They require food, water, exercise, care and companionship every day of every year. Many animals end up in shelters because their owners did not realize how much time it took to properly care for them. The monetary costs of cat ownership can be high. Veterinary care and vaccinations, grooming, toys, kitty litter, and other expenses add up very quickly. Flea infestations, scratched-up furniture, accidents from animals that are not yet housebroken and unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate but common aspects of pet ownership.
Many rental communities don t allow pets and most of the rest have other restrictions.
Make sure that you know what they are before you bring a cat home. If you have children under six, for instance, you might consider waiting a few years before you adopt a companion. Problem-free pet ownership requires children who are mature enough to be responsible. If you are a student, in the military, or travel frequently as part of your work, waiting until your life settles down is a wise choice. Adopting a very energetic cat to share your small apartment is not a good idea he won t have enough space to exercise and explore.