There are several questions you should ask yourself if you are thinking about adding a kitten or cat to your household. You are considering taking responsibility for the life of another living creature for many years. Shelters are full of cats that have been abandoned by their owners for a variety of reasons. Most neighborhoods experience stray cats that have been dumped by their owners. Contrary to popular belief, a domesticated cat cannot suddenly be turned loose to live on its own and be expected to survive.

WHY DO YOU WANT A CAT?
Are you gone for many hours everyday, but would like a warm, furry friend to share your life? Is finding the time and a place to exercise a pet outside a problem? Are you looking for a companion who is mostly self-sufficient and independent? Cats are by nature solitary animals that are usually content to spend time alone. A cat will typically sleep around 16 hours a day – much like cats in the wild – until it is time to hunt for the food bowl or stroll around to check out the territory. Cats are appealing to many because they retain much of their wildness even while sharing our homes.

IF YOU GET A KITTEN OR CAT, DO YOU HAVE THE TIME AND PATIENCE TO HELP YOUR NEW PET SETTLE IN?
When you first bring home the cat, confine the cat to a room with food and water bowls and a litter box. Let the cat know that this is a safe place. As your new kitten or cat feels more secure, the exploration will begin. Some kittens and cats adjust very quickly. If your kitten or cat is frightened, hiding is normal. Do not force your cat out of hiding. As your feline becomes more accustomed to new sights, sounds, people, etc., more time will be spent out and about in the home.

DO YOU WANT A KITTEN OR AN ADULT CAT?
Do you want to enjoy the rambunctious antics of a kitten or are you looking for a more sedate adult? Kittens will take more watchfulness for a while as they explore everything and may find themselves in places they shouldn’t be. However, even an adult needs to be watched closely during the settling in period. There are many adult cats needing homes and their personalities can range from very playful and social, to laidback and more aloof.

HOW MUCH TIME WILL YOU HAVE TO SPEND GROOMING AND INTERACTING WITH YOUR CAT?
Depending on your cat’s haircoat, the grooming needs can range from minimal brushing to the need for daily, thorough brushing to prevent mats from forming. Most cats still retain their desire to stalk so playing games that make use of that drive are a good way to give your cat extra attention. Of course, your cat may decide that sleeping in your lap or on top of the papers you are working on is the best way to interact. Cats may by nature be solitary, but they still like attention.

HOW MUCH CAN YOU FINANCIALLY MANAGE WITH A CAT?
The way to ensure a long and healthy life for your cat is through regular exams and preventive medicine. The first year of your cat’s life is especially important for lifelong health - it is roughly equivalent to the first 18 years for a person. Vaccines, testing for Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Viruses, fecal testing and treatment and spaying or neutering all need to be done the first year. In the following years there are annual exams and vaccines. In addition, if your cat is going to go outdoors – a choice which you should consider carefully – there are the additional expenses of heartworm and flea and tick prevention. In addition, outdoor cats frequently suffer abscessed cat fight wounds, trauma from dogs, cars and humans and increased risk of disease.

DO YOU ALREADY HAVE A PET IN THE HOUSE?
Bringing in a new kitten or cat will require a period of adjustment with the current residents. If you have an adult cat, usually a new kitten is more readily accepted than an adult cat. Expect a period of hissing and hiding as everyone settles in.

DOES ANYONE IN THE FAMILY HAVE ALLERGIES?
This does not necessarily rule out having a cat, but there are special considerations. Some breeds and haircoats may cause less allergy reactions. There are ways to limit exposure to allergens from the cat. It just takes some extra care and planning.

If you have decided that you are ready for a cat in your life now, you are accepting total responsiblity for the life of another living creature. Your cat will depend on you to give it everything needed to live a long, healthy, and happy life.

Now it is time to decide if you want a purebred or mixed breed cat or long-haired or short-haired, etc.