Taking the first step to being a cat parent isn’t the easiest.

For the first time in your life, you have to start and think about being responsible for someone more than yourself. This blog post is for someone who’s looking to adopt their very first kitten and we want you to understand the reality of your commitment. 

Yes, cats are cute and adorable.

But, you need to understand that a cat is a 10-15 year commitment tops---sometimes even more than that! So, you need to take a long and hard look at your life before committing to bringing a kitty to it.

In this blog post, we will help you decide whether or not you’re ready to bring a cat into your life yet.

Let’s begin.

The Adoption Costs

You need to understand that there is investment beyond the adoption fee as well. This includes (but isn’t limited to) the regular vet visits, vaccinations, flea medications, kitty litter, food, etc.

“It is estimated that food alone can cost up to $200 per year.”

Other questions to ask yourself are:

• Are you willing to save money for medical emergencies?
• Do you realize you could be taking care of a cat for the next 20 years and all the expenses associated with the responsibility?
• Do you have enough money to cover both the expected as well as unexpected costs is key to being ready to adopt a cat?

Think it through before making a decision.

The Commitment Question

You need to be honest to yourself about why you want to adopt a cat in the first place. Is it because your significant other wants a cat or because you are temporarily bored and figure a cat could be the answer?

Think about that hard.

Having a 24-hour rule is also a good idea. You can meet a cat at the adoption shelter but you should wait until the next day to complete the adoption to think things through practice and take a step back and rely less on emotions when adopting a cat.

Can you make the proper adjustments someone at your house has a problem with your adopted cat?

Some cat adoption places have a 24-hour rule that allows you to take your new kitty home to assess the situation and see how things are at home with the new kitten. This is because in most cases when people already had a cat back a home, the older cat didn’t really react well or welcome the new cat.

In other cases, someone in the adopter’s household has spontaneously developed allergies to the cat and since everyone who shares the space with your cat will be affected by his presence. If you will do what it takes to keep everyone involved healthy and happy, then you’re mature enough to adopt.

Can take your cat with you if you move?

Since a cat will be a part of your life for the best 15 to 18 year, you will have to take your cat with you wherever you go. Your cat will be a part of your moves, changes and life experiences and cannot be returned and replaced as it's convenient for you.

Potential cat guardians will need to take their new fur baby into consideration with every life-changing challenge--be it a new job, change in the city, moving in with a partner, etc.

Will you provide a safe environment for your adopted cat?

Some other important things to ask yourself when you’re adopting a cat are as follows:

• Are there children under 2 years old?
  You need to pot a hold on getting a cat until your toddler knows how to handle a cat gently
• Who will take care of my cat when I’m away?
• What will I do about declawing?
• What are my views on de-sexing?
• What is my cat sprays on the furniture?

Final Words

There are a lot of things you need to consider when you think about adopting a cat because it’s a long-term commitment. Cats are fun to have around and they’re loving creatures that need your love and attention.

They aren’t decor or furniture that you can toss out when they get out of fashion.

You need to be mentally ready before getting yourself a cat because you're responsible for her for the rest for her life.

How did you know you were ready for a kitty? Let us know in the comments….