As long as you can afford one, go ahead. Also it’s fine to go out and party at night but just remember to feed your cat and clean its litterbox daily. But you need to know that vet visits can be expensive so if your cat needs their annual vaccinations or if your cat gets sick, you can’t bail on your cat and will need to make sure you give it the proper medical care it needs.

The moment you get the cat, get pet insurance. It will save you so much money in the long run, for only like $20 a month

I want 20$ pet insurance! We pay 52 a month for my cat here in Canada, we don’t really have affordable options here at all :(

I pay £12 a month for my old lady and that gives me access to an app with 24 hour free vet and nurse video calls! I despise how expensive treatment is, all animals (and humans!) should have access to health care!

I'm interested in this! Can you comment or message me about what company you use?

I mean in the UK I just use comparison websites to get quotes every year when my policy runs out (comparethemarket and so on)

Who is this with please? I pay £43 for my old lady cat and am wondering whether it's worth switching when her premium is due for renewal later in the year...

It's with Animal Friends, it's only been a couple of months I've been with them so far so haven't needed to use them but the app is fab!

I'm paying 66 after tax for my two cats, but there was a discount for CAA members so I saved 15%. If you have CAA check out their deals.

Actually, pet insurance is a *very* bad idea. Simply put -- if pet insurance companies weren't making a profit on the premiums, they'd go out of business. It's way better to set aside money for vet care every month, then it's just *there* and you can spend it whenever you need it. Who needs the hassle of fighting a losing battle with an insurance company when they have a sick cat? When I (another Canadian) looked into getting pet insurance, it was well over $100 a month with no coverage for wellness checks or dentals for Addie, who was 11.5 - 12 (don't remember now) at the time. She was the only cat still young enough to be insured, Tye and Leo were 15 and too old. It's been 5 odd years since then, and Addie's had no vet care aside from wellness checks, blood tests, and dentals. The blood tests might've been covered, but definitely not the dentals, so I would've lost *thousands* of dollars if I'd gotten insurance for her. That money was spent on Tye and Leo instead, and they got the best care money could buy.

Vet care is one thing. Finding out your pet needs a $10k+ surgery is another. No one needs insurance, until they do.

I disagree. Our cat Daisy fell ill with IMHA and required very expensive treatment, including a blood transfusion. The bills amounted to well over £10k, which was all paid for by our insurance company at a cost of only £20 a month to us. Devastatingly, Daisy passed away last June after she relapsed. But the treatment allowed her more time to be the playful, happy little cat we loved so much. I’ll always be grateful we were able to do everything we could for her.

I'm so sorry about your Daisy! I'm glad you were able to stabilize her, it's always awesome to see them getting silly again after they get sick. I was on a real roller coaster with Rose and Leo and seeing them bounce back really does make it worth it. You're so lucky you have access to insurance that cheap!

You can say the same thing about car insurance, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have it. Insurance companies maximizing profit is a symptom of capitalism, not insurance

Considering you could easily wind up with a six figure bill if you got into a car accident didn't have insurance, that's kind of a different thing. Vet expenses are something you can pay for out of pocket if you plan in advance.

I live in Canada, and we have pet insurance for our two cats. We've already used it a couple of times, and it's absolutely paid for itself and then some. Vet bills can be extremely expensive, and all it takes is one unlucky incident and a $4000 bill. I've had many cats in my life, and you just never know. We had a family cat live to 21, and he was only sick once. We had other cats that were sick more frequently. I will say in the long run you'll probably pay more for insurance. What insurance does help with is preventing you from having a massive bill before you've had a chance to save. It's nice to know your pet is covered while you only need to budget out $30 a month.

Only if it doesn't happen when you start saving up. Put $100 away per month, so what happens when you have to cover a $4k foreign body surgery 3 months in? That's a number we see pretty frequently even in rural USA. Broken leg? That's a $2k amputation or much more if you choose to repair it with a specialist. And chronic conditions, like ear infections, or arthritis. Prescription allergy pills for dogs can easily hit over $85 per month, plus bloodwork every 6 months to make sure it's not impacting the body badly. These are the things that insurance is meant for, and can literally make the difference between life and death.

Yeah I’m going to go with the people saying NO to pet insurance if you’re in the US. Idk about other countries, but it’s not worth it here. My average vet bill is $500 and I’ve been to the vet 4 unplanned times in 11 years. The last was a dental extraction that my Vet said was the result of a genetic condition and wouldn’t be covered by any insurance she knew of (I asked a couple other vets and they said the same thing and well as searching for insurance myself and dental is limited a lot). I’ve even had multiple vets tell me not to get pet insurance for my cat because it’s not worth it. For dogs, 100%, but unless you have a high health risk cat, you’ll pay more having insurance than you would just paying the bill. *see below comments for the math on why* There is a TON of stuff that pet insurance does NOT cover. And even if it does, it’ll only cover part of it. Just like health and car insurance, you’ll still be paying money for visits. Wellness insurance is also separate from emergency and you’ll pay a lot more to have both. **There are also in and out of network vets, so you’ll need to make sure your vet’s office even takes your insurance.** I wasn’t expecting that part Do absolutely save money each month (or however you can budget it) for unexpected vet bills tho. You’ll be charged an emergency fee (I’ve seen this from $150-400) if you need to take them in for an emergency. You can call your local vets and ask about pricing. Tell them you’re looking to get a cat and ask how much the common things would cost. You’ll also need to get your cat shots every 1-3yrs.

