How to Tell If You’re Ready for a Cat
Whether you normally consider yourself a cat person or not, there's no denying that these adorable pets provide great companionship.
In fact, cats are one of the most popular types of pets among people who have recently begun living alone, like college graduates and young professionals. Far more fun and full of personality than a hamster or a fish, while remaining much easier to care for than a dog, cats often seem like the ideal pets for the individual who works a 9-to-5 schedule and stays busy socially. But that's not to say that cats aren't a huge investment on the part of a pet parent. In fact, far too often, cats are abandoned or neglected because their owners can't or don't care properly for them. Rather than risk that happening to your cat, consider these questions that will help you decide if you're ready to adopt a cat.
Are you allowed to keep one in your apartment or condo? Before you head out and adopt a cat, you might want to make sure that you're not breaking the terms of your lease. Check with your building manager or landlord about pets. Most places will be cat friendly, if not welcoming to dogs.
Are you financially prepared to take on a pet? Simply put, the vet bills for a hamster or fish don't tend to put much of a strain on your bank account. Cats are another matter entirely. Not only do you have to pay for litter, cat food, cat toys and regular vet bills, but you need to hold on to enough savings for medical emergencies that might crop up.
Are you sure you don't have allergies? Cat allergies are about as common as can be nowadays, and although plenty of cat-lovers learn to cope and overcome these reactions, you don't want to be caught off-guard. There are plenty of treatment options open to those with allergies who are looking to adopt.
Are you ready to clean? Speaking of allergies, the more cat dander there is floating around your apartment, the more likely you or any guests are going to get sniffly noses and watery eyes. Cats aren't as big as dogs, but they still shed a lot. Be ready to put your vacuum to use on a regular basis!
This content post is provided by the pet experts at Hartz.
