Hi! I’m 34 and have never had a pet. I always wanted one as a kid, but my parents and later my boyfriend were against it. I’ve been single and living alone for 6 years, and I think it’s finally time to get a furry companion. I love cats and would like to adopt one.
There are cat cafes in my city where you can meet potential cats before adopting, and I love the idea of letting a cat choose me.
For those with experience, what advice would you give a first-time cat owner? What should I be prepared for and what do I need to get?
One thing I heard was that cats are more independent and need less attention than dogs, but that’s not always true. I have two cats, and at least one of them is usually snuggling with me. Don’t assume cats need less attention just because they’re not dogs—they love snuggles too!
Have you thought about fostering first? If you foster through a humane society, you get to see what living with a cat is like without the long-term commitment. They provide food, supplies, and vet care while you foster. And if you fall in love with the cat, you can adopt them! It’s a great way to ease into cat ownership while helping the shelter make room for more animals.
@Miller
Great tips! But as a long-time cat owner, I’ve never brushed my cats’ teeth, and neither have my cat-owning friends. Also, toys with catnip are a hit with most cats.
My #1 advice: listen to your cat. Learn about cat body language, so you know what they like and don’t like. Jackson Galaxy has great videos for this. Some cats hate being touched and will scratch, while others love it. Respect their boundaries, and you’ll get along great. For example, cats may show their belly as a sign of trust, but that doesn’t always mean they want a belly rub.
Bringing a new cat home is exciting, but remember, cats can get anxious in new places. Don’t worry if they hide for a bit before they feel comfortable.
If you’re choosing a cat, spend at least 30 minutes with them to see how they interact with you. I’ve had many cats, and it’s true that ‘cats choose you.’ When you find the right one, you’ll know—they’ll reach out, meow, or snuggle up to you.
Get scratchers (both vertical and horizontal) and place them around the house. Have at least two litter boxes in different rooms and clean them daily. Cats like to be near you, so make sure they have a comfy spot in whatever room you’re in. When playing, use toys, not your hands.
We had our dog for a few years and just got a cat a few months ago. We found him at a shelter and loved that he was good with dogs. It took a little over a month to introduce them, and now they’re fine together. The cat loves random toys, but really enjoys cat wands. We got a high-walled stainless steel litter box, and he digs in the litter. He also loves being held and rocked. Cats can be very affectionate, and it’s been fun having both a dog and a cat in the house.
Most cats over 3 years old experience gum disease, so vet bills can get high. Cat insurance is about $30/month on average, which can be worth it for peace of mind. I insured my 9-year-old dog with Figo for $60/month, but it jumped to $97. I’m switching to Pets Best for lower rates since my dog doesn’t have any pre-existing conditions.