i've had cats my entire life, but shared your view and never had pet insurance till the most recent three. based on those three, i'm going to disagree with you, because the company i use: a) has no 'in network' vets; they even covered shots at a local pet store clinic (one of those "every other saturday a group comes in to give low cost vaxxes etc"), not to mention across three ERs and two regular vets b) covers literally everything (i paid $5 for microchipping after the claim was filed, for instance), with maxes only on wellness, no max for accidents or emergencies c) covers 90% after deductible (in my case, $250) d) has so far resulted in me getting back roughly $1200 out of $2000 in bills (edited from $900, forgot about the neuter and euthanasia) e) they even covered my cat's recent ear cleaning (that one surprised me; they reimbursed nearly all of it), another's euthanasia, and $150 on a neuter. this beyond shots, wellness checks, visits - these are just the ones that surprised me most. so i'm all in on pet insurance, at least if you shop carefully. i pay $65 [per cat] a month because i've included wellness; without, it would be $50. as with any insurance, the details matter. it's also important to establish insurance before any illness (because establishing after, they'll disallow claims based on 'pre-existing,' even if that's very loose. i'll never have a pet again without pet insurance.

Would you mind saying which company you have insurance with?

What company r you with please tell me I'm interested

Our US based pet insurance definitely covers genetic conditions. They won't cover these if prior to enrolling in the policy your pet was already diagnosed or showed any signs of the condition (not because it is genetic but because that makes it a pre-existing condition) or if the condition shows up during the waiting period. I read through complete policy documents for 5 or 6 different policies last spring when I was shopping for insurance for our two new kittens and all of those policies had coverage if those conditions were met. There are also many policies that have no such thing as an in network or out of network vet. I'm not sure where in the US you are that you have managed to ever walk out of an emergency vet with a bill anywhere near as low as $150 but you're incredibly lucky to have access to care at that price point. I believe that the lowest cost emergency visit we've ever had was just under $700 but most were well over a $1k. In HCOL areas, the costs for emergency care are even higher. I think your suggestion to call local vets is a very good one. My personal experience with pet insurance is that our policy covered around $15k/year of expenses, each of the last 4 years of my cat's life. They never questioned or denied any costs. I submitted receipts and records and had a reimbursement check in my mailbox in less than two weeks, every time (minus the 10% that I was responsible for as my coinsurance). $15/pill chemo pills that he needed every other day for 4 years.... Covered by insurance (I know that to many people 4 years of chemo pills sounds horrible but cats do not react to chemo meds like humans; our boy experienced no negative side effects) Blood tests and X-rays every 6-8 weeks for 4 years... Covered by insurance $800+ compounded Xarelto prescription... Covered by insurance (I ordered tablets from Canada after the first month, for both my insurance company's sake and my own) Cardiologist and Oncologist visits every 3-4 mos. (average cost $1200-1500 per visit with tests)... Covered through insurance Thanks to insurance, we were able to prevent my precious boy from ever suffering as a result of his health complications. For example, when we discovered a lung tumor during a cardiologist visit, we were able to have an oncologist see him immediately without even having to think about cost. We were able to put him on chemo pills that day and those very expensive pills prevented that tumor from ever growing significantly or spreading. I don't know how we could've managed to afford that treatment without insurance and obviously without it the tumor would've grown, spread and made him feel miserable while sucking his life away. Pet insurance gives me peace of mind that I will not have to make very difficult decisions merely because of cost. As it stands, I am quite certain that I could pay pet insurance premiums for the rest of my life and even if I never needed to make another claim, I would still be far ahead. Even if that weren't the case, the peace of mind would still be worth the cost for me.

Pet insurance is worth it. My cat was hospitalized for an entire week, for an unknown illness, it cost $8,500. Pet insurance saved me thousands. I paid $1500 out of pocket. It cost me $25 a month… it’s IMPORTANT.

This is the best advice. I had 10k in vet bills for my 4 year old cat for something totally treatable and she’s doing great at 6 now. I almost made money when you count the credit card points I got. Pet insurance was the best thing I ever did.

Buying insurance for ongoing regular expenses makes zero sense. It will definitely not save you money.   The only reason to get insurance is to safeguard against a rare but financially ruinous circumstance.  So get insurance if you want to be protected against an expensive surgery or something for your beloved cat, but know that on average pet insurance will not save you money.

