6 Major Tips for Families Looking into Buying a Cat

Bringing home a new pet is an exciting experience, but it can also be quite stressful. There are a few things you should do if your family is getting ready to bring home a new cat or kitten. Following are six tips to consider if you’re thinking about bringing home a new pet cat.

1. Make Sure Your Family is Ready

Owning a pet requires more than just playing with it. You need to make sure you are financially ready to take care of your pet too. Veterinarian bills can be expensive, especially if you need emergency care. You also need to make sure your family has time to take care of your kitten so it is properly socialized. Bringing home a new pet is an exciting time but there is so much that needs to be considered, so make sure you understand this before you bring your new bundle of joy home.

2. Decide on Responsibilities

Owning a pet is a huge responsibility that shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s important that everyone in the family is on the same page and understands what their responsibilities will be. Someone will need to be responsible for feeding it, changing its litter box, playing with it, and taking it to the veterinarian. By having this discussion beforehand and ensuring everyone knows what they will be responsible for your family will have a much smoother transition into pet ownership.

3. Buy the Necessities Before Bringing Your Cat Home

Before you bring your cat home you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need to keep them safe and comfortable for the first few days. Some of the items you’ll want to make sure you have on hand are food and water bowls, toys, a bed, a crate, and a litter box with litter. When choosing a litter box you may want to consider a modernized one. A modern litter box is sleek, stylish, and keeps your floors free from kitty litter. This will also keep your home free from unsanitary litter spillage and possible bacterial contamination. By making sure you have the basics in place your cat will start to feel right at home within the first few days of arrival.

4. Research the Breed of Cat You Intend to Buy

There are forty-six different types of cat breeds, and not all of them are the same. Each breed comes with its own set of unique features and challenges. Some breeds are considered great for first-time cat owners, while other breeds might be better suitable for experienced owners. If you’re a first-time cat owner you might want to consider a breed that is known for having an excellent temperament and a lower energy level. You will also want to consider their coat length, especially if you have any family members who suffer from allergies. By taking the time to research the perfect cat breed for your family you’ll be able to avoid any unpleasant surprises about your chosen breed later on.

5. Find the Right Veterinarian

Nobody wants to think about their pet becoming ill or requiring emergency surgery, but these things do happen. Most pet owners will have to take their pet to the veterinarian at least a few times outside of their annual checkups. Therefore, it’s important to make sure you do some research on your local veterinary clinics and hospitals ahead of time. If your friends and neighbors are pet owners you should talk to them and see if they have any great local recommendations.

6. Allow for an Adjustment Period

The first few days after bringing home a new pet can be challenging. It’s not uncommon for new pet owners to feel overwhelmed and wonder if they made the right choice. Remember, it’s normal to feel this way. Allow your family at least a month to adjust to your new addition. As you and your new pet become comfortable with each other you’ll start to relax more and experience the joy of pet companionship.

A new pet can bring an abundance of joy and happiness into your life. By remembering these tips and staying patient you’ll be more likely to experience a smooth transition into pet ownership and enjoy your new family addition for years to come.