College is one of the most exciting parts of a young adult’s life. It’s the first time that many of us are living away from our parents and enjoying the freedom that comes along with having our own homes.
Even with roommates, sometimes a new home can still feel empty. A common way to remedy this is by acquiring a permanent resident to liven the environment. Almost all of my friends have a cat taking up residence in their home. In fact, I adopted my cats two weeks after moving into my first apartment
Though it’s nice to have a built-in best friend, adopting a cat is not all sunshine and rainbows. I was astounded by the amount of dedication it takes to be a pet-owner. Listed below are some of the responsibilities that I, and many others, overlooked upon adoption
Additional Expenses
Cats can be a cheap initial investment. Free kittens are fairly easy to come by and many shelters run adoption specials when they become overcrowded.
It is easy to adopt a cat on an impulse without considering the additional financial implications. From one broke college student to another, a cat can quickly run your bank account dry if you haven’t anticipated expenses such as litter, food and rental fees. These expenses can easily total to an additional $100 a month and may be difficult for many college students to afford. Keep in mind you may also have unexpected vet bills as well
While these expenses can definitely be manageable, it is important to take a careful look at your finances before committing to a cat.
Their well-being is YOUR responsibility
Somewhere along the way, cat’s have picked up a reputation for being “low-maintenance” creatures. While they may be more self-sufficient than a dog, it is inconsiderate to think of them as just another piece of décor in your home.
Just like dogs, cats rely on their owners for a majority of their needs. Even after a long day of classes and extracurriculars, your cat will still need you to change their litter box, refill their food and play with them.
It can be exhausting to care for your cat when all you want to do is curl up in bed, but they depend on you to fulfill many of their basic needs.
Long-Term Plans
While it may feel like you will be a young college student forever, that is simply not the case. Many things in life are temporary, but a cat is a long-term commitment.
Even if you are capable of caring for a cat now, it is necessary that you consider what role they will play after you graduate and move into a different phase of life.
Whether it’s graduate school, moving abroad, or entering a full-time career, your cat will follow you along the way. A cat can sometimes make moving a challenge and may be a hindrance on your future goals.
Adopting a cat is a great way to learn responsibility and to have a furry companion by your side when life gets tough. I have loved every minute with my two fur-babies, but I wish someone would have told me more about pet-ownership beforehand. I hope that my experience will help in your decision-making-process.