There is no doubt that owning a cat, or as I prefer to say having the cat allow YOU to share IT'S home is one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have in your life, but being a responsible pet owner brings certain points that must be considered.
BUDGETING FOR VET CARE-
This is a necessity! Normal veterinary care includes yearly shots, tests for worms and other exams that may be needed depending on the age of your cat. The average cost runs anywhere from $100-$300/year (remember that was average, for a healthy cat, costs can be much, much higher for a cat with special needs).
The key is preventive care, have the cat checked at least yearly (for cats under age 7 with no health issues), Senior cats (age 7 and up) should ideally be checked by the vet every 6 months.
OTHER COSTS:
cat food, cat carrier, cat litter, litter pans and scoops, cat toys, trees, treats etc.
Cats are relatively low maintenance but it is important to remember that the cat will rely on you for it's entire life (which on average can be 15 years or more!!) If you are not prepared for such a responsibility please do not get a cat. It is much, much harder to place an adult cat in a home should you decide you no longer want the cat once it passes the cuteness of kittenhood. Please, if you cannot give the cat the love, attention and health exams that it needs to live a long and happy life, do not get a cat!
I wanted to tell you that I have always told myself that I wouldalways treat my cats and dog(all girls)just like I would have treated the "little girl" that I never had!!
Any advice on how to get a husband to accept another cat? Since our little dog died, our 7-year old Siamese x "Suki" is lonely and bored. I want to adopt a companion kitten from the local shelter, but hubby is violently opposed. He feels the cat is "fine", and has traumatic memories of when we introduced Suki as a kitten to an older cat who acted out, clawing carpets and peeing on laundry. I told him this time will be different, but he is skeptical.
You are sooo right about cats owning humans- quite a few folks I know thought it ould be a great idea, -until the cute kitten phase faded away- thanks for bringing this up! -Ms. Z.
Anonymous whose husband does not want another cat. Actually your husband has a very valid point. Your 7 year old "Suki" is used to being the only cat, yes you had a dog (and I am so sorry that your dog passed) but that was a cat living with a DOG. Your 7 yr old cat is used to being the only cat. 7 is considered a senior for cats. What I would try (if you can persuade your husband) is the same perfume "trick" that I used when I introduced our dog to our resident cat.....not sure if it will work but it is worth a try....(read my blog on introducing a cat to a dog).....it is quite possible Suki will act out regardless. If you don't try the perfume trick you would have to keep them separate for a week or so and introduce them to each other bit by bit. Let me know what you decide to do!
I have found that introducing kittens instead of adult cats works well with a multi-cat household. For some reason, cats accept kittens. I once adopted an adult cat from a shelter and unfortunately had to return it because the new cat started having a "pee fest" in the house. I have adopted two kittens since then and no problems.
I wanted to tell you that I have always told myself that I wouldalways treat my cats and dog(all girls)just like I would have treated the "little girl" that I never had!!
ReplyDeleteAny advice on how to get a husband to accept another cat? Since our little dog died, our 7-year old Siamese x "Suki" is lonely and bored. I want to adopt a companion kitten from the local shelter, but hubby is violently opposed. He feels the cat is "fine", and has traumatic memories of when we introduced Suki as a kitten to an older cat who acted out, clawing carpets and peeing on laundry. I told him this time will be different, but he is skeptical.
ReplyDeleteYou are sooo right about cats owning humans- quite a few folks I know thought it ould be a great idea, -until the cute kitten phase faded away- thanks for bringing this up! -Ms. Z.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous whose husband does not want another cat.
ReplyDeleteActually your husband has a very valid point.
Your 7 year old "Suki" is used to being the only cat, yes you had a dog (and I am so sorry that your dog passed) but that was a cat living with a DOG. Your 7 yr old cat is used to being the only cat. 7 is considered a senior for cats.
What I would try (if you can persuade your husband) is the same perfume "trick" that I used when I introduced our dog to our resident cat.....not sure if it will work but it is worth a try....(read my blog on introducing a cat to a dog).....it is quite possible Suki will act out regardless.
If you don't try the perfume trick you would have to keep them separate for a week or so and introduce them to each other bit by bit.
Let me know what you decide to do!
I have found that introducing kittens instead of adult cats works well with a multi-cat household. For some reason, cats accept kittens. I once adopted an adult cat from a shelter and unfortunately had to return it because the new cat started having a "pee fest" in the house. I have adopted two kittens since then and no problems.
ReplyDelete