Ah, the cats ! These animals both mysterious and endearing, arouse admiration, affection and sometimes incomprehension. Their way of life, their behavior, their unique character… So many reasons that push us to adopt them. However, before taking the step ofadoption, it is important to ask the right questions. Whether you want to adopt a adult cat or one kitten, certain steps are essential to best prepare your hearth upon the arrival of your new pet. Follow the leader.
Understand the commitment that adopting a cat represents
Before adopting a cat, it is important to understand that this is a real long-term commitment. In fact, a cat can live up to 15 years, sometimes 20 years! It is a daily presence in your life, which will require attention, care and affection.
We must also take into account the financial cost of having a cat. Between veterinary costs, food, health insurance, litter box, cat tree, etc., expenses can quickly add up.
Finally, adopting a cat may also require changes to your lifestyle and environment. For example, your home will need to be secure to avoid accidents and you may need to adjust your schedule to care for your cat.
The selection criteria for adopting a cat
Once you are aware of the commitment that adopting a cat represents, it is time to think about the criteria for choosing your future companion. For example, you can ask yourself the following questions:
- How old is the cat ? A kitten will require more time and attention than an adult cat.
- What is the sex of the cat? There may be differences in behavior between a male and a female.
- What is the breed of the cat? Certain cat breeds have specific needs.
- What is the character of the cat? Some cats are more independent, others more affectionate.
It may be useful to discuss these criteria with an animal welfare association, who can help you make the right choice.
Prepare your home for the arrival of a cat
Once you’ve decided which cat you want to adopt, it’s time to prepare your home for their arrival.
To start, you will need to choose a room where the cat can feel safe and rest. This room should be quiet, comfortable and contain everything the cat needs: a sleeping area, a litter box, food and water.
Next, you will need to secure your home to avoid accidents. For example, you will need to put dangerous objects, toxic plants and electrical wires out of reach.
Finally, you can enrich the cat’s environment with toys, a cat tree, etc.
The arrival of the cat in its new home
The arrival of the cat in its new home is a crucial step. It is important to let the cat discover its new environment at its own pace. It is also recommended to keep the cat indoors for the first few weeks while it feels safe and gets used to its new home.
Concerning the cat’s health, it is essential to plan a visit to the veterinarian in the days following adoption. In fact, the veterinarian will be able to do a complete health check and administer the necessary vaccines.
Finally, don’t forget to subscribe to health insurance for your cat. This can help you cover veterinary costs in the event of illness or accident.
Adopting a cat is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. It’s a real commitment that requires attention, care and sometimes adjustments to your lifestyle. But it is also an incredible adventure, full of love and companionable moments. So, are you ready to take the plunge?
*Updated 21 July 2024
