Something I haven't blogged about much here which is actually a big part of my life is my little bundle of joy, Kalliope Jolie. I adopted Kalliope in July 2014 when she was just 4 months old and a tiny little nugget. While she was absolutely adorable, and I do not regret adopting her for one second, sometimes having a pet can be work.
I'm so lucky that since Alex moved in with me he's helped a lot in taking care of Kalliope, however when I was living alone I did all the care for her. I put together a list of a couple of things to keep in mind if you're thinking about adopting a cat or kitten!
1// Make sure you're committed to having this cat for the long haul. Cats can live anywhere from 15-20 years, my parent's cat is 15 years old right now and in great health! While I see this as amazing, if you are not committed to having a pet for the next 20 years then you might want to think about adopting a different animal, or possibly considering adopting an elderly cat from your local shelter (they need love too)!
2// Put together a monthly budget of how much per month you would be able to spend on expenses for your new cat. We spend approximately $15 per month on food, $10 on litter, and another $5-10 on miscellaneous expenses. Kalliope does not really like wet food so we really only have to buy her a bag of dry food every month. Some cats really like wet food so I would recommend budgeting more than $15 per month for food because if you need to get wet food it will be a little more expensive. Another thing to consider, if you're living in an apartment it's possible you will be paying a monthly pet fee, these fees can be as much as $50 per month so it's something to verify and budget for!
3// In addition to monthly expenses, also include an annual budget for vet visits, vaccines, etc. Also in case your cat gets sick or has a medical condition vet bills can get expensive. Make sure you are in a financial position to pay these bills if necessary. If you're worried about emergency care expenses you can look into pet insurance to minimize the cost of unforeseen medical bills!
4// Make sure having a cat is agreeable to your landlord and roommates, if applicable. The last thing you want is to bring home your new pet and get in trouble with your building or roommates!
5// Plan out who will take care of your cat when you're away, whether for a week or a night. I have some friends in the city who will come feed and play with Kalliope if Alex and I are away for a night or two. If we go away for a longer period of time my parents are more than willing to watch her. It's important
6// Once you know you're ready to commit, go to your local shelters and meet the cats! See if you make a connection with any of them. Be sure to find out if they've been tested for Feline Lukemia and FIV, if they are positive for one of these conditions make sure you're willing to commit to adopting a cat with medical issues.
7// Get your place ready for your new baby! I made sure to buy food, food bowls, toys, a litter box, litter, and a cat carrier before I picked up Kalliope. When I first brought Kalliope home I only let her in one room in my apartment so she could adjust to her new life. Once she was more comfortable I let her into the main room and eventually gave her access to the whole apartment. I try to keep things she might want to chew or scratch out of her reach so that she doesn't ruin anything.
8// Enjoy your new pet's company. I love having Kalliope around, she kept me company when I lived by myself and now Alex and I enjoy playing with her and having her around. We're so happy to have her and it's one of the best decisions I've ever made!
Amazing water color of Kalliope by the talented
Lauren
As an ending note, I asked one of my best friends Mikaela to send me her adoption story for when she adopted her cat Teddy. She sent me back this story, just to give you another perspective on adopting a cat:
"I never expected to have a cat growing up. My family was always very decidedly a dog family and I liked to think I was the same way. Then I moved out on my own and realized how lonely it could be. I knew I wanted company but that a dog was too much of a time commitment since I was working upwards of 11 hours a day. Then I heard a mouse in my apartment and my decision was made.
The first time you have a cat, it is important to remember that you are in charge. Even though they'll whine and yell at you, life must run on your schedule. Otherwise you'll wind up with a cat who wakes you up at...each day because he has deemed that to be breakfast time.
Toys are great but you don't have to worry about needing to afford anything too fancy. Most of the time, the simple things are their favorites. My guy adores hair ties.
I think my best advice though, is to keep an open mind. All cats are quirky. They have a spastic air about them by default but even the most standoffish ones will love you unconditionally. Plus, nothing makes a person feel more adult-like and accomplished than being responsible for another living being." - Mikaela, if you would like to follow her adorable cat, he has his own Instagram @teddygram05
Do you have a cat or any pets? Feel free to share your adoption story in the comments below!
