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Orange cat on a bed
Orange cat on a bed
Erynn Brown
Life

3 Things to Know Before Getting a Pet

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at CWU chapter.

As someone who grew up around animals, I missed having a fluffy friend around as soon as I got to college. Having a pet around has always been such a blast, so recently my boyfriend and I finally decided to get a cat. Of course, we’ve learned a lot in the past few months of having Butters (my precious fur child), so here are some things to know before you get a fluffy friend!

Choose an animal that’s good for your space.

fluffy cat
Photo by Kari Shea on Unsplash

My boyfriend and I live in a one-bedroom apartment, so we knew a cat would be a great choice as a pet. When choosing your fur baby, make sure to know what animal would go best with your home. For example, dogs have lots of energy, so keeping them in a small apartment is not exactly ideal. Cats and smaller animals are definitely a way better choice for smaller spaces!

Adopt, don’t shop.

Golden lab smiling
Johnathan Daniels

Every animal that I’ve owned has either been a stray, or one that’s been dropped off at my dad’s veterinary clinic. Strays and mutts may have a bad reputation for some, but to me, owning a rescued animal is such a fulfilling way to own a pet. I know that I helped out a helpless animal by giving him the best life possible.

Prepare to spoil your pet.

Girl lying on bed with cat
Photo by Oleg Ivanov on Unsplash

I love spoiling Butters, just like any other pet owner, but I didn’t realize how dang expense those dumb little cat toys were. Of course, owning an animal is an expense, but there are more added expenses than you would think. Whether it’s new toys, special treats, or even a new bed, make sure to allocate your expenses and plan for them! 

And this goes without saying, owning an animal is not like owning a toy! Pets depend on their owners for food, love, and attention, so make sure you are willing to give up a lot of time to focus on your little furry friend!

 

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HCXO

Self-love advocate and intersectional feminist with a passion for music, photography, and writing (she/her)