Should I get a cat? Questions for potential cat parents

Considering becoming a first-time cat parent? It’s a huge, life changing decision which takes plenty of planning. If you’re on the fence deciding ‘Shoud I get a cat?’ here’s a few furry pearls of wisdom to chew over before you dive into the world of pet cat care.

Key takeaways

• You need to ask yourself a number of questions beyond ‘Should I get a cat’. Be honest - are you able to commit time for proper cat care every day for potentially up to 20 years? Can your finances handle this?
• If you have the right lifestyle and home to care for cats, there are loads of mental health benefits to becoming a cat parent, as well as improving your overall daily life.
• Always look to into adopting a cat before reaching out to reputable breeders - there are lots of cat abandoned or stray cats who desperately need a loving home.

Should I get a cat? Questions to ask yourself

Do I have time for a pet cat?

Many people assume cat care is easy - cats are independent, self-reliant creatures who only need a bit of food left out for them. Nope! When it comes to pet cat care there are no easy life hacks or cheat codes, pet people. The number one tip for all new cat owners: Caring for cats is a full-time responsibility.

Basic day-to-day cat care includes feeding, emptying and cleaning their litter box, grooming or brushing, playtime, socializing, allowing them inside and outside (if they’re an outdoor cat), multiple places to hide and numerous scratch posts. While some cats can be more independent that others, all kitties need plenty of time dedicated to their pet care to keep them healthy and happy.

Can I commit up to 20 years to care?

Did you know cats can live up to and beyond 20 years old? If you’re thinking over the question of ‘Should I get a cat’, this is definitely something to bear in mind. Along with their daily schedule, you need to think about if you can keep it up for possibly two decades. Their welfare will need to be considered during your own big life events like moving house, introducing babies and children, or even adding other pets into the family.

Am I able to afford to care for a cat?

On average, owning a cat can cost up to $1000 (£800 or €900) a year. This includes food, food bowls, cat litter, cat trees, cat proofing items for your home, toys, puzzles, treats, and any other enrichment accessories you want to add on.

On top of basic day-to-day care is also their first vet check including vaccinations, microchipping, flea and worm treatment, and spaying or neutering. This will need to be followed-up with regular or annual vet check-ups and potential health issues. Pet insurance is a great way to save on unexpected accidents or medical problems, it’s still something to consider for this long-term commitment.

Do I have a cat-friendly home?

If you’re a proud homeowner who likes to display priceless, delicate, or breakable heirlooms and decorations around your home, cat ownership may not be for you. Catproofing a home includes removing anything that can easily be knocked over, swatted, or batted off a raised platform.

For those who live in an apartment block, are you okay with blocking off your windows and not leaving them wide open throughout the year? Well, you’ll need to because cats are both curious and clumsy. Cats will take over any high place with a view regardless of what you say to them. If you’d rather not change things to make it more cat-safe, a feline friend may not be for you.

Benefits of having a cat

If you have the time, space, and finances to properly care for a cat, it is so worth the investment. There are numerous benefits of having a cat, least of all providing us with companionship like no other. Their company has been proven to improve our mental health, reduce our blood pressure, and even provide comfort during times of grieving or heartache.

These remarkable furry weirdos are also highly intelligent, which allows them to tune into our own emotions and communicate with us. They become as much a part of the family as another person, inputting on how the household should be run and alerting you of any problems. Delightful, mischievous, and entertaining - we highly recommend welcoming a cat into your home.

How to get a cat

Adopting a cat

Before you go racing off to do research around local reputable breeders for specific cat coat patterns, always consider adopting a cat first. Your local animal shelter will have a homeless kitty in need of a loving new cat parent to devote their time to. Adult cats can bring just as much joy as young kittens and can fit into the family like they were always there.

Find reputable breeders

If you’re unable to find the right cat through a rescue center, you can always buy from reputable breeders. Always do your research into these people by checking they’re certified, ask for the health history of the cat’s mom and dad, and ask if all cats at the breeders are up to date on their vaccinations and worming treatments. While this is the best route to finding a purebred cat, it is also the most expensive - some cat breeds can cost well over $2000 (£1600 or €1800) just for the one kitty!

Looking to test the waters of cat care before committing? Become a cat sitter with one of our Sitter membership plans to learn what it takes to look after a purr baby. If you’re already a proud pet parent, check out the latest cat sitters available in your area who would love to spend time with your feline friend with loving in-home pet care.