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Thinking about adopting a cat for the first time

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Tips For Expanding Your Family With Your First cat

article submitted to mykittycare.com by Jessica Brody, from ourbestfriendsrescue.org

Thinking about adopting a cat for the first time – Just as planning for a baby takes plenty of careful consideration and planning, so too does bringing home your first cat. All too often new parents haven’t given due consideration to all of the traits and needs of their new companions, which results in far too many abandoned animals. Just as you would plan for precisely the right time, precisely the right care items, precisely the right home for your new baby, the same consideration should be given to a new cat.

courtesy pixabay.com

 

Let’s look at some questions you should be asking yourself.

  • Is now the best time?

Just as you carefully consider a good time to bring a child into your life, you should consider if now is a good time for a cat? For example, are you in good health and able to take care of a catt? Are your children young and requiring a good deal of attention that would detract from being a good cat parent? Do you have the finances should a medical emergency arise?

  • Why are you considering a cat?

Perhaps you’ve elected to have a cat before having a child. And in this case, you would want to make sure to select a cat was more affectionate. Or, perhaps you’re looking for cat that would be beneficial in your addiction recovery. Research indicates that interactions  with a cat can have the following benefits: insight into thoughts, emotions and behavioral patterns; identifying unhealthy coping mechanisms; and encouragement toward new behavioral modifications.

  • What cat will best suit me?

Not everyone has the patience or the time to take care of a new kitten, for example. And similar to a baby, there’s other planning needed as well, such as modifying your home for their safety, training classes, hiring pet sitters, and so on. Likewise, every family may be looking for more human/pet interaction than say a turtle or bird provides. Consider taking a fun, online quiz to point you in the right direction.

  • Will the cat I’m considering fit into my lifestyle?

If you’re single and at work a lot, you don’t want a cat that may be sad when home alone.  Cats are naturally night animals; they sleep all day and wake by night. Will this be OK with you? Maybe you’re an older person or a more sedentary type, so this might mean an older calmer cat is a better choice than a younger cat.

  • Do I have the right home for a cat?

If you’re living in a 300-square-foot apartment, you probably ought to say no to certain cat breeds, like Bengels, because they are large cats. Cats do need excercis. Also, curious cats will need home modifications.

Once you’ve answered all of these questions and selected a cat, make sure to take time to acclimate your new cat to your home. Rescue animals, in particular, will need special care and attention when adjusting. For example, cats are territorial animals that will require items including a pet carrier or a box with bedding. You’ll also need to provide them with a scratching post to avoid damage to your home and a perch place for them to sit high and look down safely.

courtesy pixabay.com

You’ve made the choice and helped them to acclimate, so now it’s time to bond. Spend plenty of time with your new cat, train them, groom them and play with them. Your cat is your family, and just like family, it’s time to make memories that will last a lifetime.