Mary Allen
No question about it – little kittens are cute! So cute that many people thoughtlessly buy a cat without first having to deal with the subject of “keeping cats”.
But cute kittens will become cats with needs that will be with you for the next 15 to 20 years. Moving in a kitten or an adult cat should therefore be carefully considered! These “10 Things You Should Know Before Buying a Cat” will help you make a decision.
Responsibility for Many Years
Spontaneously go on vacation, lie in bed until lunchtime or look for a new apartment: in the future, you will have to think about your four-legged roommate when making small and big decisions. So before you move in, keep in mind that it will change your life for a very long time!
Most of all, many find living together with a velvet paw very enriching. But some people are unaware of the upfront responsibility that comes with getting a cat. Unfortunately, this increases the risk that the cat will eventually need a new home.
Cats Cost a Lot of “Mice”
Whenever buying a cat, you should always do so from a reputable breeder. The costs amount to several hundred euros and the basic equipment also has a three-digit euro amount.
For example, you need a comfortable bed, bowls, toys, brush, scratching post, and litter box. Then there are regular costs for high-quality food and, if necessary, cat litter.
In addition, there are expenses for check-ups and vaccinations at the vet. Speaking of the veterinarian: You should have a sufficiently large financial cushion ready for veterinary costs. Because if the cat is sick, this can quickly become expensive.
Cat With Landlord and Neighbors?
If you are living for rent, you will need your landlord’s consent before you can buy a cat. If you do not adhere to it, he can insist on “failure” to keep cats. If the cat stays with you anyway, there is a threat of a warning and then the termination of the apartment. So be sure to play with open cards here.
Also keep in mind that moving with a cat will limit your options, as not every landlord allows cats to be kept. If your velvet paw goes outdoors, the relationship with the neighbors can change: Some are annoyed when strange cats leave their business in the vegetable patch or in the sandpit of their children. Try to find a solution together.
Cats are Characters
Who does not know the saying: “Dogs have masters, cats have staff!” This cannot be dismissed entirely from the hand, because no velvet paw will follow as well as a well-behaved dog. But that’s why many love their feline friends so much.
Jumping on tables, tearing up curtains, or eating plants: cats do what they enjoy. Of course, you can teach your four-legged friends some rules for living together. However, you should not rely on the velvet paw to always adhere to them.
We can easily change another well-known saying into: “If the person is out of the house, the cats dance on the table”. Raising kittens in particular requires a lot of patience. If you do not want the cat to sleep in bed, then consistency is required: A single night on your mattress throws you back weeks in raising your velvet paw.
Hair & Hygiene
Cats lose hair. A lot of hair. They stick to your clothes, on your sofa, in your bed. Get a good lint brush. Over time, you develop a natural feeling for what substances cat hair magically attracts. Regular combing and high-quality cat food will help ensure that your velvet paw loses less fur in the apartment.
Nevertheless: Your whole life will be a lot hairier with a cat! Many underestimate this before buying a cat. In addition, cats are clean animals, but friends of sparkling clean apartments still face many challenges.
Would you like some examples? No problem: cat litter gets stuck in the fur and spreads in a radius of 20 meters around the litter box. Leftover food from velvet paws with bad eating manners can be found on the walls or in the next room. When the fur noses vomit – which also happens regularly in healthy cats – they prefer to do so on a soft surface, for example on your beautiful Persian carpet. Last but not least: Problems with house training can arise in the event of illness or stressful situations.
Cats are Not Loners
If you only want to keep a cat in the apartment, you should always keep two velvet paws together. This has many advantages: You can leave them alone without a guilty conscience and know that they will always have someone to play with.
If you really only want to buy one cat, ask the animal welfare about four-legged friends that under no circumstances want to live with other cats. But then again you should plan a lot of time together with your house tiger. Outdoor cats can also live well as “lone cats”. You can find plenty of chores and activities outside – and sometimes a feline buddy.
Cats Go (Almost) Everywhere
Whether on the top level of the shelf or the wardrobe – many velvet paws are real jumping and climbing artists. Some have a talent for opening doors and going on a tour of discovery in the cupboard with the treats on their own while you are away.
Caution: some cats take a nap in the washing machine or jump into the garage or into the car at an unnoticed moment in the morning. In contrast to most dogs, velvet paws also walk around on desks, kitchen counters, or window sill.
In short, you should always be aware of the cat so that you don’t accidentally endanger it. If you do not want your animal companion to have unlimited access, secure the garden or balcony with a fence that is at least two meters high. You may have to ask your landlord for permission to do this!
The Cat is a Hunter
Suddenly it squeaks and beeps in your bedroom in the middle of the night? Perhaps your velvet paw has brought an involuntary visitor with you! Those who keep outdoor animals should be aware that they like to bring prey home with them from time to time. This is what you should be aware of before buying a cat. You can place it as a gift in the hallway or bring it into the bedroom to play with the mouse that is still alive. Songbird chicks or goldfish can also fall prey to skilled hunters on four paws. Some serve the loot as a gift on the doormat! If you are looking to buy a cat, you should accept this trait of your future roommate.
Sickness and Old Age
With a lot of luck, you will have a healthy velvet paw by your side for the next 15 or 20 years. But sooner or later many cats become acutely or chronically ill. Mild infections or diarrhea will go away after a few days, but they can be nerve-wracking. Chronic illnesses like diabetes not only require you to deal with food and insulin issues, they also require good time management. Your cat may need pills every day. It is best to practice the gift when you are a kitten – of course not with real medication. Some cats become frail or demented with age. They then need support in the form of climbing aids or more frequent visits to the vet.
A Cat is a Wonderful Companion!
Yes – cats cost money, they are work, and sometimes they are a drain on our patience. Doesn’t that put you off? Then you have a big heart for cats and nothing stands in the way of a purchase! With humor, patience, and a love of animals, you will easily master the challenges of living together with a cat!
And at the latest when the velvet paw is purring on your lap, all the trouble is quickly forgotten! We hope you enjoy your new animal roommate!