You really want a pet and think that a cat is an obvious choice, because they are generally independent and just do their own thing. But this is not true. Although a cat can be independent, she still needs your love, attention and to be taken care of by you, her owner. Do this quick quiz and see if you are ready to own a cat.
1. What inspired you to get a cat?
a. Kittens are cute and I would love to play with one.
b. My friend’s cat had kittens and I want to adopt one to help my friend.
c. I’ve always wanted my own cat.
2. How much time do you have to spend with a cat?
a. Cats are independent and you don’t need to spend time with them.
b. I’ll play with the cat at least once a day…
c. I know that I have to dedicate time throughout the day to give her attention, feed her, and clean her litterbox. And I don’t mind.
3. Do you have the financial means to take care of a cat?
a. Besides food, cats don’t cost much money.
b. I have a good idea what cats need, and I think I can afford it.
c. I know exactly what food, preventative treatments, medical insurance, vaccines, vets and other necessities cost and I know I can afford it.
4. Will you understand what your cat is trying to tell you?
a. I don’t speak meow.
b. I think I know the basics, but I’m prepared to learn.
c. Cat communication is more than being vocal. It also includes body language.
5. How much do you know about litterbox cleaning?
a. Do I have to clean the litterbox?
b. It needs to be cleaned often.
c. The litterbox needs cleaning every day, and depending on the type of litter, it needs to be replaced every two weeks or so.
6. How important is a scratching post for a cat?
a. Not much – it’s a nice-to-have.
b. I understand it is important if I want to protect my furniture.
c. Very important. It helps a cat to stretch, scratch and play.
7. Do you realise for how long you can expect to take care of your cat?
a. No, not really. Maybe a couple of years.
b. Until they die?
c. For the duration of the cat’s life, which is generally between 12 and 16 years, depending on the breed and her health.
8. What will your first reaction be when your cat scratches your furniture or hang on your curtains?
a. No! Not my curtains and not my furniture!
b. I’ll get a cat who won’t scratch my furniture 😉.
c. I’ll move my cat to the scratching post. I’ll make sure that there is fresh catnip on the scratching post to lure her there.
9. Do you have small children in the home who can hurt your cat?
a. Yes.
b. Yes, but I will teach them how to treat a cat.
c. Not yet, but when I do, I will teach the children how to treat a cat with respect and I will supervise them and the cat.
10. Are you or any of your family members allergic to cats?
a. I have no clue.
b. I don’t think so, but we’ll find out.
c. We’re all free from cat-related allergies.
11. Will you have time to exercise your cat and play with her?
a. I didn’t know cats need exercise. I thought they sleep all day long.
b. Not yet, but we’ll make a plan.
c. Oh yes. I will make time to play with her during the day and ensure that she gets appropriate exercise.
12. Cats prefer a home with routine. Are you a ‘routine’ kind of person?
a. No, and don’t intend to be. Routine is boring.
b. We will get into a routine when we get a cat.
c. For the sake of the cat, we’ll maintain our routine to involve her.
Add it up
Count how many As, Bs and Cs you marked to find out what your score is.
Mostly As
Unfortunately, you are not ready for a cat yet. You will have to do much more research to find out what you should have and should know before you can become a cat owner. Cats are not mere toys that you can play with when you feel like it. They have lots of emotions and need to be taken care of in many ways.
Mostly Bs
You’re on the right track, but not quite there yet. Spend some time with responsible cat owners to get more information on what to expect.
Mostly Cs
Congratulations. You know what it means to be a cat owner and are ready to take on that responsibility. But you might know that already.
