I grew up in a dog family. For as long as I can remember, we have had dogs. Sometimes just one, and other times as many as three. I’ve always considered myself a dog person, and I never disliked cats. I just didn’t think I could love a cat as much as I loved my dogs. In fact, I have my special girl, Gizmo, back home, whom I’ve had since 2013, and I always miss her so much.
Moving somewhere with no pets for the first time last year was a bit more of an adjustment than I ever anticipated. It’s hard to explain, but there is just something about having your best friend waiting anxiously for you to get home and spend time together. This year, after moving into my first apartment, I thought for a while about bringing my dog from home. In theory, it’s perfect. I had this dream where I could bring that little piece of home with me, and we would have a lovely time. In reality, Gizmo was raised on a farm, literally. She is used to the wide-open space and abundant “hunting” opportunities that the Texas Panhandle has to offer, and I knew she would never be happy here. So, off I went to my apartment–alone.
The first months of the semester were a struggle. Adjustment to my increased workload and apartment life was a struggle. At some point in late September, I realized I needed something to cheer myself up, and I remembered all the happy moments I had with my dog back home, so I started thinking about adopting a pet of my own. However, I refused to adopt a dog. I struggle with the idea of dogs, who I know need lots of space, aligning with my apartment-going lifestyle. The next week, I brought home a kitten named Beauford.
Now I’ve owned Beauford for around a month, and I can say with certainty that he’s the best thing that’s happened to me during my college career. Coming home and seeing him every single day has made my life that much brighter. Despite the hours of sleep I lose nightly to his playful nighttime energy and the new scars I have from his playful bites and claws, I love him more than I ever thought I could love a cat. Beauford makes me so happy, and I can’t imagine my life without him now.
Having said that, getting any sort of pet, even a kitten, as a college student isn’t always recommended. I have two roommates and a dog in my apartment to help keep my kitten from being lonely while I’m gone. It’s also important to remember that when you adopt a pet, you are expecting to make at least a 15-year commitment, which may be a hard thing for college students to understand. DailyPaws asks potential owners to consider the three C’s.
- Commitment
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It’s important to remember that this new furry friend is far from a temporary fixture. They will be a member of the family for 15-20 years. While cats are considered low maintenance, it’s super important to understand that as soon as you get a cat, you will be planning life events around them.
- Cost
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While DailyPaws stresses that you don’t have to be rich to own a cat, there are some recurring costs to consider. All cats need food, litter, and regular vet care for things like vaccines and check-ups. On top of that, they benefit from having toys and plenty of places to scratch–especially so they don’t destroy all of your furniture. It’s also important to expect the unexpected when it comes to potential cat costs. Sometimes our furry friends get sick and need medicine and a vet, which can get pretty expensive.
- Care
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While cats are pretty low-maintenance, I want to emphasize that they still require lots of care and attention. Much like most pets, they need to have consistent access to clean water, and they need to be fed daily. They also need some enrichment, like playtime and toys (or even a friend). Cleaning up after cats is also no easy task. When you get home from a long day of classes, do you want to have to scoop out a smelly litterbox? Those are some things to think about.
After considering all those things, if you are still looking to adopt a cat, I suggest checking a local shelter instead of looking for a cat breeder. Most cities, including Austin, have hundreds of shelter kitties and strays of all ages in desperate need of a loving home. Austin Pets Alive and Austin Humane Society are just two examples of some great places to look in Austin.
Before adopting my Beauford, I took a lot of time to carefully consider if I would be able to take care of him, and I couldn’t be surer that I can give him a great home. He’s growing into a lovely cat, and all of my scars from his bites are worth it in the end.