adopting either gender of kitten (or even adult) should work just fine for your lifestyle – as long as there’s room in your home for another furry friend!
What kind of personality do you want in a cat?
The next thing you need to think about is what kind of personality you want in a cat. Do you want an outgoing, friendly cat or one who is quiet and reserved? Do you want a playful, high-energy kitty or one that is content to just spend time with their human companion? Or maybe it’s more of a love-the-moment type situation.
When thinking about these things it’s important to keep in mind that cats are individuals with unique personalities just like people. While there may be some generalizations that can be made about cats based on their breed, every individual will have its own unique likes and dislikes as well as strengths and weaknesses. In other words, while most Siamese tend to be more vocal than other breeds, not every Siamese will behave the same way!
What budget should I consider?
You can adopt a cat for as little as $50 or spend up to $10,000 on a purebred cat. However, the average price of adopting a healthy kitten is between $300-$800 depending on its age and breed.
If you’re looking to find your new feline friend through adoption or shelters/rescues, there are many different types of cats and kittens available: purebreds (the most expensive), mixed breeds (the least expensive), kittens (the youngest), seniors (older cats), etc.
Adopting a family member is a big decision, and it’s important you take these questions into account.
Adopting a cat is a big decision, and it’s important you take these questions into account. The answers to these five questions will help you determine if adopting a cat is right for you.
For example:
- How many people are in your household? If the answer is more than one person, then having two cats might be ideal since they can keep each other company while you’re away at work or running errands. Also, they’ll keep each other entertained when no one else is around.
- Will your new kitty have enough space to roam around? A house with multiple rooms allows more room for playtime and exploration than an apartment or condo where all the furniture takes up most of the floorspace (which most cats don’t like).
Conclusion
Adopting a cat is a big decision, and it’s important that you take these questions into account. A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself: “Am I ready for the responsibility of caring for another living being?” If so, then go for it! You’ll be sure to make happy memories with your new furry friend.