Cats make wonderful pets, but for new cat owners, the transition to cat ownership can be overwhelming. Here are 10 essential things to consider before deciding to welcome a new member into the family.
Money, Money, Money
According to the ASPCA, the average yearly cost of cat ownership is around $634, or about $53 per month. To make sure that number fits into your budget, it’s important to consider all the costs involved in cat care, including food, litter, toys, and routine vet visits.
While these expenses are a good starting point, it’s also important to plan for unexpected emergencies. No one wants to think about their furry friend getting sick or injured, but it’s important to be prepared for the unexpected. Whether it’s setting aside some money in a pet emergency fund or purchasing pet insurance, it’s important to have a plan in place.
Friends For Life
Cats are often thought of as solitary creatures, but the truth is, they are very social animals and can benefit greatly from the companionship of another cat. In fact, adopting a bonded pair of cats is the best way to ensure your kitties have adequate socialization and remain happy and healthy for years to come.
When choosing a pair of cats, Augie & Bone recommends opting for two cats of the same gender. Male cats tend to grow larger and play more roughly than females, so they are best paired with other males.
Just the Way You Are
Cats are amazing creatures with unique personalities that make them fascinating to observe and interact with. As a pet owner, it’s important to understand that no two cats are the same and that their personalities can range from affectionate to aloof, independent to clingy, and everything in between. Different breeds also have different traits and grow to different sizes, which can also impact their personalities. Before adopting a cat get to know its personality and ensure that they get along with all members of your household.
So Fresh So Clean
Understanding the basics of feline hygiene is an important aspect of properly caring for your new furry friend(s). Cats are mostly self-grooming, but they still require regular brushing to prevent hairballs, matting, and skin issues. A long-haired cat will require more frequent brushing than a short-haired cat. It is also important to trim their nails regularly to keep them healthy and comfortable.
While most older cats will be litter box trained by the time you bring them home, that may not be the case if you are adopting a young kitten. If your cat does need to be litter box trained it will take about 2-4 weeks to fully train your cat. You should also ensure you have at least 1 litter box per cat in your house.
Chicken or Fish?
Cats are carnivores and require a balanced diet of high-quality protein and essential fats. It is never acceptable to feed a cat a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Some cats can be picky eaters, and finding the right food and feeding schedule can be a challenge initially. When adopting a cat, you will want to provide the same food they’d been given on the same schedule and gradually shift them away from this if needed. Your vet will be a helpful consultant during this process.
Life on the Inside
Indoor and outdoor cats have different personalities and lifestyles, so it’s crucial to decide what kind of life you envision for your cat before making the adoption decision.
At Augie and Bone, we recommend keeping your cat as an indoor cat. Cats are natural predators, and their hunting instincts can have a negative impact on local bird populations. Domesticated outdoor cats can also face predators such as coyotes, birds of prey, and other feral cats. Keeping your cat as an indoor cat can provide a safer and more controlled environment for your pet.
It’s All Fun and Games
Or Toys and scratching posts! Cats are natural hunters and can sometimes exhibit destructive behavior if they are not properly exercised. You will need to provide your cat with appropriate toys and a place they are allowed to scratch to prevent this destructive behavior. Keep in mind toys do not have to be expensive a simple cardboard box can become a favorite toy.
Doctor! Doctor!
Preventative care is the key to a healthy cat, and the most important person in their wellness journey (aside from you) is their vet. Finding a trusted vet and scheduling regular check-ups are the best ways to ensure the well-being and longevity of your cat.
Making certain that your cat is up to date on vaccinations and spayed or neutered is a critical aspect of their wellness too. Some shelters offer these services, but others do not so it is important to understand the vaccination and reproductive status of your cat before you take them home.
Lastly, remember that your new friend needs to travel safely to and from the vet’s office, so be sure to have an appropriate cat carrier or harness.
Whats My Name Again
Naming your cat is only the first step in making sure they’re identifiable, there are additional steps you can take to ensure your pet can be easily identified and returned to you in case of an emergency. Ensure that your cat has a collar with a tag. The tag should include your cat’s name, your phone number, and any other important contact information.
In addition to a collar and tag, you should also consider having your cat microchipped. A microchip is a small device that is implanted under your cat’s skin. It contains important contact information that can be used to identify your cat if they are ever lost or stolen.
If you are concerned about microchipping you may want to consider using an Airtag on your cat’s collar. This is a small device that can be attached to your cat’s collar and used to track their location in case they ever get lost.
It’s also important to note that in some areas, it may be a legal requirement to have your pet registered and identified. Be sure to check your local laws and regulations to ensure that you are in compliance with any identification requirements.
Making Time
As a cat owner, spending quality time with your feline friend is an important part of their overall health and happiness. While cats are generally more independent than dogs, they still need affection and attention from their owners. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that your lifestyle has room for your cat and that you are able to spend time with them regularly
What do you wish you knew before adopting your cat?