5 Essential Hurdles to Clear Before Adopting a Cat

You absolutely must have your own cat. I suggest choosing one that you feel a connection with, one that you genuinely love, and one that you're ready to live with for a lifetime.

Companionship Considerations

Cats can be by your side for over a decade, a lengthy yet delightful span of time. There are several factors to ponder upon.

We can't just think about our own feelings; we also need to consider the attitudes of our family, friends, partners, and roommates who will be living with us.

Family or Roommate Approval?

It's essential to get the consent of your family or roommates to adopt a cat, ensuring they can both love and tolerate it for the long term.

Will Your Future Partner Accept It? Or If You're Single, Can Your Future Friends Handle It?

For those who are single, it's relatively straightforward. You can choose a cat that shares your love for felines.

If you're a cat lover, it's likely your friends will be too. After all, people with similar interests tend to bond. But what if they don't like cats? Then you might need to question whether they truly like you, or if you have common hobbies and are compatible.

What if your next partner does like cats? And of course, the above statements might be a bit exaggerated.

PostMarriage Considerations

For those newlyweds, have you thought about how you'll care for your cat if you have children? Will you still lavish it with love and attention?

While this might seem like a distant concern, it can help prevent the abandonment of stray cats.

Living Conditions

Is There Enough Space?

Cats need space to sleep, eat, defecate, and play. If your living space is too cramped, it may not be suitable for a cat.

After all, humans also need space for living, studying, and working. A crowded space can negatively impact both you and your cat.

Is the Living Environment Safe?

Cats can easily fall from windowsills or balconies while playing. It's crucial to create a safe living environment for your cat, just like you would for a child. Use invisible nets or window screens to secure balconies and windows, preventing any accidents.

Economic Considerations

Can You Afford to Keep a Cat?

Having a cat is not inexpensive. Besides the initial investment, you'll spend approximately 150 yuan per month on cat litter, food, grass, scratching posts, deworming, and cleaning.

This cost only covers the basic needs of your cat. If you want to improve its quality of life, the expenses will be even higher.

Can You Afford Medical Expenses?

One significant expense of owning a cat is medical costs. In China, there's no pet medical insurance, and veterinary care for cats can be more expensive than for humans.

Domestic cat food is subject to less stringent regulations than human food, and the quality of domestically produced cat food is questionable. Longterm consumption of additives and preservatives may have a significant impact on your cat's health.

What if your cat gets sick and requires medical expenses of two or three thousand yuan, or even more than the cost of buying a new one? Would you still be willing to pay for its treatment?

Physical Considerations

Is Your Body Suitable for Owning a Cat?

Some studies suggest that cats can reduce the sensitivity of allergic individuals to allergens, which can be a blessing for those with allergies.

Each person's allergens may be different. Some individuals may be allergic to cat fur or dander, experiencing symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, difficulty breathing, and rashes.

These symptoms cannot be completely cured, but they can be alleviated through daily cleaning and disinfection.

Before adopting a cat, you must test yourself for allergies by spending time with the cat and feeling its fur to see if you're allergic.

While this test is not entirely accurate, it's better to be aware of your suitability for cat ownership before bringing one into your home.

Time Considerations

Do You Have Enough Time to Care for a Cat?

Cats may be suitable for homebodies, unlike dogs that require daily walks. However, cat ownership does require time and effort.

This includes preparing food, cleaning the litter box, and more. Regular grooming, nail trimming, brushing teeth, cleaning ears, bathing, and swimming also take time and skill.

Cats are not as compliant as dogs, and getting them to enjoy swimming or walking on a leash requires more effort.

Cats Can Be Very Attached

Cats can be particularly clingy at times, especially when you're working from home or doing homework. They might come to you for attention, rub against you, and even lie on your keyboard.

Do you pet them, or do you continue working? This can be a challenge.

Companionship Concerns

Do You Already Have Other Pets at Home?

Introducing a new cat to a home with dogs or hamsters and other pets can be quite challenging for the owner.

It's like adding a second child to the family; you need to consider the feelings of the older pet and guide them through the transition to avoid feelings of loss or jealousy.

Both pets have territorial instincts, so it's advisable to establish their respective territories before they meet. Once they become familiar with each other, you can gradually remove the barriers.

Under your watchful eye, they should not fight. If there is a confrontation, you can intervene promptly, as the weaker party is often more aggressive.