One thing many people don't consider when they first decide to adopt a kitten or two is the expected lifespan of those new additions to your feline family and the ongoing responsibilities it will bring. Newborn kittens are the cutest baby animals ever but if you are to give them a permanent home you will need to be responsible for their health and well--being for between 15 and 20 years.
There are additional factors that need to be taken into consideration and one of the most important is the ongoing expense of owning a kitten that will very quickly grow into an adult cat.
Obviously you're going to need to spend money on food and good nutrition but there will be additional expenses such as vaccinations and other veterinarian costs that need to be considered. Pet insurance is a great idea but be careful to read the small print as many companies reduce the level of cover progressively as the cat grows older -- but without a corresponding reduction in cost!
Also, as with people, the personalities of cats are many and varied and you really wouldn't want to end up with a standoffish cat when what you really want is an affectionate one.
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.
Some cats require a lot more attention than others and this is particularly true of those cats that live inside. Will you be willing to keep a litter box clean on a daily basis? Do you have a suitable place to put that litter box? These are important questions that you will need to address before making your decision to give a kitten a home.
How about grooming your pet? Will you have the time to spend keeping the coat of your companion in good condition? Cats with longer fur will need more attention than shorthaired ones and you must also consider whether you will find shedding a problem. Confirmed cat lovers tend to see stray cat hairs as an inevitable part of the cat owning process but others may find the ongoing need to clean it off clothes and furniture too much to bear.
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 is nothing finer on a chilly, dark evening than having your feline companion sit purring contentedly on your lap after a hard day's work is over. The love and loyalty a cat can bring to your life has been shown to have positive health and life benefits for its owner but personally, I just think that sharing a few, purr-filled moments with your pet is reward enough.
Jane Tompsett is a confirmed cat--lover and has more than forty years' experience in caring for stray and abandoned cats. She has trained to run a cat boarding establishment and has been associated with the Feline Advisory Bureau for almost twenty years now. Her lifelong interest in feline welfare has given her a broad range of expertise on all aspects of cat care and behavior.
To discover how to give the best home care for your cat through pregnancy, birth, nursing & weaning, including how to care for orphaned and abandoned kittens, visit the link below.
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