Okay so here me out. A cat. Thats it . I love cats. Ive never been able to have one due to space issues so the reality may be a while off .And im not saying a cats a cure . But yk id love to adopt an older one and just chill . Although, I wouldnt want to make another creatures life miserable so i guess im asking if yall think its a good idea ?
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I had this exact thought a couple of weeks ago. Even though I really thought I would want to adopt one, I decided against it. I enjoy being alone too much and being responsible for another living thing might not be the best for me.
I think it’s important to be honest with yourself.
1) Do you have the money to take care of a cat? Vet bills + food + quality of life stuff can get expensive after it adds up. Just look up “how much does it cost to care for a cat” and see if ur comfortable with it.
2) Are you mentally/physically capable of taking care of a cat? Will you be able to feed it at pretty much the same times everyday? Clean litter box daily? Groom it with a brush ever now and then? (frequency depends on type of hair, could be daily).
3) Can u see yourself baring this responsibility for 5 years? (that is if you adopt a cat over 9-10 years old. Cats can live pretty long, my childhood one died at 20 years old.)
In terms of the space issue you mentioned, It’s possible you can talk to an adoption place and find a cat that doesn’t require all the space in the world. There are a lot of different kinds of cats, especially at shelters.
I’ve never had a cat myself, but I hear a lot of people saying really good things about how they improve their lives. I think if you genuinely want a cat to take care of and love and you understand the financial and time responsibilities, go for it. But take some time to think about it, at least a couple of weeks.
I don’t have the best perspective since I don’t have one, but I’m sure someone else here does. Good luck with whatever you choose to do.
:3
AWESOME IDEA. Especially the part about adopting an older one, maybe even a cat at animal control who’s about to be killed for lack of space. That way you know for a fact that every day you’re making the cat’s life better.
I did this (dog) and it’s the only thing that has kept me alive most days. Looking into those eyes and knowing I did 1 good thing even if I screwed up everything else in life. And they warm the bed on cold nights. Go for it.
See 1114’s reply. Older cats might have special medical needs, so being financially capable is a must. Cats are amazing animals, full of a unique type of love. I have two. They are a commitment though. If you’re not sure, maybe you can check with a local animal shelter about volunteering options with cats. That way you can get a better feel of what they’re all about while learning more about what the commitment entails.
I have a cat and they need less care than a dog. Though you will need money to make sure it’s fed and possible money for medical bills. House cats don’t usually require it much since they’re inside majority of the time. I would also highly recommend getting one that is fixed and a female. A unfixed cat can cause issues such as spraying, pregnancy, and some unwanted behaviors. You will also need a litter box of some kind and clean it every 1 to 3 days. Cats don’t require bathing, as they clean themselves. They can get into things and scratch stuff up so I recommend getting a tower for it and some toys. Cats are curious creatures and they like to get into things. I think having one will help someone mentally as long as you’re will to care and feed it. They don’t require too much attention like dogs. Though some can be very affectionate at times.
It could be a good thing, it could be more strain. We have two cats, and because I end up doing the litter box more often, it isn’t getting changed often enough. We always struggle with fleas. Recently my girl cat developed a bald spot, and we’ll never know why. Worst, to me, was that the senior cat that I rescued probably died younger because we couldn’t afford better vets.
We knew he was older, when we saw him in the window. We were both feeling pretty down and depressed for whatever reason, and the minute he got on my lap he purred and rolled over on his back for me to scritch it. My wife said; “I think we found your cat” and we filled out the paperwork and brought him home.
He was the most interesting cat I ever owned. He was a little chonky, but it was non optional to him, he refused to lose weight. Then there is the belly rub thing. Most cats are okay with belly rubs, but this guy loved them. He would lie in my arms as long as I wanted, getting his belly scritched. We had a few wonderful years with them, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
As most animals eventually do though, he started getting sick. It wasn’t a slow decline, he developed a seizure disorder that I still in my guiltiest heart blame myself for. He would have these huge seizures and bite and hurt himself. Worse, there was no cure.
One morning, my wife woke me up and told me he died, and she was crying, and I was crying, and I cried and cried as I dug the hole, and lowered him into the ground, and I was so glad that I had gotten the chance to know him, so blessed to have this little ray of joy.
We still have two cats, but neither of them are like him. I’ll probably miss him for another decade at least.
I like the older ones too. I have two cats of my own and I care for two more cats for a family member while she is moving. They are wonderful. The challenge is to be wonderful for them. I let no one hurt them. One of them has a fear of being chased off his food, I think. For him to eat I have to hover over him, or at least be nearby while he eats so he feels safe.
They love cat toys. They have destroyed every cat tree I have brought home.
In short, if you can be wonderful for the cat, I am certain the cat is wonderful for you. They are often inconvenient, can be a bit destructive, some are oh so vulnerable to injuries if let outside, will get sick if you change up their food, one so on. Oh yeah, they have sensitive hearing so roaring the TV ,cranking the stereo, etc will need to be thing of the past.
Nonetheless, I think they are the best pet for lots of us on here. I read the rate of heart attack is half for cat owners. I feel some of the best feelings I have when a cat is on my lap. I think I sleep better with a cat with me. I am grateful for the cats I have. And they have me.
Getting a cat is a great idea. Most are low maintenance. As long as you feed and water them daily, scoop out their litter box frequently and give them attention and affection they will thrive. Trust me, I’ve had cats for the last 30 years so I’ve got plenty of experience. Keeping a cat indoors is best. They can and do get injuries and illnesses much more readily than indoor cats. It’s always possible that any animal could get sick so money set aside for that is important to have.
I’d strongly recommend getting a scratching post or pad. They should also be taken to the vet for an annual exam and shots.
Animals for adoption at shelters have typically already been spayed or neutered. Adopting an older cat is a wonderful thing to do as they are typically overlooked.
I’ve been planning on getting a cat as soon as I move into a new place.