Adopting a cat can see you develop one of the most beautiful bonds of your life as you connect with your feline friend. Cats are playful creatures who can be very affectionate and form a strong relationship with you. Every time you play with your cat or simply spend time with them, you may notice a significant drop in stress levels and experience a boost of happiness. However, it is important to remember that cat adoption is a big decision which comes with a lot of responsibilities. Your home will become the cat’s home and you become their family. To ensure they get the best possible future with you, there are a few things that you need to understand before proceeding with cat adoption.
 

Things to consider before cat adoption

Whether you are opting to adopt a kitten or a grown cat, here are some things you need to consider before going through with the entire process.
 

1. The cat will need to be spayed/neutered:

   If the cat has not been spayed or neutered already at the time of adoption, you will need to get this done. If you are adopting a kitten, you will need to get them spayed/neutered once they are of suitable age. Do talk to the shelter house and a vet for more information on the procedure.
    

2. Proceed with cat adoption only after reviewing your routine:

   If you lead a busy lifestyle, you will need to consider how you will make time for your cat. This includes taking care of your pet and maintaining their feeding times. You will need to dedicate your time to planning the right food, serving meals at proper intervals, and ensuring that you can make time for play too.
    

3. Adoption is a long-term commitment:

   Adoption is a permanent duty and a bond that lasts for a lifetime. When you bring home a rescued cat or adopt one from a shelter, you are providing the animal with new hope. The cat will be a member of your family and you will need to treat them as such. The lifespan of cats generally ranges from 12 to 20 years, and this is how long your commitment will be. Only once you have considered the enormity of your decision and are ready for it, should you go through with cat or kitten adoption.

Providing favourable conditions for the adopted cat

Before you bring home an adopted or a rescued cat, you will need to make a few changes in your house to create favourable conditions for them. You can begin by doing the following:

1. Remove items that can be toxic to a cat, like certain plants or chemical agents.

2. Cover up exposed electrical wires in a way that the cat can’t reach them (since they might try to chew up the wire, which can lead to a severe accident).

3. Prepare your kids and teach them the basics of being responsible around a cat.

4. Keep a special room or space for the cat, so they can feel safe and get a sense of belonging.

5. Find a vet near your area where you can take the rescued cat for regular check-ups.

What are some benefits of cat adoption?

Adopting a cat also has many benefits such as:
 

1. You help a cat in need:

   If you adopt a cat instead of buying one, you will be helping a cat in need. You will be giving a rescued cat much-needed shelter, their own space, and a family that loves them.
    

2. The cat will most likely be trained:

   A cat that is adopted from a shelter will already be trained in basic activities like feeding from a bowl and using a scratching post.
    

3. You can adopt a cat based on their personality:

   One of the biggest benefits of adopting a cat from a shelter is that they often have an already established personality. This makes it easier for people to adopt a cat that best suits their lifestyle.
    

Factors to keep in mind when adopting a cat

When adopting a cat, here are a few factors you should keep in mind:

1. Presence of other pet cats:

   If you have other cats at home, you will need to adopt a cat that likes their company. You can talk to the shelter home about this, so they direct you to cats who bond well with other cats. 
    

2. The inevitable costs:

   Adopting and taking care of cats means having to bear quite a few costs – costs of regular vet visits, medicines, foods, toys, and more. Moreover, if you are bringing home a rescued cat, they may require even more care and attention from a vet. So, do consider these costs before proceeding with the adoption.
    

3. Your routine:

   When you adopt a cat, you should be able to make time for them and give them proper care and attention. You can also consider adopting a cat whose lifestyle matches yours. For instance, a cat who likes being independent can be a perfect choice for someone who is often busy.

Essentials to purchase for your cat

To give your cat the best life, ensure that you have all of the following essentials:

1. Food and water bowls
2. Litter box
3. Scratching post
4. Toys
5. Cat nips
6. Cat grooming equipment
7. A durable carrier or crate
8. Cat bed
9. Collar with an ID tag