When adopting a kitten, many people don't consider just what the average lifespan of the cat is.
Quite often they don't realize that they will be responsible for the health and well-being of the cat for up to 15 or 20 years.
It can be likened to raising children.
At least cats don't argue back and usually keep their toys tidy.
There are other factors that must be taken into consideration when adopting a cat.
Probably one of the most important factors is the added expenses you will incur while owning a cat.
Obviously there's the cost of food and good nutrition, but there can be additional expenses such as vaccinations and other veterinarian costs that need to be taken into account.
There are also food and water dishes, toys, bedding, scratching posts and a myriad of other items we tend to forget about.
Please make sure that no-one in the family is allergic to cats before adopting your cat.
It would be a shame to go to all that trouble and expense only to find that cat fur gives someone hives or worse.
The personalities of cats are many and varied.
Even though my two cats are mother and daughter, their personalities are completely different.
Just like with humans.
Therefore it is a essential to find a cat whose personality is matched to your own.
There are many books and articles available at libraries, bookstores and online that will give you a description of the type of personality you can expect from the various cat breeds.
Some breeds of cats require a lot more attention than others.
Indoor cats need more stimulation than cats that are happy to run around outside and keep themselves occupied.
Long hair cats will shed a lot more fur about the house, which will mean more cleaning for you.
They will also require more grooming which means you will have to spend more time looking after them.
This doesn't need to be a chore, many people enjoy grooming their cat while watching TV.
Cats are certainly more independent than dogs, and only rarely can they be trained the way a dog can.
However if you start early enough, basic training such as using the litter box and not scratching the furniture are easily taught.
Just be aware that everything takes time, and probably more time than you expected.
If you need to travel or you are away from the house for work, you only need leave enough food and water (plus some extra) for your cat.
It might not like being left alone but cats can look after themselves, unlike dogs.
Remember, your cat is for life.
It is part of your family.
Don't be someone who takes their cat to the shelter just because it messes on the carpet occasionally.
Find out why your cat does things.
Take the time to bond with it and learn its body language.
The absolute joy and love you can receive from a cat is equal to the love and attention you give it.
Quite often they don't realize that they will be responsible for the health and well-being of the cat for up to 15 or 20 years.
It can be likened to raising children.
At least cats don't argue back and usually keep their toys tidy.
There are other factors that must be taken into consideration when adopting a cat.
Probably one of the most important factors is the added expenses you will incur while owning a cat.
Obviously there's the cost of food and good nutrition, but there can be additional expenses such as vaccinations and other veterinarian costs that need to be taken into account.
There are also food and water dishes, toys, bedding, scratching posts and a myriad of other items we tend to forget about.
Please make sure that no-one in the family is allergic to cats before adopting your cat.
It would be a shame to go to all that trouble and expense only to find that cat fur gives someone hives or worse.
The personalities of cats are many and varied.
Even though my two cats are mother and daughter, their personalities are completely different.
Just like with humans.
Therefore it is a essential to find a cat whose personality is matched to your own.
There are many books and articles available at libraries, bookstores and online that will give you a description of the type of personality you can expect from the various cat breeds.
Some breeds of cats require a lot more attention than others.
Indoor cats need more stimulation than cats that are happy to run around outside and keep themselves occupied.
Long hair cats will shed a lot more fur about the house, which will mean more cleaning for you.
They will also require more grooming which means you will have to spend more time looking after them.
This doesn't need to be a chore, many people enjoy grooming their cat while watching TV.
Cats are certainly more independent than dogs, and only rarely can they be trained the way a dog can.
However if you start early enough, basic training such as using the litter box and not scratching the furniture are easily taught.
Just be aware that everything takes time, and probably more time than you expected.
If you need to travel or you are away from the house for work, you only need leave enough food and water (plus some extra) for your cat.
It might not like being left alone but cats can look after themselves, unlike dogs.
Remember, your cat is for life.
It is part of your family.
Don't be someone who takes their cat to the shelter just because it messes on the carpet occasionally.
Find out why your cat does things.
Take the time to bond with it and learn its body language.
The absolute joy and love you can receive from a cat is equal to the love and attention you give it.