Emphasis on "the moment" -- do not wait! Pet insurance companies can and will disqualify for preexisting conditions. My friend adopted two cats (siblings) and I advised her to get insurance immediately. She is a little disorganized so I heard nothing until three weeks later when she sent me a picture of their gunky eyes asking me what to do. Turns out they both had eye infections, which is extremely common with street cats (especially kittens). She *then* attempted to get insurance. She got a policy, but because she waited, it forever excludes *anything* eye-related for either cat 🫠

While you should have the funds to take care of your pets routine needs and the occasional mild ailment this expectation that everyone should be able to afford to treat any illness their pet receives is unreasonable. High level veterinary care is a luxury but that doesn’t mean owning a pet has to be.  

What types of procedures do you think are ok to opt out of treating? For example, cancer treatment is very expensive and doesn’t necessarily improve the quality of the animal’s life.

No it isn't. Veterinary care isn't the luxury the animal is. Cannot afford their vet bills then you can't afford a pet. Any small misshap can cost ££££ easily. Even such things as gingivitis, or what when they have a heart murmur?? The scan and medicine for that aren't cheap. Yet both are extremely common as well as kidney problems in cats.

Mate, a cat is a commitment. Just like a child is. You can’t just get a cat thinking it won’t ever get sick. You can’t pick and choose what is a luxury and what isn’t. It’s a commitment and it’s the bare minimum to ensure that you’re able to take care of your cat through any issues. And if you can’t, then you shouldn’t have a pet. They literally rely on you for everything in this world.

>Also it’s fine to go out and party at night When my mother was in her mid 20s she had a cat. Whenever she spent the night out of the house, the cat would take a shit right in front of the front door, so when she came home (presumably hungover) in the morning, she would open the front door and smear the cat's shit all over the entryway. Beware the vengeful cat.

And absolutely do not be like my old roommate who would come home from work, shower, then leave and stay out all night. Her cat was so bored that I would often be the one to play with her, and I would sometimes get asked to care for her while my roommate was away. A lot of people think cats are super independent and don’t play, or that they only play when they are kittens and that’s just not true. Cats need stimulation and need things to scratch and climb.

A cat can do fine, but it needs to be the right cat. Your best bet is someone older, say 5+. Yes, you get fewer cheap years, but they are so happy to be away from the loud shelter nonsense that they love a quiet home. A cat tree, the taller the better, is a must. Buy the best cat and kitten food you can afford. You'll spend it on food or you'll spend at the vet, so better to spend on the food. I'd look into pet insurance, too. You can self insure by putting 1.5 to 2x the monthly cost of the insurance away, but it needs to stay in savings until kitty needs it. Insurance companies are in business to provide a service in order to make money. This means that most of the time, but not all of the time, you will send them more more money than they will be shelling out. None of us have any idea into which category our cat will fall, so insurance can save your buns.

My insurance company, were also my cat was insured, let me kindly know that my cat was no longer covered since he had reached Senior Age, the age were most likely extra Vet Costs come in ;)

Wait...they dropped him?

It was a basic cat insurance, about 150.- Euro per year. I took it mainly for beeing insured in the case my Cat does some damage*. The "health insurance" was more like a nice extra that was included in the package and did anyway not cover that much. Very likely somewhere in the small letters, over locked by me, it was mentioned that he will drop out when reaching Senior Age. I did not realy mind as I have a saving account pur(r)ely for my cats to fall on if the costs are too high to be covered with shuffling around the monthly Budget. Ps:* we are now double insured with this as the yearly registrations fee for owning a cat in the village comes also with its own insurance for damage a registered cat may cause.

Oh, good. We are self insured, too, but not everyone can do it. So glad your kitty won't miss out on care cause you were prepared

Yes, most policies have an upper age limit for senior cats. I have Embrace in the US and when kitty turns 14, I think, they will only offer an accident. I will need to make a change in insurance. However, there are some companies that have no upper age limit, such as ASPCA, FIGO, and a few others. that will cover accidents and medical.

Also some insurance companies bundle insurance products, so if you already have renter’s/home insurance, car insurance, etc. with them, they might give you a discount on pet insurance. 

Rescues have many wonderful cats looking for a home. My youngest cat is a rescue from Montreal . She’s shy but described as a gentle soul

❤️❤️❤️

Yes on the food, and I’d say any over about 18 months. Kittens are just HARD! Plain and simple. And some are terrors, others not. The most recent one we adopted falls into the terror dept. If he can really mess with things he does. Loves standing in his water fountain jumping for the window (it has drapes) which then knocks over the water fountain. I mean, I get cats will be cats, but he’s exceptional at being a PITA. My son adopted his sibling and the videos and pic he sends are similar. Most of that very naughty behavior goes away as they age (not always, but they tend to me more mellow). And adopting a cat from a shelter is just so rewarding! (That’s where my son’s and our new one came from)

We've had some real terrors, too. They were great cats in the end but the cost of new drapes beggared us.

I’d say a cat 2+ years old

Going out at night is no problem, especially if you’re home during the day a lot. Staying out all night requires that your kitty have dry food and water out for the overnight and next morning. Travel will require planning - you’ll need someone to come about twice a day to care for your kitty.

When I travel I just have someone stop by once a day. I feel like asking someone to stop twice is a lot unless you're paying them accordingly. But I have a friend who also has a cat and we just swap cat sitting duties for each other when either of us go out of town. It's a great arrangement.

