The moment has arrived, whether you prepared for it or not… You’ve finally decided to get a cat, your partner has talked you into it, or your kids have at long last worn you down. Before you take the leap to bring a feline friend home, check out these tips for successful co-habitation.
Consider a shelter kitty!
People sometimes assume shelter cats must be “bad kitties” or have health issues, but that’s not the case at all. Sometimes former owners just couldn’t take care of them anymore due to finances or unexpected life changes. Even if you’re considering a specific cat breed, check out local shelters first—often, rescue shelters have plenty of purebred kitties ready for new homes.
Prepare for a long-term relationship.
You know the saying “cats have nine lives”? It’s true! Cats are notorious survivalists, and they can live for 15-20 years. Those years will include lots of love, licks, purrs, and play time, but they will also include time you have to devote to caring for your new friend. Expect to teach basic training, scoop litter boxes, brush, groom, trim nails, and serve as human entertainment for your delightful new overlord.
Know the costs before you fall in love.
Kitty care can add up over time, so prepare your budget before you go ga-ga for Puff-Puff. Annual expenses include cat vaccinations, pet teeth cleaning, food, toys, and other important health preventatives. Annual costs can range from $300 to $7000 or more depending on the health, breed, and any emergencies your cat may encounter.
Have a vet already picked out.
When you bring your feline home, it’s great to already have that first veterinary checkup scheduled. You’ll want to make sure you’re covered for all cat vaccinations and can discuss cat spaying or cat neutering, plus talk to your vet about pet teeth cleaning and general home dental care for pets. When you’ve already interviewed animal surgeons, you’ll be much more at ease knowing Fluffy will get great care from the moment she’s yours.
What about last minute adoptions?
We’ve all been there. You’re minding your business one minute, and the next you, your partner, or your child is captured by the sweet eyes of that kitty just begging to be adopted. Not all adoptions are carefully planned, but all should last a lifetime. If you went out for milk and came home with a lifelong friend, we’re here for you—call us at LazyPaw Animal Hospitals or set up a time to meet us with our convenient online appointment scheduler.