There’s lots to think about before you welcome a feline friend into your life – and our advice can help.
In this article, we’ll look at what it’s like to have a cat and which type of cat would be happiest in your home.
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Getting a cat can be exciting, but there are some things to think about first to make sure your new cat settles in smoothly.
Let’s take kittens, for example. Sometimes, people like the idea of a kitten but don’t realise how much time they need dedicated to them. Kittens are still learning about the world and require lots of care and attention. You may also need time to teach younger family members all about them.
Perhaps you’re looking for a feline friend for your current cat? If so, it’s useful to know that many cats are happier living without other pets. So, keep this in mind before you make a decision.
Whether you’re an experienced owner or a newbie, it’s important to research whether your plans are realistic before getting a feline friend.
Getting a cat is a long-term commitment. They generally live for 12 to 18 years, but some live into their 20s!
Your lifestyle must allow for meeting a cat’s needs in the best way – from caring for them and paying vet bills to giving them a home where they can live happily.
Did you know that cats are obligate carnivores? This means they need meat to survive.
So, giving them the right diet, in the right amounts, is crucial, as well as constant access to fresh water.
Good quality dry food and/or tinned cat food that’s free from colourings, additives and preservatives is best. This is available in ranges designed for kittens, adults, and senior cats.
Sometimes your cat’s diet can be costly or needs careful monitoring for their health – for example, if they’re unwell, overweight or an indoor-only cat.
You can find out more in our article on what to feed your cat.
You’ll need to register your cat with a vet as soon as possible. Vet trips can be expensive, but they’re an essential part of being a pet owner.
Luckily, the right pet insurance can help keep costs down in the long run.
Here are some examples of medical care for cats:
If your cat becomes seriously unwell, you may have to decide whether to put them to sleep.
There are many things to pay for after the initial cost of getting a cat.
We recommend looking at what these costs will be and deciding if getting a cat is something you can afford at this time, or if it’s best to wait.
Here are some things to consider:
Read our handy guide on pet insurance for cost-saving tips.
A happy cat can be a real pleasure to live with! But cats whose needs aren’t met can develop behaviour and health problems, or even stray and find a new home.
Ideally, your cat should have access to the outside world through a microchip cat flap. This type of cat flap only opens for your cat(s) and stops unwelcome visitors finding their way in!
It can be difficult to know if the outside area near your home is suitable for a specific cat. Some are more street-smart than others, and some might not get on well with local cats.
If you need advice on finding a cat who who’ll be happy in your local area, our team can help. And if you decide to keep your cat indoors, they’ll need a set-up that allows them to express their natural behaviours and get exercise – just like they would outside. This can be tricky and takes a lot of thought, but, again, we’re here to help if you have any questions!
If you’re planning to keep your cat indoors, consider the following:
Cats need lots of vertical and horizontal space so they can get up high if they want to exercise or escape a situation.
It’ll take some time to research and provide what your cat needs so they can engage in natural behaviours.
For example, hunting is very important to a cat’s wellbeing, especially at dusk and dawn. This could be mimicked by playing inside. They also communicate by marking their scent, so they’ll need scratching posts and blocks to do this.
A cat that’s always lived indoors and showed no signs of being unhappy will be less prone to boredom and frustration as a housecat.
For more information, check out our article on keeping indoor cats entertained.
Do you work long hours or have a busy social life?
Some cats like a lot of human attention, while others might prefer it in small doses! It’s important to think about whether your new cat would be happy in a home with an owner who isn’t around a lot.
If you are the busy type, choose a cat that’s okay with you being away. Even if you spend a lot of time at home but you’re working, a kitten or even a ‘lap cat’ might not let you get very much done!
Kittens need more meals than adult cats as well as lots of socialising. So, they may not be the right choice if you have a busy lifestyle.
Remember, most cats like routine and predictability. If your hours vary and you have no routine, it may be difficult for your cat.
Make sure to properly research the breed you’re thinking of getting so you can help your new feline friend live their best life.
When it comes to grooming, some cats need extra care and attention. Will you be able to groom a long-haired cat or care for a higher-maintenance breed?
Flat-faced breeds like the popular Persian cat often need their faces wiping daily. Breeds such as Rex and Sphynx cats might require regular baths and ear cleans.
Check if there are any genetic conditions your chosen cat breed is likely to suffer from. This could add thousands of pounds to the costs of caring for them throughout their lifetime.
Does anyone in your home suffer from an allergy to cats?
If so, are they able to manage their allergy with the right medication? While you may be able to keep certain rooms in the house cat-free, some cats just can’t stand closed doors!
Your cat might bring birds or rodents home with them. Sometimes these visitors are alive… and sometimes they’re not.
You can’t stop a cat’s natural hunting behaviour, but some cats are more prone to catching prey than others.
If you adopt from a reputable rescue centre, they can tell you what they know about them. But it’s not usually possible to tell if a kitten is going to grow into a ‘gifted hunter’.
Now you know more about caring for cats, what kind of cat would be happiest and best suited to living with you? Below are some things to think about.
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Once you’ve made a decision about the type of cat that would be a good match, it’s time to look into where to get your cat or kitten from:
Charities sometimes have breed cats as well as many wonderful moggies looking for homes.
If you decide to get your cat through a breeder, be sure to do your research and check they’re trustworthy. Make sure you have a full history as well as any medical records for the cat.
Choose the right breed for you – most breeds have certain traits that you will need to take into account when choosing.
Remember that breed rescue centres (rescues that rehome specific breeds) often have young cats that need a home. They may be knowledgeable about that breed, too.
Buying on the internet, especially through social media, can be risky. If you buy a cat or kitten online, be sure to ask lots of questions. You need to be confident the cat or kitten you’re buying is healthy and the right cat for you.
Cats can make a wonderful addition to your home and bring you lots of joy. If you need more advice before taking the plunge, our team can give you advice and support for whatever you need, including:
Are you looking to adopt a cat or foster a cat? Contact Woodgreen today.
Our team works tirelessly to find every pet their perfect match, and we start with the pet’s specific needs – ensuring the best chance of success in a new home.
Read more about 'How to adopt a pet from Woodgreen'
Learn more about our cat adoption process, and apply to adopt one of our rescue cats
Read more about 'Adopt a rescue cat'