Thinking about adopting? Here are some things to consider!
By Kenzie Draper
I recently adopted a kitten. Her name is Opal.
Two weeks ago, to be exact. And in that time, I’ve seen more people with new kittens. Maybe it’s just the part of life my peers and I are at: 21-23 years, living in a pet-friendly apartment, cuffing season with no prospects, a general need for companionship, cats are cute, etc, etc.
First and foremost, I promise it wasn’t an impulse adoption. Hours spent researching and looking at different shelters went into the decision, and I’ve also grown up with cats my entire life. Going into this semester, I thought I’m prepared to become a mother!
However, nothing ever goes completely as planned. From vet visits to sleeping on my closet floor, life’s daily routines got shaken up a bit. If you’re thinking about adopting while in college, here are some important things to consider.
Are you financially able?
For most shelters, adopting kittens costs over $100, and cats over one year are usually $50-70. The price usually includes rabies shots, microchips, and spay/neuter services. Then there’s food, toys, treats, litter, litter boxes, collars and harnesses, cat carriers, and all the essentials. There are also vet checkups and shots, and sometimes surgeries. Opal ended up having a hernia from when she got spayed, so she needed another surgery. A hernia isn’t a big operation (surgically and fiscally) thankfully, but it still costs a chunk of money.
Do you have access to transportation?
Opal’s hernia ordeal found me in three different cars of three different friends. Since I don’t have a car on campus, I rely heavily on the bus system and my many friends with cars. But if I need to transport Opal, the bus isn’t an option anymore. For vet checkups, emergency room visits, and anywhere in between, having one person (or many) who’s available to drive you and your kitty is very important.
Are you often not home?
Cats can be left alone a lot longer than dogs, that’s true. However, they’re still beings who feel loneliness and find companionship in humans. Kittens require a lot more attention and care than an older cat– it may be detrimental for them to be alone for hours on end. However, older cats may be more okay. That being said, if you need to leave for a weekend, make sure you have someone who can feed them according to schedule (because cats live by their eating schedule… every morning at 9 am wide eyes stare me down until I get up).
Also, if you’re like me, you may just not want to leave!
Be prepared to lose some sleep
The 3 am zoomies are a real thing. Though not always at 3 am, be prepared to hear your cat scampering around and playing at any hour of the night. (And anything and everything can be a toy… so stash those important receipts and special things away).
If you’re like me, you will wake up every hour the first night with your cat, just to make sure they’re ok. Also, after Opal’s surgery, I kept her in the bathroom/closet so she wouldn’t jump or run around, and I did in fact sleep on my floor because I didn’t want her to be lonely.
***
These compile the main things to think about before adopting a cat while in college. If you can, cats are incredible creatures full of so much love and spunk. Now I have a little heater in bed, a chirping ghost that follows me around, playmate, and cuddle-buddy all in one. I’m utterly obsessed with her and I’m so happy I adopted her.
So if you’re in a place where you can handle a little life, definitely do it!
And remember, always rescue!
Comments