Adopting a pet is one of the most exciting things you can do. If you are a cat person, like me, you understand that while living with dogs is always a good time, cats can be just as fun while needing a little less maintenance. If your apartment is cat-friendly and you are dying for a four-legged friend, you should know it's normal to feel a little apprehensive at first. However, as a veteran cat owner, I would like to give you a little more confidence about bringing a new kitten home to your Tallahassee apartment.
Adopting a Cat in Tallahassee Apartments
First Thing's First
You should make sure you have a few items handy before adopting your new kitten. Purchasing a litter box, litter, food, and two bowls before heading over to your local Humane Society will make for an easy transition for your feline to their new home. It's usually best to place the litter box over a couple newspapers in your bathroom or bedroom to minimize clean-up. I would also recommend placing their food and water bowls on the floor in your kitchen or bedroom; you do not want the litter box too close to your cat's food.
Figuring It Out
When you feel fully prepared to adopt your cat, you should ask someone at the adoption clinic what kind of food your cat prefers. Some cats digest wet food better than dry food while others can be comically picky about what they eat, so it is always a good idea to ask before purchasing. Some adopted cats may come from dysfunctional homes, so your cat may require a bit of patience when acclimating to their new home. This is also a good question to ask right when you adopt. The expert may tell you your cat is especially apprehensive to new environments, so you may want to consider whether you're bringing them home to a lively or quiet apartment.
Getting In The Swing Of Things
The first two weeks or so will be a learning experience for both you and your feline. Regularly cleaning their litter box and keeping track of their diet will be exponentially helpful if you start these habits early. If you know your schedule is busy, even if you work or attend classes at home, you should probably purchase a few toys for them to play with so they settle in more easily. If you have a bit more free time, consider buying a toy on a string so you two can have fun together.
Older cats may not feel as strong a desire to play as younger ones. This is not always a sign of unhappiness or boredom. Some cats just prefer to lounge!
Going With The Flow
Taking care of your cat may not be as difficult as caring for a dog, but it can be a lot of responsibility to take on all-at-once. It may even require a few personal changes. For instance, if you do not live in a smoke-free apartment, you may want to consider the quality of the air your four-legged friend will inhale. It is best to make sure you are financially, spatially, and emotionally ready to bring home a cat.
Needless to say, your relationship with your cat is unique to just the two of you. You and your feline will learn and grow together as you acclimate to this new lifestyle; you may even find that the first couple of months are some of the most meaningful times you two have together. In any case, you should feel just as excited as you are prepared bring your new friend home to your Tallahassee apartment!