Look for these 6 signs to know if you are ready to be a cat parent or not.
In case you’ve been wanting a cat for quite some time and looking for hints that you are ready, you need to keep a few points in mind. These points can be very important to determine whether you are ready to be a cat parent or not. Let us tell you why.
Cats are not the easiest pets to befriend however, they can surely be your best buddy. You might encounter many moments that you wouldn’t have thought of. You might have to spend time doing your litter duty and cleaning cat hairs from all around your place. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a cat. Cats can be very friendly. They are smart and above all, they’ll never fail to entertain you and be by your side. But, to know if you are ready to have a pet cat, you can look for these signs.
These points can be very important to determine whether you are ready to be a cat parent or not. Let us tell you why.
1.Are you financially prepared?
Caring for a cat does not have a specific amount that you will require. Although there is no fixed cost, you may require to spend on some necessities. These include food, litter, litter boxes, toys, microchipping and identification, parasite preventives, bowls, grooming tools, veterinary care and enrichment items like scratchers and cat trees. Among all of these, veterinary needs are the most essential. You may not know when your cat requires an emergency check-up so you should always keep some money ready for that. Apart from that your cat also requires an annual exam and for many, that should be enough. But, if your cat is old or has some serious health conditions, you may require to visit the vet more often.
Calculating an estimated amount that would be required to care for a cat can be beneficial in several ways. You will know how and where to spend money and how to save for emergency supplies.
Any new pet requires your attention, especially in the beginning. Kittens require more time than adults, however, to make your cat familiar with the new surroundings and make them recognize you, you will need to give them some time.
2. Can you do the litterbox duty?
This might be your least favourite part of the whole process. We all love having cats but doing the litterbox duty is something we always run from. However smelly it may be, it is quite essential and you will have to add this to your to-do list.
We would recommend that you make an easy-to-grab kit to keep the litterbox clean and make this as quick and painless as possible. This kit would contain all the litterbox essentials including litter, bags and scoop. If you are preparing to have more than one cat, make sure to follow the thumb rule and keep one litter box per cat. Along with this, you should also keep an extra litter box in case of emergencies.
We would recommend that you make an easy-to-grab kit to keep the litterbox clean and make this as quick and painless as possible. This kit would contain all the litterbox essentials including litter, bags and scoop.
3. Are you prepared to create a cat-friendly home?
Making a safe space for your pet can be very helpful for you. You must have noticed scratching posts, cat trees and food puzzles when you visit a friend’s house who has a pet cat. You must have also seen their cats playing around on these items. They come under enrichment items for your pet. You must be wondering how they can be helpful? Well, enrichment items encourage cats to express their natural instincts. They climb, jump and scratch the surfaces while also hunting for food. These things keep up the energy and make the cats excited about stuff. Now, who wouldn’t want that right?
You should also consider cat proofing your house. Keeping things that can harm your cat can be dangerous and you should consider getting rid of them. These things can include medications, cleaners, chemicals, certain food items and plants or more.
If you take care of all these things, congratulations! You are ready to be a cat parent.