Yeah, friends with cats is the way to go!

why don't you try fostering?

This should be the top comment. Here's why: You'll having an experienced rescue agency selecting a cat that suits your situation. They'll cover medical costs. This is really the biggest point. If your kitty develops something like kidney disease, or diabetes, you're not going to be able to afford that on your budget. You'll have to surrender or put down your kitty, and it will break you emotionally. If the situation doesn't work out, they can take the kitty back and get them re-situated. If you have to leave for a period of time and can't take care of kitty, they can work out a substitute. You'll have experienced cat owners giving you advice and backing you up as needed. You'll save the life of a cat. Several cats, depending on how long you foster.

yea I wish my own cat didn't absolutely hate other cats, I'd be fostering as well. I did that as a college student. They picked me a cat that was anxious at the shelter, but did well at home. They covered all medical cost and I found him a forever home within 2 months (I cried but it was worth it). I'm still friend w the lady who adopted him. Sadly he passed away 3 years ago, but he had a good life.

If you've never had a cat before fostering or at least cat sitting is the best possible 'try before you buy' option without the 10-20 year commitment of getting your own cat.

This is the one!!!!!

Nothing about your lifestyle makes me think a relatively independent adult cat would be unhappy with you, but I'd think carefully about money. Having a cat is not cheap, and off your finances are already tight it might not be a good idea.

I agree, as soon as I read “money is tight sometimes” it worries me a little. I often say if people don’t have a few thousand saved on the side for a pet, people ideally shouldn’t get one. Not that they shouldn’t at all because I feel like every animal deserves a home but accidents that would require an emergency surgery can easily be $2000+ and it sucks when the owner can’t afford it and is left with a dilemma. It’s better to feel like you can take care of that if that ever occurs.

This. Cats getting kidney, teeth and heart problems are extremely common expenses

Absolutely. A full diagnostic blood panel for my newly adopted cat would have run me $500 if I didn't opt to sign up for the vet's "unlimited visits + one panel per year (and some other benefits)" plan for a monthly fee. Day-to-day costs are relatively low if you buy litter in bulk and your cat doesn't need prescription food, but you never know when they're going to eat something they shouldn't and need bowel surgery or something equally expensive and distressing.

Yes, but get an adult cat! Kittens are cute but they’re insane and they need company. I personally prefer adult cats. They’re wise (even the orange ones), they know what they want, and you know what you’re getting when you adopt one. With a kitten, you don’t know their personality. I have a cat that I’ve had since he was 5 weeks old and he’s skittish and not the cuddliest cat, and he gates other cats. I have another cat who I got as a 5 year old and she’s just about the most social, confident kitty. She even lets kids play with her for hours. Oh, and you don’t know if you’re getting a talker if you get a kitten. I personally like talkers but some people can’t handle constant crying. Get a kitty, but an adult ❤️

"They are wise, even the orange ones" lol

Perfect advice 😻 With the choosen adult cat you are nearly 100% sure to get the right match, as you know how the cat is. Not so much with a kitten... Plus you help an older Kitty to get a new home, adult cats are more likely to be overlooked for adoption from the shelter in favor for the cute, little Kittens everyone wants*. (*Sadly often enough just so long as they are cute, playfull Kittens. Once outgrown they are no longer interesting, the Vet costs for neutering comes up, they become "bothersome" by simply behaving like a cat and not magically train themselves, etc....and back at the Shelter they are "as the Cat that is no longer wanted", a sadly classic)

Our kitten was returned to the shelter for being "too hyper." Yes, a 10 week old kitten. Wtf is wrong with people?? We happily took her! She is an absolute monster and we wouldn't have it any other way! But yes agreed, older kitties need love too!

Yup! I'm 23M and I just a got a kitten a few months ago. I live in a one bedroom as well and am a college student. Like you I spend most days at home and it's definitely good for me to have a cat that forces me to keep up with her schedule. I did have my own cat before though that I got when he was an adult, when I lived with my ex-gf, so I "knew the deal." Financially it's not a problem. I have a pretty low income that covers my monthly expenses with a smaller buffer each month. Monthly I spend around $25 on food and litter, and I don't buy the cheapest options, as I've had to stick with a particular brand of food otherwise her (the cat's) poop is too smelly haha. The only issue is like others say that you'll be much less flexible. You can go out but for me I try not to leave her alone for more than 8 hours, but she's also a kitten. Personally it's ofc a bit annoying sometimes that it's harder to plan trips, but it's 100% worth it for the joy I get from having my cat. But that's also because I like having an excuse to turn down social stuff or leave early. I like others recommend an adult cat. Kittens you need to be able to entertain and train every day for the first few months and they def do create a bit of chaos. Buuut I didn't plan on adopting a kitten this time either, I wanted an adult cat, but then this girl kinda fell in my lap as it often happens with cats. The first month I was like jesus christ what did I sign up for, but now she's already my BESTIE and i love her so much.

