Cats – Are you ready?

A cat can offer their owners unconditional love and companionship and can even help reduce stress, but is a cat or kitten the perfect pet for you? We have put together a few questions to help you decide if they are your ideal companion.

1. Do you have much free time?

Cats are notoriously independent pets who like their own company, but if you are thinking about getting a kitten then at least for the first twelve months they will need more of your attention. A kitten needs to adjust to their new environment, they will need help socialising, training and feeding regularly throughout the day.

2. Is your home suitable?

A kitten or cat needs to have certain things within their environment to thrive and it is best to cap-proof prior to bringing your feline friend home. As you are probably aware a cat loves to scratch and so if you don't want your curtains or sofa damaged, then a scratching post is a good idea. Unless you are training your cat to be a house cat, they will also need access to the outdoors which will need to be safe for their adventures.

3. Do you have any allergies?

Do you or a family member have any allergies, particularly asthma as a cat's hair or dander can trigger a reaction? If you are more sensitive, then it would be worth visiting your cat or kitten a few times before agreeing to take them home to see if you get a reaction.

4. How house proud are you?

Cats like to scratch, this is what they do and if they have scratching posts and cat trees then this will hopefully keep them busy and away from your furniture and carpets, but there is no guarantee. If the thought of your sofa being scratched is unbearable then you may need to rethink your pet choice.

5. Litter tray duties

Unlike dogs, cats cannot wait to relieve themselves and so they need constant access to a litter tray, which you will then have to deal with to ensure it remains clean. You will need to spot clean daily and then change the litter weekly, as if left dirty your cat may prefer to use the floor instead!

6. What are your long-term plans?

Cats have been known to live up to 30 years, so although difficult to predict what will happen during this time, you need to be prepared to have room for your furry friend.

7. Do you like to move regularly?

Cats are often seen as easier pets than dogs due to their independence, however they are creatures of habit and like to stay within their own environment. If you move regularly then a cat may not be the ideal pet for you, as they are sensitive creatures and rely on routine and familiarity to feel comfortable. Moving regularly can cause a lot of stress for your feline friend.

Source: RSPCA, Battersea, Royal Canin