Step 1: Plan

Think about what getting a cat or kitten would mean in your life. Consider your financial state, place where you live, house mates…

There are a lot of things to consider when getting a cat.  Below is a list with some of the very important questions regarding if you can get a cat and a flowchart seeing if you are ready.

Housing

  • Are cats allowed where you live?
  • Is there enough room for your cat? (Basically make sure you are not going to put your cat in a tiny room)
  • Do you know what you are going to do if you go on a trip/vacation?

People

  • Are you allergic to cats?
  • Do you have time to take care of a cat? More information about what you need to have done and your daily responsibilities about getting a cat is under the purchase tab. Do not get a cat just because it is "easier to take care of than a dog".
  • Are you willing to spend your time looking after your cat?
  • Do you have any young children in which may pose a threat of harming cat?

Money

  • Are you financially stable enough to get a cat?
  • Do you have enough money to care for the cat for its whole life? Cats can live 20+ years.
  • Do you have enough money to get both the one time fee and the weekly fee of caring for a cat? (More about that is on the purchase tab)
  • Do you have enough money for veterinary care? It is very expensive.
  • Do you have enough money for cat sitting or going to a cattery when you go on vacation?

Time

  • Do you have enough time to care for your cat?
  • Will you enjoy playing with it and not be rushed to do something else?
  • Do you have the time to help your cat if an unforeseen accident occurs?
  • If you give a kid the responsibility of caring for a cat, do you have the time to take care of it as well? (This will happen at some point)

Pets

  • Will your cat be okay to live in a multi-pet household?
  • Do you already have a pet that will not get along with your potential future cat and be best alone?
  • Does your other pet show signs of aggression and can harm your potential future cat?
  • Will your potential future cat be okay with other pets or will it be not as happy as possible?
  • Do you have any pets that might be prayed on by your potential future cat (fish, mice, frogs...). However this is not to say do not, just make sure that your other pets will stay safe, cats and other animals that they prey on can get along very well.

The Cat

  • Can you give your cat the best life possible?