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Your New Kitten - Are You Prepared For The Responsibility?
So you've taken the decision to adopt a new kitten but have you really considered the ongoing responsibilities that will bring? Or the expected lifespan of your new pet? A newborn kitten is possibly one of the cutest, most appealing things on this earth but if you are to give one a permanent home, your responsibility for its health and well-being may last for up to 20 years.
So you’ve taken the decision to adopt a new kitten but have you really considered the ongoing responsibilities that will bring? Or the expected lifespan of your new pet? A newborn kitten is possibly one of the cutest, most appealing things on this earth but if you are to give one a permanent home, your responsibility for its health and well-being may last for up to 20 years.
In addition to the general welfare of your new pet, there is a financial consideration to be aware of too. Your kitten will very quickly grow into an adult cat and there will be ongoing expenses to meet.
It’s obvious that you will have to meet the cost of food but have you factored in the expense of annual vaccinations and veterinary fees? Taking out pet insurance can help mitigate the cost of unexpected bills but be careful to read the small print first - many policies reduce the amount of cover available as your pet gets older but without reducing the cost of your premiums.
Also, just as people have different personailities, your growing kitten will develop its own character. No matter what your hope and expectation is for the nature of your cat, you must be ready to accept it as it comes.
Ideally you should find a cat whose personality matches your own and there are many excellent books available in libraries and bookstores that will give you a good description of the type of personality to be expected from the various different breeds of cats.
Indoor cats will require significantly more attention than those able to spend time outside and you will have to be happy to give them this. Will you also be willing to keep a litter box clean on a daily basis? Do you have a suitable place in your home to accommodate this box? All these questions must be answered before you can take on the responsibility of a new kitten.
What about grooming your pet? Have you the time needed to keep the fur of your cat in good condition? Long-haired cats naturally need much more attention than short haired ones and you should also consider your attitude towards your pet shedding its fur. Can you put up with hairs all over your clothes and furniture? Confirmed cat lovers will see this as just another aspect of cat ownership but many people will not be able to deal happily with the constant need to de-fur their possessions.
If you like to travel or are away from home a lot of the time, you will need to arrange for someone to care for your cat in your absence. There are several options to consider: a friend who is willing to visit twice a day, a commercial ‘home visiting’ service or a stay in a boarding cattery. All options have their advantages, disadvantages and costs to take into account before making your choice. And as always, the emotional wellbeing of your cat is paramount.
Once you have considered all the negative aspects of giving a kitten a home and if you feel that you are able to meet all these needs happily, then the fun part of sharing your home with a kitten can start.
There can be nothing finer in life than returning home after a hard day’s work to be greeted by your loyal and loving cat. Owning a cat has been shown to have positive life and health benefits for its owner but I personally think that just sitting with your furry companion purring contentedly on your lap is reward enough.