Part 1: Is Cat Parenthood Right for You?
Dear Pet Mom,
If you’ve been toying with the idea of bringing a cat into your life, you’re not alone. I still remember the day my husband and I decided to adopt our first cat, Sergi, in 2020. It was during the early months of the pandemic, and the world felt extremely uncertain. However, the shift to working from home gave me something valuable: time, space, and if I’m being honest, a sense of isolation that made me long for a new kind of companionship. With my husband working on-site throughout the height of the pandemic, Sergi became my quiet, watchful companion during the long hours I spent alone at home. I was grateful for his companionship.
But as dreamy as it sounds, deciding to adopt a cat isn’t just about filling a void or swooning over adorable toe beans and loaf poses. It means checking in with your lifestyle and asking yourself some hard but important questions.
Do You Have Time?
Not just now, but in the months and years ahead?
It’s easy to picture playtime and cuddles, but what about when your schedule changes or your life priorities shift? What if you need to travel? In the first three months, your new cat is still adjusting, still figuring out if they feel safe in your home. If you already have a trip planned, it may be worth waiting until you can offer them a consistent routine and presence.
Do You Have Enough Space?
Cats don’t require large yards or daily walks, but they do need room to explore, climb, nap, and look out windows as they ponder the great mysteries of the outside world. If you live in a smaller home or apartment, think vertically. Can you provide shelves or a cat tree to expand their territory? And if you have a backyard, is it a safe, enclosed space they can explore under your watchful eye?
Are You Financially Ready?
Let’s talk about money. Because as much as love matters, it doesn’t pay for litter or vet visits.
In Calgary, where I live, I spend an average of CAD 45 per cat each month. That includes:
Dry food: CAD 38 (mid-range brand)
Wet food: CAD 25 (mid-range brand)
Litter: CAD 54 (high-range brand, all natural)
Miscellaneous: CAD 20
This totals about CAD 137 per month for three cats, or roughly CAD 45.66 per cat. Keep in mind that this doesn’t include vet checkups, vaccinations, or emergency expenses. Are you prepared for those too?
Do You Have Patience and Gentleness?
More than anything, cats need your patience. Some may hide for days or weeks. Some may “reject” your affection at first, simply because they’re scared or unsure. It takes time, gentleness, and consistency to earn their trust. Are you willing to meet them where they are and love them anyway?
Are the People You Live With On Board?
If you live with family, roommates, or a partner, adopting a cat shouldn’t be a solo decision. It’s easy to fall in love with the idea of bringing home a furry companion, but success comes more easily when everyone in the home is on the same page.
Make sure to talk through important things like:
Allergies or pet sensitivities
Willingness to share responsibilities (or not)
House rules (Will the cat be allowed on furniture? Inside bedrooms?)
Comfort levels with common cat behaviors like scratching or the occasional zoomies at 3 AM
When everyone feels included, the transition is smoother for everyone, including your new pet. A peaceful and predictable environment helps build trust faster, and your cat will be more likely to settle in if the household energy is calm and consistent.
If even one person is hesitant, it’s worth having an open conversation before moving forward. After all, a cat isn't just joining your life; they're joining your home.
Will You Truly Commit?
Not just to feeding and cleaning, but to learning new things and perhaps doing some things that may not come easily.
Are you willing to clip their nails, brush their teeth, give them medicine when they’re sick, and show up for them every day, even when it’s inconvenient? Will you make time for play, even on your busiest days?
Take Time to Reflect
These aren’t easy questions, but they’re necessary. Before you bring a cat home, it’s worth taking a quiet moment to reflect. What are your reasons for wanting a pet? What kind of life do you want to offer them? When you answer from the heart, you’ll know whether the timing is right.
And if your heart still says a firm yes, then keep reading. There’s so much joy ahead. It all begins with intention, preparation, and love.
📚This post is part of The Cat Adoption Series
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