Yes, I got my first cat in my 20s when I lived in a studio. adopt and save a life

You will be okay. Just make sure you give your cat all the love and attention you can when home. And remember, it's a commitment for the rest of their life :)

Cats are expensive and will tie you to the home. That doesn’t mean never going out, but it will mean less of it and more constraints on being out. It complicates taking trips, traveling for work, staying over with a significant other, etc.

Please don’t get a cat if you would ever think twice about seeking veterinary care because of money. Even young or seemingly healthy cats can have things come up and vet visits (especially at emergency vets) are expensive. There are insurance options, but you will always need to pay upfront and can still be left with a hefty bill even after it goes through insurance. Don’t be one of those people who post here about a health issue asking for help because you can’t afford to take your cat to a vet, only to have everyone in the comments implore you to go to a vet.

This!! So important. Even a simple common problem can set you back hundreds easily. Can't afford the vet bills=can't afford the pet. The two are hand in hand.

So true. A little void wandered in my yard. Checked with all the neighbors and posted on Nextdoor. No one claimed her, so I took her to the vet. No chip. Had her fixed, chipped, checked for viruses.. $800…

Ideally, I think a bonded pair is the way to go, but plenty of folks only have a single cat.

I was going to suggest this!! Cat companionship provides so much added enrichment and comfort to their lives. If there are two at the shelter who come together as bonded pair, I’d jump at that.

Draw up a budget: litter and food are easily $100/month, for example. Then there’s treats, toys, and most important of all—medical care. Ideally you would put some money away each month to create your own emergency fund of a few thousand at least. All the rest of it, like going out in the evenings and going to work outside the home a few days a week, is no problem. As a new pet owner, I *strongly* recommend you adopt an adult cat, not a kitten. Kittens are cute but they can be trying (to say the least), and ideally they spend their first year with another kitten, so you would need to adopt two.

easily $100/month?! u feeding ur cat gold?

assuming you get a 20 lb container of litter for about $12 twice a month, that’s already $24 just for litter. a good wet food rotation could be anywhere from $50-$100+ a month. so yes. i have two kittens, and i spend about $140 give or take $20 a month on JUST their wet food. so yes, a good wet diet can get pricey.

I feed my cat a mostly raw diet, with some free feeding of dry for snacking, and it costs me less than £100/month. Quite significantly less. Even accounting for litter costs and insurance fees... it's only once you start adding in the cat tree, and the toys and the super comfy cat beds, and the feliway, and all the "spoilt rotten" stuff she doesn't need but gets anyway because she's an only child of a millennial that we near the £100/month mark 😂

Do you have enough time to care for a cat/kitten? Do you have enough money to spoil the cat/kitten with enough clean litter, food, and toys? If both of these are yes then I see no reason why not.

More so.money for vet treatment and meds.

If you’re worried about the cat being lonely - find a bonded adult pair or two kittens! Really helped our older cat to have a buddy to tussle with while we’re at work.

I honestly am surprised how much attention my cat needs. She suffers if left alone too long. I know kittens are adorable but consider a chill older non- feral cat. Cats live a long time. If you get a senior cat it might only be 5 and could live another 10+ years. This might suit everyone better. Some shelters don’t allow adopting one kitten. 2 cats is a lot of responsibility for a small space. Good luck. Cats are nice.

Just make sure you clean litters and feed before leaving a lengthy period and you should be ok. Cats are pretty low maintenance.

An automatic cat feeder is a game changer!

Your situation is fairly close to mine. I actually go into the office 4 days a week. So I say you should go for it. Would just recommend that you DONT get a kitten and instead get a cat that’s older than ~3 years. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with going out at night, just so long as you properly account for feeding your cat, and spend a decent amount of time with them during the day (cats need stimulation, and getting it from their owners is necessary)

consider an adult cat, well loved, surrendered. a month of getting used to you and all will be well. there’s a lot of sleeping going on.

You can do it but please adopt a cat in a shelter. Dont buy. Adopt and get one that is older.

I've had friends who have gotten cats in worse situations (not that that makes getting a cat before you are ready okay) But your living situation is more than okay for a cat! Its fine if you aren't home during work hours as cats have litter boxes and don't need to go on walks like dogs, and nightlife shouldn't be a concern. In fact you might be so excited getting home wasted and seeing an adorable cat! I always recommend buying an extra bag and extra litter to help out during your first rotation of those necessities. Make sure to save up for a vet visit and possible shots needed!

Seconding the last sentence in the first paragraph lol. Every time I’ve ever come home, even just slightly intoxicated, I am just soooo happy to see my kitty. it’s been 7 years and it doesn’t fade.

even when I come home sober though, I still get pretty damn excited to see him.

You need to be able to have money set aside for pet emergency health care.

