10 Things to Know Before Adopting a Cat

Thinking about adopting a cat? Nice move. Cats are funny, affectionate (when they feel like it), and make excellent roommates who don’t hog the remote.

But here’s the thing: adopting a cat isn’t like picking up a cute houseplant. Cats have quirks, needs, and expectations—sometimes higher than your own.

Before you bring home a furry overlord, here are ten things you should know.

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1. Cats Live a Long Time

We’re not talking a couple of years here. Cats regularly live 12–18 years, and some cruise past 20 like it’s nothing. That’s a long-term commitment, not a short fling.

Ask yourself: are you ready for nearly two decades of meows at 3 a.m.?

2. Vet Bills Are a Real Thing

Adoption isn’t just the one-time fee. Cats need vaccinations, spaying/neutering, flea treatments, dental care, and sometimes surprise vet visits (because they thought eating string was a good idea).

Budget tip: Set aside money for pet insurance or a “cat fund.” Because trust me, you don’t want to be Googling “cheap emergency vet near me” at 2 a.m.

3. Litter Boxes Aren’t Glamorous

Here’s the deal: cats are very particular about their bathrooms. One box per cat (plus one extra) is the golden rule.

Keep it clean—scoop daily, full wash weekly.
Place boxes in quiet, low-traffic areas.
Don’t cheap out on litter. Cats will tell you (with accidents) if they hate it.

If you’re squeamish about scooping poop, a cat might test your patience.

4. Scratching Happens (Everywhere)

Cats scratch to sharpen claws, stretch, and mark territory. Translation? Your couch might be doomed.

Solutions?

Get sturdy scratching posts and place them where your cat already scratches.
Use catnip or toys to attract them.
Cover prized furniture with scratch guards if you want to keep your sanity.

Declawing? Hard no. It’s painful and cruel. Redirect, don’t remove.

5. Cats Need Mental Stimulation

Contrary to popular belief, cats don’t just sleep all day (okay, they do a lot of that too). But when they’re awake, they need playtime and enrichment.

Wand toys, lasers, puzzle feeders, climbing trees.
Rotate toys to keep things fresh.
Daily play sessions = a happier, less destructive cat.

Bored cats find their own fun—usually at your expense.

6. Food Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

Cats aren’t garbage disposals. Their diets matter.

High-quality cat food keeps them healthy.
Avoid giving them dog food or human scraps (chocolate, onions, grapes = toxic).
Watch portions—obesity in cats is way too common.

And FYI: free-feeding (leaving food out all day) often leads to chonky cats. Stick to a schedule.

7. Cats Need Space (and Privacy)

Cats love cuddles… until they don’t. They need safe zones where they can retreat when life gets overwhelming (like when you have guests or the vacuum comes out).

Cat trees, window perches, or even a quiet room can give them a retreat.
Respect their body language. A flicking tail or flattened ears = “back off, human.”

Give them independence, and they’ll actually want to hang with you more.

8. Shedding Is a Lifestyle

Unless you adopt a hairless cat (hello, Sphynx), you’ll be vacuuming. A lot.

Regular brushing cuts down on fur tumbleweeds.
Invest in a lint roller collection. Seriously.
Don’t wear black pants if you’re visiting friends after cuddling your cat.

It’s part of the deal—consider it the “sparkle” your cat leaves everywhere.

9. Not All Cats Are the Same

Cats have personalities as unique as humans. Some are lap cats, others are aloof. Some love kids and dogs, others want to live in a zen monastery alone.

When adopting, ask the shelter about personality. Don’t just pick based on looks. That fluffy Persian might be gorgeous, but if you want a playful buddy and they just want to nap, it’s not a match.

10. Patience = Love

The first days (or weeks) might be rough. Your cat may hide under the bed, ignore you, or treat you like an intruder. Totally normal.

Give them time and space.
Stick to routines so they feel safe.
Let them come to you—it builds trust.

When they finally curl up on your lap or nudge your hand for pets, it’s magic. Worth every second of patience.

Quick Recap

Cats live long lives. This isn’t a short-term gig.
Vet bills are real. Budget for them.
Litter boxes require upkeep. Daily scooping, no excuses.
Scratching happens. Provide alternatives.
They need stimulation. Playtime is non-negotiable.
Diet matters. Good food = good health.
Privacy is important. Respect their space.
Fur everywhere. Accept the shedding life.
Personalities vary. Pick a cat that matches your vibe.
Patience pays off. Love takes time.

Final Thoughts

Adopting a cat isn’t just about bringing home a cute fluffball. It’s about committing to their health, happiness, and quirks for the long haul. Yes, they’ll leave fur on your clothes, wake you up at ridiculous hours, and sometimes knock things off shelves just because.

But they’ll also make you laugh, comfort you when you’re down, and curl up beside you like the world’s softest, sassiest roommate. If you’re ready for the good, the messy, and the downright hilarious, then congrats—you’re about to gain a best friend with whiskers.

David

I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