What Should I Consider Before Getting a Cat?

Think About the Basic Care and Training You’ll Need to Provide Your New Cat

It's important to be careful about preparing your home as a cozy and welcoming space for your new feline friend. What toys and supplies should you have on hand? How can you ensure your cat will get along with any pre-existing cats? It's good to be as informed as possible when getting a new cat to ensure a smooth transition and increase the chance of establishing a healthy bond right away. Check out our basic care and training resources to learn more.

Establish Your Family’s Roles

Have your kids eagerly asked for a cat and promised to take care of all the cleaning? While it's good to take their enthusiasm with a pinch of salt, there's something for everyone in your family to do when it comes to pitching in. Just make sure that all family members have a clear understanding of their roles in the caretaking.

Plan for Costs

You're going to want to plan and budget for all the care your cat will need, including visiting the veterinarian, buying supplies, and paying for lodging while you travel. To get a sense of the financial resources you'll need, consult your veterinarian or local shelter.

Your Lifestyle and Environment

Did you know that many cats end up in shelters because their owners' living situations aren't suitable? Factors like roommates, moving, landlords or not having enough space, and factors related to your living space could make having a cat more difficult than you originally thought. Make sure that you have the permission of everyone in your living space before bringing a cat into your home. If it's not the right time for you, don't worry - there will be plenty of cats looking for homes when you do are ready.

Which Cat is Right for You?

A lot of people looking to adopt want to get the same type of cat they had when they were kids, without realizing that personality may be more important than breed or coloring. Some cats need more social time and attention, and some might be perfect for you if you have a busy lifestyle.

Where to Find Your New Cat

There are several sources you can look up when trying help to find your new cat. Breeders and local shelters are just two of the many places where you can go to find the cat for you.

Finding a Breed

If you’re looking for a specific breed, use the Purina breed selector tool. You can get started finding a cat in your area using Petfinder.

We hope this helps you decide whether cat ownership is right for you.