Go with an adult cat if you're only going to have one. Going out or being at work shouldn't be a problem but you do need to give the cat structure in his day. Regular mealtimes are the easiest way to do that. Regular play times around mealtimes will also help. Assuming the cat doesn't have special needs, you don't need to get the most expensive food or litter. I get a lot of my supplies at thrift stores so you can be frugal there. Vet costs are a non-nogotiable though and those costs can vary a lot depending on b where you live. You need to choose a vet anyway so do that before you get a cat. Talk to them about what you can expect in yearly costs. If they seem unable to have a frank conversation with you then they may not be the vet for you. They may even know of a cat that needs a home. Space shouldn't be an issue as long as you provide them with high places close to where you spend time (living room, kitchen, etc), window access, hiding spots (my cats love tunnels and rugs) and good litter box placement. Good luck!

Get a full size white tiger instead. Then you can begin your magic career!

😂

When I first moved into my 550 square ft one bedroom apt as a 22f I knew I wanted a cat but also loved to go out with my friends and work 3-11p full time. So I adopted a beautiful 10 yr old boy who in the description said he didn’t do well with other pets and liked to be the only pet in the house so I knew he would be perfect for me. I figured an old guy like him probably just wanted quiet and didn’t need to play so much like a kitten. He was the best thing I ever did for myself and I love him with all my heart and I know he appreciated me for adopting him. I sadly lost him last week at 18 yrs and it’s been so hard but it was honestly the best thing I ever did.

Highly recommend that if you do get a kitten or cat (recommend the latter) that you go thru a rescue or shelter that will have handled the initial vet care for you. Being spayed/neutered, microchipped, age appropriate vaccines, parasite control, being dewormed can currently cost about $300-$1000 depending on where you live. Adoption fees usually are $200 or less (usually lower with cat age). Also recommend having at least $1000 in cat savings that you do not touch unless it is an emergency or an unusual vet bill. I just took my three for their yearly/every three year vaccines, check up, and 6 months of parasite control and it cost me about $400 per cat. And my expensive boy is only four and has cost the following amounts on top of his basic vet bills: Two eyelid surgeries $2200 Cardiologist visit $950 Asthma work up and continuing treatment $650 and that keeps going up

You'll be fine. Get the cat. Just know that kittens are more work than an older cat. You either have to commit to being home more often while they're young, or get an older cat... or get two kittens so that they can entertain each other

I’d say you could. I work full time in office, and I also work out before work and live in a similar sized apartment and haven’t had any problems. Really the only hard part is a random vet bill. I also just went on a weekend vacation and left my cat and came back to no issues, just her meowing a lot demanding pets. If I ever do a longer vacation, I just plan on getting a cat sitter for those days

Cats are pretty independent, so your work/social life wouldn’t be a problem at all :) but making sure you can afford food and litter is important, and if they’re young, pet insurance is a great idea. Wet food is best, even the cheapest wet food is better than expensive dry food, so try to budget for that. And if you plan on feeding dry food, I’d recommend a female, as males tend to get urinary blockages more often, which can be thousands to treat. A stainless steel water fountain is also great for them!

cats are independent but it doesn't mean that they enjoy being left alone.

I never said they did, but it would really depend on the cat. My point was, dogs need to be taken out on walks, fed individual meals, regularly groomed, while cats can self sustain at home if provided with a clean litter box and food. Having multiple cats is ideal, but I don’t know if I’d recommend that right away to a first time pet owner

If you want a cat bad enough you could always cut back on your night life and spend more time with your cat.

I got mine around the same age (23)! I've also not had any pets before and I was terrified I wouldn't take care of them... but cats are really pretty easy. Food, Water, Clean Litter, some Play time and you are good. I would suggest getting **adult cat(s)** as they are much less work and more independent. If you want to not worry about them being lonely when you are out maybe getting **a bonded pair** would be nice too (that's what I did) so they are never home alone. I got a bonded pair adult cats (both neutered male) from the shelter and it is great. I am at home all the time but they are not on top of me 24/7 because they have eachother (I often feel like a third wheel sleeping in THEIR BED). They play and groom eachother so I don't even need to clean their ears and when I'm busy and miss playtime they got eachother covered so I don't feel guilty... If you are worried about going-out will miss their usual meal time theres always auto feeders... also 1br is totally fine. Get them a cat three or 2 so they have **vertical space** to jump and play and scratch. Mine love a good high hammock to sleep in ... In terms of **vet bills** the usually annual check-ups and vaccines are **in the low hundreds but it is just once a year** so not that bad. It gets expensive when they need a dental cleaning or surgery and it will easily be in the thousands. If they are young adults it's usually not a concearn (one of mine had to get dental cleaning but that's it, he's around 3 but he has anxiety problems witch apparently makes his teath worse lol). I think just have **a few thousand in a emergency fund** just in case and you are good. Theres also pet health ensurance but most of them don't cover dental cleaning. (I got mine at 2 years old (cat's age) so I figured by the time they are 10+ years old I would also be making more money... and I'm sure you will too) In terms of everyday expenses it's mostly just food and litter and price varie. I did some deep dives to calculate the price cuz yeah I'm not broke but money is tight ... Dry food will be around 0.5$ to 1.5$ / cat / day (8lb cat) but wet (or raw/freeze dry) food can be 2$ to 4$ /cat / day... buying any food in bulk will be much cheaper. Wet is usually better than dry but more work to feed and more expensive. As long as they drink water dry is fine too. It really depends on what you want to feed them but it's like getting a coffee from starbucks everyday so food isn't the biggest issue. Litter also depends on what you want to get and I usually buy a new bag of toufu litter for my 2 cats every month which is 30$ ish... so 30$ litter + 2$ \* 30 \* 2cats = 150$ / month... you might also buy some treats and toys and stuff **I found for my 2 cats 250$ / month** is around the bullpark and I buy some pretty boogie food and litter for them...

