What is the Most Important Requirement for Adopting a Cat?
There are many reasons why you humans adopt cats. The best reason for getting a cat, however, is also the best reason for wanting any relationship. And that reason is because you are capable of giving love and ready to earn some yourself.
Ginger here.
Dear Human,
Some people adopt cats for the wrong reasons.
Please, do not get a cat just because you think that your cat will make you feel good, meet your every emotional need, gain views on social media, or win ribbons for you at a cat show. The best is if you adopt a cat because you want to nurture another being.
Oh innocent human, supporting another creature doesn’t just mean plopping bowls of food and water on the kitchen floor, and then going about your day. Kittens need physical contact, nurturing, and love. On the other hand, some cats–especially those that didn’t grow up with good touch–may not seek physical contact. Still, they require love and respect.
If you’re someone who needs constant affection or admiration, dear human, you probably should not get a cat. Cats operate on their own terms. This means they may provide you with affection when they are ‘in the mood.’ Many a hapless human have tried to force a cat to provide affection, which we cats see as a violation of our boundaries.
There are many ways to be around cats without adopting one. Consider volunteering at a humane shelter or helping with TNR (Trapping and Neutering) efforts in your town.
That said, if you, dear human, have the emotional and physical resources to support a cat, know there are many cats in shelters waiting for someone to care for them.
Do you think that some people adopt cats for the wrong reasons?
Should we have requirements for adopting a cat?
Please share your thoughts!
Love, Ginger
REFERENCES:
All content herein is based solely on Ginger’s opinion and has been updated from her June 2021 post.
Please share comments and questions below.
Great article Ginger! I bet if people knew how much love cats and kittens had to give, more people would have cats.
Agree DR! Mewla and Ginger
Ginger,
Thank you for these words of advice. You are one wise cat.
Ginger says she appreciates your comment, Cathy.
After having been admitted to hospital in an emergency situation my cat had to be taken care of,(mostly by my daughter who lives a few miles away.) it was a very difficult time for all of us as you may imagine. My daughter has a young baby to care for and we have no other relatives to step in at such times. After over a week on oxygen and blood medication I was deemed sufficiently well enough to go home. Hanni was absolutely overjoyed to see me again, as I was him. However after a couple of days he became unwell and needed medical attention. The diagnosis was that he had Cystitis owing to stress brought on by being without his Catmom ! ( the vet experiences this quite frequently, apparently.
So he and I are now both on medication for a while. Please be aware that this can happen whenever our dear cats are feeling anxious about our absence. If your cat can’t seem to manage their usual toilet routines it might be the same problem, especially if you’ve been away from home for a while.
Thank you and please remember.
Chrissy,
I’m so sorry to hear that Hanni was sick, poor thing. I’m also so sad to know that you had to be in the hospital battling for your health. Life is not easy, and I’m sending support for these difficult times.
Also, thank you for sending the warning about cystitis. I’m thrilled that Hanni has you back so that you and he can heal together. Poor Hanni loves you so much, and I know how much you love him. I’m picturing the two of you together now and it feels so good.
: )
Hey Ginger and the Boys and humans.
We must adopt a cat if we truly love them and could care for them. If we truly love them we could somehow manage the expenses..but if the humans can’t handle them due to illnesses or old age then find them loving homes..don’t abandoned them. First of all check your heart …I had to adopt Jazz..well to be honest Jazz adopted the human..because Jazz trusted only one lucky human..that’s me. So you see.. I had no choice whether I like it or not I got adopted. 🤗🤗🤗🤗
Thank you for the comment, Asanka. Jazz knew a responsible, loving human being when he saw one. : )
Ginger always gives such sage advice. Humans mean well but often overlook some practical realities about pet adoption and ongoing care. Thank you Ginger for this timely reminder.
Thank you, Celinne. Ginger appreciates your kinds words. : )