Things to Consider Before Getting a Cat

Thinking about getting a cat?

For many, a cat is what truly makes a house a home. Sharing your life with these intelligent and agile creatures can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Cats offer us quiet comfort and companionship, the silliest of playful moments, and a special bond of friendship.

However, with most domestic cats living for 15-20 years, bringing a cat into your family is a long term commitment that comes with responsibilities, expenses and lifestyle adjustments. When considering introducing a cat to your family, it’s important to think about what you can offer a cat in return. Taking some time to consider whether you can fully commit and cater to the needs of a cat, and choosing the right one, can help to set you up for a successful and happy relationship.

Things To Consider Before Getting A Cat

Time and lifestyle

Do you have the time and energy for a cat? Although they are often considered lower maintenance and more independent than dogs, they still need attention and engagement. Daily cat care goes beyond providing food, fresh water and cleaning the litter tray. It should also include meaningful interaction in a form your cat enjoys - whether that's play, grooming or physical affection.

Cats that are bored or not getting the social interaction they desire, are more likely to show undesirable behaviours such as scratching furniture, or gradually become less tolerant of human interaction.

Travel

Cats are generally less demanding than dogs, as they can be left alone during the day. However, if you're planning an overnight trip away from home, you'll need to arrange care for your cat. Options include using automatic feeders or asking a neighbour to pop in to feed and check on them. Longer time away may require the use of a cat sitter or cattery, with associated costs.

Cats are often stressed by travel and new environments, and few cats will cope well with accompanying you on trips away. Some cats are highly susceptible to stress and change can trigger problems such as cystitis or overgrooming.

Cost

Regular maintenance costs in caring for a cat include providing good quality food, cat litter, parasite prevention and pet insurance as well as toys, beds and scratching posts.

Cats require yearly vaccinations as well as parasite prevention, depending on their lifestyle personal risk. These costs can be budgeted for, or spread out using schemes such as the Healthy Pet Club. Cats may also require visits to the vet for illness or accidents, which can range from minor injuries due to cat fights, through to serious problems such as road accidents. Pet insurance can greatly help with these unexpected costs.

If you go away a lot, the cost of a cattery stay or employing a home boarder will need to be considered.

Space and Location

Cats benefit from access to the outside world where they can express natural behaviours like stalking, hiding and pouncing; sharpening their claws by scratching on objects, and climbing.

Ideally these needs will be met by access to outdoor space on your own property, though allowing cats to free roam outside can bring problems as well as benefits. Busy roads carry a risk of car accidents, and residential areas that already have a dense cat population can lead to territorial fights and injury. Neighbours may not be appreciative if your cat decides their garden is a better option for toileting, or that their prized fish pond is great entertainment.

Some cat owners decide that letting their cat outside isn’t appropriate, in which case ample space will need to be available inside the house to express normal behaviours. Others may only allow limited or supervised access outdoors. Structures such as “catios” can also be a good option.

Commitment for life

Pet cats typically live until 15 years of age and some may even reach 20. Consider whether you might move house, meet a new partner, or have children during that time period – thinking about the long term now can help to reduce the chances of not having time or finances to be able to care for your cat in the future. Cats can become very stressed by change, and are not as amenable as dogs when it comes to moving home or sharing space with new people and other animals

As cats grow older they are more likely to need special care, more regular vet visits and medications. Cat ownership can bring a lot of joy but it’s important to remember that your responsibility to them is lifelong and this can come with worry, stress and sadness too. 

Other pets

If you already have a dog, cat or other animals like chickens and livestock, you need to consider the impact a new cat will have on them. Many cats are nervous of dogs and not all dogs can learn to safely cohabit with them, particularly those with a high prey drive. Cats are not always tolerant of others and can be territorial even within a home.

If you’ve considered all of these points and are still confident that a cat is right for you, and you can look after them well, it’s time to consider what type of cat you want! Our article Adopt or Shop talks through your options and important things to consider.

Disclaimer

Please note that the content made available on this webpage is for general information purposes only. Whilst we try to ensure that at the time of writing all material is up to date and reflects industry standards, we make no representation, warranties or guarantees that the information made available is up to date, accurate or complete. Any reliance placed by yourselves is done so at your own risk.