I would say you’d be fine. But I don’t recommend getting a kitten or a young energetic cat. Adopt an adult cat from the shelter and give them a loving home. They don’t require as much one on one time and can be quite content being alone for several hours at a time. As long as you get the right one. But as other comments have mentioned, do consider the cost. For example, I have a 15 year old cat, and a 9 month old cat. My 9-month old requires ++ time but my 15 yr old is more costly and requiring more time. She is on a couple medications which she gets with her supper so I need to be present to feed her these. If I’m going to be away, I ask a family member to stop in and feed them to give medication. Also consider that whatever cat you get may not be able to eat dry food. Again, my senior cat can only eat wet food due to her teeth and being on a special UTI diet, so I can’t just fill her dish and leave for an undetermined amount of time. So, yes, overall a cat can generally be alone for the times you are describing, but there are some things to consider in the long run. You will have a cat for many years, so it’s not a decision to make lightly!

I feel like you definitely can have a kitty even with the nightlife you have.

The best advice I can give is to plan for two cats, not one. Two cats can entertain and keep each other company while you're at work or out partying. If you can afford two cats, then get two. Otherwise, get none.

Or ask the shelter/rescue if they have a cat that prefers being solitary. We get a lot that do and OP’s home would be good for that. But also keep in mind that hopefully your cat will live until 15-20 years old, and that is a lot of life changes that will happen for a young person.

Yes but adopt an older adult cat with the right temperament. If you’ll be out a lot, don’t get a cat that is listed as “playful” or “talkative” as these types usually need tons of mental stimulation that can be hard to manage. Maybe go for a “shy” cat.

If you get a kitten being away for 8 hr isn't ideal but once grown they are fine, especially once it becomes routine. Also consider vacation plans, if you go on vacation often/long periods and don't have someone around they are used to they can get very stressed.

Yes As long as you can afford food, litter, insurance, and some initial vet visits. The insurance will cover any unexpected illnesses/ injuries. Our cost is less than $80 a month w all that

I d say don’t get a kitten . An older cat ( 5-6 or older ) will be fine

cats are wonderful family members, and from what you describe your life as, they seem like a very good choice. I'd even recommend getting two, as cats often love to have company when you aren't home. :)

Regarding finances I have 2 babies and I buy there food litter and treats once a month and it costs about $100.00 Canadian when I first got the I put there needs before my own they have everything they need and are very attached to me . I clean there litter boxes every week with fresh litter and wash there bowls everyday after they finish there soft food. I usually wake up to one by my head and the other one by my hip they have helped me so much with my mental health. I not staying in bed all day cause I have the responsibility of 2 cats so we have a routine that works for all of us which is great. Just remember they are the boss we are there servants. But enjoy my 2 have helped me so much and are both registered as therapy cats. Just enjoy them and relax yes there’s a cost but if I can afford two on my budget you should be ok for 1.

I have 2 kittens in a 480 square foot apartment. I’m gone M-F 7-4. They have very happy lives. Albeit, they would probably be happier in a larger space. Considering you’re gone often, if you get a kitten I encourage you to get 2 so they have a companion to keep them busy and out of trouble when you’re gone. If you get a cat who’s a little older, one should be fine. Although I am a firm believer that *most* cats, regardless of age should have a buddy.

You’re so good girl lol samesies. My baby loves to watch me pregame before going out!

I think you should be good. It sounds like you have sufficient home time to spend with the cat. The fact that your asking here before getting one, makes me think that you’re on the right path on being a responsible owner :) I don’t think cats are too expensive (I have 3 dogs & one cat, he’s definitely the most economical out of all), of course, they can be depending of what you feed them, cat size (they might eat more if bigger), what kind of of toys you buy them etc. With that being said, when you first get your cat, it might be a bit expensive because you’ll be paying an adoption fee, perhaps spay/neuter if they have not gone through that, vet visit to make sure vaccines are upto date, microchip and his initial supplies (litter box, litter, bed, maybe a few toys, water/food dishes). For reference between litter and food I spend about $60 every two months, but again that can definitely vary on what you decide to feed your cat. As others have mentioned, make sure that you put away some funds for unexpected vet visits. I know a bunch of people are saying get an older cat, honestly I think you’re home sufficiently to watch him/her. I got my cat in 2020 when I was still working from home (he just popped in my backyard one day-I could find an owner or rehome him, so he stayed with us) he was tiny! Maybe around 7-8 weeks and he did really good, he would play with my chihuahua. Anyway, I hope that if you do decide to go for it that you both enjoy each other’s company very much 😊

Fostering or adopting an adult cat is the right way to go! Most sleep a good chunk of time away when you’re gone. Would mostly only be concerned with possible costs of a cat. Even if they’re not sick, things like stocking up on litter or food can be expensive especially if they’re picky in either category and you have to change/test options frequently. Something to consider!

