Here are 10 things you can do to set yourself up to be the best cat parent you can be:
1. Assess your lifestyle.
OK friend. Time to take a hard look at your schedule, travel habits, social life, work responsibilities, and lifestyle in general. Do you have time for a cat? Will they get the loves and attentions they needs? Do you have someone to watch your loved one while you are away? Be honest with yourself when considering pet ownership, your cat deserves nothing less!
2. Do your research.
Yes, now is the time for Google. Find out as much as you can about what owning a cat means and what to consider before bringing one home.
3. Check with your landlord
Rent? It is best to check with your landlord if he or she is okay with you bringing a cat into their home. Better find out now, before you're responsible for a cat's life and risk losing your deposit -- or being forced to give up your pet.
4. Plan for emergencies
You never know when emergencies might happen. Make sure you always have enough cat food and supplies at home for about a week in case an emergency makes it impossible to go to the store. It's also a good idea to keep the phone numbers of your regular and emergency vets in an accessible place, e.g. B. on your fridge and the "In case of emergency" section on your phone.
5. Make sure everyone you live with is on board
Before you bring a cat home, make sure that every single person who lives with you is enthusiastic about it - and definitely not allergic to cats. Set clear expectations about who will be doing which aspects of the cat's care so that there is no tension or argument over who is doing what.
6. Go to the vet
Yes, see a good vet before even bringing the cat home! Whether you go from personal recommendations or online reviews, make sure you find a veterinarian within a reasonable driving distance that you like and make an appointment for an initial checkup within a few days of adoption.
7. Make spay/neuter plans
Cat overpopulation is a HUGE problem and results in poor kittens being euthanized in shelters every day. So make sure you spay or spay your cat as soon as possible if it hasn't already been treated.
8. Get your supplies and cat-proof your home
It's time to cat-proof your home. Make sure any live plants you have in your home are nontoxic to cats, and keep all cleaning supplies, grooming products, and medications out of reach. You also need to make sure you have all the necessary supplies to provide your kitty with a good, healthy life.
9. Fit your cat into your budget
Newsflash: Keeping pets can be expensive! Before adopting, consider the costs of regular vet visits, pet insurance, food, supplies, and emergency items like medication and trips to the emergency room in case your cat gets sick. If you can not afford these things, you can not afford a cat!
10. Prepare for LOTS of love!
Cats have a lot of love to give, so prepare to enter a whole new world of love, affection, and cuddles that comes with pet training. There is nothing better!