What To Expect When Adopting A Cat

Photo from Reddit

Sometimes the hardest part of bringing a cat home is realizing how unfamiliar everything feels to them at first. A quick story from Reddit captures that early uncertainty and what it can look like in real life.

The early days can look confusing

A Reddit user made a frantic post about her new cats’ odd behavior and received a lot of responses.

Here is what you should know when adopting a new cat.

The Benefits Of Owning A Cat

Cats can be gentle companions in a way that sneaks up on you, showing up in both emotional comfort and small daily routines. This section lays out a few of the most common upsides people talk about.

Small comforts with real impact

Aside from their cute little whiskered faces and fluffy, soft fur, cats can improve your life.

There are numerous benefits, including emotional and physical.

HelpGuide.org shared some of them:

• Lower stress
• Reduce loneliness
• Improves mood
• Low maintenance
• Improve heart health

So you or your child want to adopt a pet.

Well there is the age old debate of cats vs dogs.

Both animals help lower your stress levels and provide companionship.

However, cats are lower maintenance.

You can put out food and water and maybe a scratching post and your cat will be content.

You don’t have to take them for long walks every few hours or even let them in the backyard to go to the bathroom.

But you do have to scoop their litter boxes.

They are not typically as energetic as dogs and are content to just sit on the couch.

They are also generally less expensive than dogs when you take into account the adoption fees, extra vet visits for dogs, and food costs.

Pet ownership may help dampen the body’s stress response, according to Harvard Health.

If you want to keep exploring the human-animal bond, you might also like Improving Adolescent And Teenage Mental Health May Be Easier Than You Think.

What You Should Know Before Adopting A Cat

Adopting a cat can feel exciting, but it’s also a long-term choice that affects your time, home, and budget. Thinking through the practical stuff now can make the transition calmer later.

Commitment, cost, and the real division of labor

There are many things to consider before adopting a cat because it is a big commitment.

Most breeds of cats tend to live longer than the average dog.

You are looking at a lifespan between 12 and 20+ years.

If your family is adopting a cat, it is important to discuss the division of labor.

Let’s say your kids begged and begged to get a cat and then you finally caved.

They are going to have fun playing with the cat, but you will be stuck doing all of the other responsibilities.

Another factor to consider is the cost.

The good news is, having a cat is less expensive later on.

What I mean by that is you will have to pay the adoption fee, buy a bed, buy some toys, buy a litter box, buy a carrier for travel, and more.

But after the initial costs, you will be spending less money because you already have the basics.

At that point you would just be buying food and cat litter unless extra costs arise for whatever reason.

Compared to dogs, cats need less frequent visits to the vet which can get expensive.

Another thing to consider is your home environment.

It can be difficult but not impossible to adopt a cat when you already have a cat or another pet.

Ideally you would be aware of any behavioral issues when you select a cat that you want to adopt.

Most shelters will indicate if a cat gets along with other cats, dogs, and children.

That is if you adopt from a shelter rather than a breeder, which brings up another debate.

Getting a cat from a breeder is more expensive, but in some cases it is worth it if you are looking for a specific breed.

Adopting a cat can be tricky if they have any issues from previous owners.

In some sad cases, a shelter cat may have been abused and is now distrustful.

I like to say adopt, don’t shop but I have no control over what you do.

Since most cats dislike change, introductions should be controlled and gradual, according to Humane World for Animals.

If you’re thinking about shelters and what rescues do behind the scenes, see Tim Woodward: Animal Rescue Corps And Large-Scale Rescues.

Reddit Dilemma

It’s easy to assume a new pet will settle in quickly, but fear can make even simple things like eating feel hard at first. This story reflects what the adjustment period can look like, especially for cats who have been waiting a long time.

When bonded cats shut down in a new home

Someone with the username u/purrfect_libra made a post about two cats they had recently adopted.

They were looking for guidance, and other Reddit users had plenty of advice and opinions to offer.

The post explained that the owner adopted two bonded cats and felt bad that they had been in the shelter for almost three years.

They hide under the owner’s bed and are barely touching their food and water.

They are described in the post as fearful, and their new owner recalls how difficult it was to move them from their cage to their carriers to leave the shelter.

It is not unusual for cats to be skittish when introduced to a new environment.

You will have to go through an adjustment period, but coming up with a scheduled routine can help.

And remember that it will not last forever.

Some cats take days, others will take weeks or months, according to SF SPCA.

Responses

Sometimes what you need most in the beginning is reassurance that time matters and nothing is “ruined” after a few days. These responses keep coming back to patience, routine, and letting the cats set the pace.

Patience is part of the process

Distant3senith said, “Five days is not enough time to acclimate them to a new home.

Please be patient.

These two are going to need more time and patience on your part.

They will come around.

Some cats are easy to move to a new environment and some are not.

Don’t crowd them, don’t try to rush them—it’s going to happen on their timetable.

You can do this!

I have a cat that took 6 months to acclimate to me.

She would hiss at me when I brought her food, etc.

But she’s great now.

Loves to be hugged!

It just took time and patience—I was willing to do it her way.

Dinkydinkyding said, “The most scared, mean seeming cat I ever adopted ended up being the sweetest and most affectionate over time.”

For more on routine care and making stressful trips easier, see Getting Your Cat to the Veterinarian.

If stories about animals helping people stay grounded resonate with you, you might also like Retired Police Dog Wins American Humane Hero Dog Award.