Adopting a Kitten - Questions to Ask First
So, you have decided to adopt a kitten and become a new parent to an adorable, furry new friend.
That's wonderful, but before you commit yourself to the adorable little tabby or calico that is watching you walk by or looking at you through the adoption notice, you will need to take a moment and be practical.
The impulse to adopt may be strong, but you need to ask yourself a series of questions to make sure you are realistically ready to become a new guardian.
Money Unless you are obtaining your kitten from a friend or from a classified ad offering free kittens, an adoption fee will apply.
This is generally to cover initial medical attention, such as: vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and a general checkup.
Even if you get the kitten for free, you will want to ensure that these procedures are done to protect the health of your kitten.
There are also the recurring costs of food to consider.
Time How much time do you have to spend with your kitten? Older animals do better when left alone, but young kittens need constant attention.
Anyway, why would you adopt a kitten, if not to spend time with it? They will need to be fed, watered, and generally taken care of.
Their litter box will also need to be cleaned and changed regularly.
Home Are you allowed to have pets? Does your landlord require an additional pet deposit? If you are not sure, it is best to find out before you risk becoming attached and having to give up your new friend.
Medical Is anyone in your home allergic to cats? It would be best to be sure ahead of time so you know whether or not your furry friend will become a source of constant discomfort to you or someone in your family.
There are antihistamines that can be taken to help with this, however.
Family Does everyone in your home want a kitten? Hard as it may be to believe, not everyone is fond of cats.
Also, if you have small children, be sure that they are very clear on the line between gentle play and rough play, and there is no doubt as to what is allowed and what is not.
Kittens are very fragile, and can accidentally be seriously hurt.
There are, of course, other things to consider, but these are the main points that trip up most people who are looking to adopt a kitten.
In the end, however, it boils down to a single question - are you and your family able and willing to give the kitten the love, attention, and environment it needs to be healthy and happy? If not, it may be best to reconsider.
That's wonderful, but before you commit yourself to the adorable little tabby or calico that is watching you walk by or looking at you through the adoption notice, you will need to take a moment and be practical.
The impulse to adopt may be strong, but you need to ask yourself a series of questions to make sure you are realistically ready to become a new guardian.
Money Unless you are obtaining your kitten from a friend or from a classified ad offering free kittens, an adoption fee will apply.
This is generally to cover initial medical attention, such as: vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and a general checkup.
Even if you get the kitten for free, you will want to ensure that these procedures are done to protect the health of your kitten.
There are also the recurring costs of food to consider.
Time How much time do you have to spend with your kitten? Older animals do better when left alone, but young kittens need constant attention.
Anyway, why would you adopt a kitten, if not to spend time with it? They will need to be fed, watered, and generally taken care of.
Their litter box will also need to be cleaned and changed regularly.
Home Are you allowed to have pets? Does your landlord require an additional pet deposit? If you are not sure, it is best to find out before you risk becoming attached and having to give up your new friend.
Medical Is anyone in your home allergic to cats? It would be best to be sure ahead of time so you know whether or not your furry friend will become a source of constant discomfort to you or someone in your family.
There are antihistamines that can be taken to help with this, however.
Family Does everyone in your home want a kitten? Hard as it may be to believe, not everyone is fond of cats.
Also, if you have small children, be sure that they are very clear on the line between gentle play and rough play, and there is no doubt as to what is allowed and what is not.
Kittens are very fragile, and can accidentally be seriously hurt.
There are, of course, other things to consider, but these are the main points that trip up most people who are looking to adopt a kitten.
In the end, however, it boils down to a single question - are you and your family able and willing to give the kitten the love, attention, and environment it needs to be healthy and happy? If not, it may be best to reconsider.