Considering getting a cat? You’re not alone. Cats are, by far, one of the most popular pets in the world. They are well domesticated, can be relatively independent in comparison to other pets and provide an endless source of entertainment. Of course, they are living, sentient beings, so you need to make sure that you can properly care for a cat before getting one. Here’s some more information to help you make an informed decision on the topic.
Responsibilities
When you take on any pet, you take on a whole lot of responsibility. You need to remember that these animals will be entirely dependent on you for everything they need on a day to day basis. You need to make sure that you want a cat for genuine reasons and that you’re prepared – in terms of being willing and having the finances available – to support them for the duration of their life (which for some cats, can be around 20 years). Here are some key responsibilities to be aware of and consider when it comes to getting a cat.
Veterinary Care
When you decide to get a cat, you will need to provide them with veterinary care. This doesn’t just include routine care that every cat requires. It can include ongoing care if your cat develops any sort of medical condition, as well as emergency care for injuries, serious illnesses and other emergency situations. You will need to be prepared to have the money available, or insurance coverage to pay for, everything from vaccinations to microchipping, neutering, annual health checks, dental checks and almost any other condition or injury that could arise throughout the duration of their life. It is highly recommended that you take out insurance for your cat, so you can cover their treatment even if the cost becomes really high.
Food
You need to consider the food that you feed to your cat. Your own cat will have their own preferences that will become clear over time. So cats like wet food, some like dry food, some like a combination of the two. You can even get freeze dried cat food. Your vet will be able to make personalized recommendations when it comes to the ideal food for your cat, especially if they have sensitivities or allergies.
Toys
Believe it or not, cats do like to play. There are countless types of cat toys out there to keep them entertained. Again, different cats will like different types of plaything, so experiment and try different options out until you find the type that they like. Make sure to only buy toys that are specially designed for cats, as these will be safer.
Living Space
Cats like to live in certain types of environments. Your house should be clean and clear of hazards. You will also need to invest in things like beds, scratching posts and even cat climbing frames and other entertainment options to keep your cat as happy as possible!
Keeping Your Cat Indoors
Now, the majority of people do let their cat outdoors to roam around. But it is highly recommended that cats are kept indoors – for both their own sake and also for the sake of the general wildlife and ecosystem in the area, as cats often kill wildlife for sport and entertainment rather than as a food source.
Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks can become a common problem if your cat is left to wander outside. Not only do outdoor cats have a much higher chance of coming into contact not only with other cats who may be carrying ticks and fleas, but they can also brush against wild animals who can carry these pests too. Fleas aren’t just a nuisance because they can get into your furniture and clothes. They can also pose a serious threat to your cat’s health and wellbeing. When they bite, they can cause an allergic reaction or hypersensitivity, resulting in discomfort or pain. These tiny bugs survive by drinking your cat’s blood which could also result in issues such as anemia, which will leave your cat exhausted and without energy. Another threat that the bites post is skin issues like dermatitis or the transmission of further parasites, such as tapeworm. Ticks can carry feline diseases like Lyme disease, haemobartonellosis, tularemia, and cytauxzoonosis – some which could prove potentially fatal. To avoid fleas and ticks, you should flea and tick treatments or preventative collars recommended by your vet. But a great way to avoid them is to simply avoid letting your cat outdoors in the first place.
Injury
The outside world poses all sorts of threats of injury or even death for your cat – especially if your cat isn’t particularly experienced in spending time outdoors or if you live near roads, which the majority of people do. Every year, many cats are run over, or hurt or killed in other ways, due to injuries experienced outdoors. Even if the cat survives an initial injury, because you don’t know where they are, they can often struggle to get home and may pass away without you being able to find them.
Pregnancy
If you have a female cat who is unspayed, outdoor play can result in pregnancy. There are bound to be male cats around and unwanted pregnancies can be difficult to deal with – especially if you aren’t an experienced cat breeder. When your cat gives birth, chances are, you’re not going to be able to look after the whole litter yourself, and every year, there are countless kittens placed in shelters this way. While spaying is recommended for all cats for general health reasons, you should also avoid letting your cat outdoors to avoid this unwarranted risk – especially if you are waiting for them to be neutered.
These, of course, are just a few of the different things you need to take into consideration before getting a cat. Continue to research, talk to vets and other professionals and take any other steps necessary to make the right decision for both you and the cat you’re considering getting!
What do you think?