Cats may be a lot of fun if your family is prepared for the responsibility that comes along with them. Children can learn values and social skills from them as most human-feline relationships are harmonious. However, when introducing a cat into your house, you should keep a few critical health and safety factors in mind. If you, your kids, and the cat understand the rules, you will all be happier and healthier. Therefore, giving yourself enough time to organize and understand the reality of owning a cat is critical. To help you out, we compiled signs showing if your family is ready for a cat.
Everybody in the household agrees
You shouldn’t have a cat if people you live with strongly disapprove of the idea. That is crucial since the cat will become a new family member, so everyone should agree on the choice before bringing a cat home. For instance, if your parents refuse to let you get a cat and you live with them, you are not ready for it. You’ll be prepared to have a cat when you have your own house and no longer depend on your parents. Also, if someone raises a concern because they believe they will end up caring for the cat, you should consider their concerns. That indicates that the other person does not think you are prepared to own a cat. At the same time, if everyone in the household agrees to get a cat, it might mean that your family is ready for a cat.
You have the resources to care for a cat
Cats require specific items. Therefore, honesty about your financial situation and the costs involved in owning a cat is vital. To maintain your cat’s health and happiness, you’ll need to provide them with food and water bowls, litter boxes and litter, proper food, toys, a cat carrier, beds, and cat scratching posts. In addition, cats require veterinarian care. Spaying or neutering a new cat could be necessary. Also, regular veterinarian expenses include vaccines, preventive shots, and regular checkups. Furthermore, it’s essential to have some money saved up in case of emergencies, unexpected illnesses, or accidents. If you can afford these expenses, you and your family might be ready to welcome a cat.
The family has the time to care for the cat
Are you a committed worker who is never at home? Unless your family is ready to collaborate to ensure your cat is fed, exercised, and generally happy and comfortable at all times, you might want to reconsider getting a cat. Although compared to dogs, cats tend to be more independent, they still need affection and company. Therefore, to be happy, they need to spend time with people. However, if you have children, talking to them about these issues might be beneficial for teaching them time management and responsibility. If they agree to be the ones to take care of the cat in a responsible manner, they are ready to meet their best friend. On the other hand, if you travel a lot as a family and move around often, think of how owning a cat can change things. So, it might be better to follow the advice of experts at State to State Move and wait until you settle in one place for a longer time before you get a cat.
There is a safe space for the cat in your home
A safe space doesn’t have to be an entire room. It can easily be an empty closet, a hidden bedroom corner, or a rarely used restroom. The most crucial thing is that your new cat has a sanctuary where it may withdraw and rest unbothered. Your cat might willingly opt to mingle with you and your family members then retreat, but you should still have a safe space prepared. Depending on the cat’s past, it can take a few days to a week or longer for them to settle in. But being patient now will pay off in the long run with a happy and healthy connection.
Family members have good reactions to cats
If your children and other family members have even briefly engaged with other pets, this can indicate that they won’t have any trouble adjusting to having a cat. If not, you can bring in a cat from a friend and see how your family responds to it before bringing one that will stay. The strongest indicator that your family is ready for a cat is if they express their wish to own one and show strong signs of wanting one. However, bringing a cat home won’t be the best choice if your child is afraid of animals. That is because not all children can adjust to living with them, and some kids may even harm the animal out of fear. Therefore, it’s crucial that your kids and all other family members feel secure with a cat around and aren't overly afraid of them.
You did your research on cat nutrition
Early nutrition will determine a cat’s health and well-being for the rest of its life. Therefore, understanding cat food’s components can help ensure your new family member lives a long and healthy life. To know what you’re feeding your newest family member, read the cat food labels. You should thoroughly research the ingredients for the coming weeks and months until you understand what is good and what is not. And don’t worry. Understanding cat food labels and ingredients will become second nature once you train this skill. At the same time, your cat’s health will also depend on having access to a clean, fresh water supply. Despite having ancestors that lived in the desert, cats need to drink enough water and stay hydrated.
Final words
Many other signs can tell you if your family is ready for a cat. However, we listed the ones that will help you the most in deciding if it’s the right time to bring a new furry family member into your home. Therefore, read them carefully and see if you and your family can check them off. If you do, congratulations! You will soon meet your new best friend for life.