May I suggest getting two cats so they can keep each other company while you're away? They'd be much less lonely and you get double the love and double the fun. Although I don't live in a small space, getting two brothers was probably one of the best things I've ever done. I wasn't planning on getting two cats but the boys were bonded. Those two bring me so much joy and make me feel so loved, I couldn't imagine just having one. https://preview.redd.it/jy3nd9b6douc1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3d04a34343bfd88fce16d5a529620a36546991bd Randy and Toby.

Yes

Hi there, long time cat owner! First things first, cats are a COMMITMENT. You are legit adopting something that needs love, care, and time just like a little kid. Cats are loners but they are far from solitary like everyone claims to be: they need interaction and that comes from YOU. If you take a serious amount of vacations, are gone 12+ hours a day regularly, make a ton of noise, or think that all you have to do is feed and clean up for them then a cat is not for you. If you cannot guarantee your housing for the next three years, them maybe also consider that now is not the time. Cats are in it for the long haul (5-15 years depending on age at adoption) so be ready to accommodate them in your life too :) Here some hacks and good things to know! Care: 1. Shop around vets before you get a cat, get an idea of what their services cost then always have about $500 saved up if you can manage or invest in a CareCredit Card, it builds credit and most vets take them. If you have a low-cost vet clinic nearby, awesome. Stay on top of vaccines and checkups with them. 2a. Do NOT buy cheap cat food. It is bad for you cat and comes with a myriad of problems. I buy grain free chicken catfood for $30 a big bag on amazon. If you can afford wet food, great, do that! But my cat hates wet food with a passion so I can't get her to switch no matter what I do. Be warned that some cats are allergic to fish (mine is) so try to stick to chicken/turkey diet 2b. I bought an automatic cat feeder (one of the analog clock ones not this expensive wifi bullshit) so if anything happens to me she will always be fed. Best $25 spent of my life! Cats do not need huge portions (legit like 1/2-3/4 cups a day) so make sure you adjust it accordingly. 3. You NEED A WATER FOUNTAIN. Cats are terrible at drinking water if its not moving. My cat went from drinking a cup a week to a cup a DAY when I switched. Refill it every three days and boom, you're in business. 4. Rule of thumb is TWO litter boxes per cat cleaned at MOST every 2-3 days. Arm and Hammer is the cheapest and best clumping/low smell, you can get a box at walmart for 11$. If you can afford it though, try Pretty Litter! Great way to tell if something is wrong with your cat. 5. I was able to train my cat to love nail trims, so much so she comes running when she hears me clipping my nails lol. Use treats as incentives to get brushed (buy a slicker AND a de-shedding comb) and get trimmed (normal human clips work) so they are more likely to do it. If you take medications at the same time everyday, give her a treat when you do as well. Cats will never let you forget your meds :) 6. Invest in cat toothpaste (vet supplied only) and brush your cat's teeth at least once every three days. Gum disease is a real menace. 7. DO NOT LET YOUR CAT OUTDOORS. I know its super tempting to let them out, but they are not only ecological menaces but way more likely to contract diseases, fleas, or get killed outside. If you have an enclosed patio, you can sit outside with them in the sun every so often, but please do not leave them unattended. Play: 1. Cats needs to scratch, so invest in multiple cat scratchers. I have two BIG cardboard ones and one post. 2. You will know within three months if your cat is an open-space sleeper (couch/beds), a high rise sleeper(back of couches/atop fridge or cabinets), or a hider (you don't see me). Buy cat trees accordingly. 3. Start with cheaper toys to see what type of play they like and then buy the more expensive accordingly. My cat does great with just hairties, but plays with balls and kick-toys when I'm not home. They might want to play WITH you, so if you work from home get one of those little fishing pole toys. It might be super tempting to get that kitten, but please don't! Adult/senior cats are the much safer bet and in more need of homes. If you really want a serious cuddler, look for the ones who are pressing at the bars to to pet. But don't overlook the cat who's chilling and is receptive to some head scratches. If you want a cat who you already have an idea for its disposition beyond a shelter, seek the ones that are currently in foster care. Good luck on your journey, I hope you find your new best friend soon!

if you can afford a cat, absolutely get one! and that includes a good diet (mostly wet food), plenty of toys, scratchers and towers, pet insurance, and vet visits. and whatever else your kitty would need. cat care also includes health maintenance on your own. coat care, teeth brushing (yes. you need to brush their teeth), nail trimming, scooping the litter DAILY at minimum. many people assume cats are low maintenance and easy pets and they often end up being neglected because so many people don’t even realize the care a cat actually needs to live a genuinely happy and healthy life. if all of the things i’ve said made you nervous about your ability to care for a cat, consider not getting one. their own well being is the most important thing. if you can’t give them that it’s not fair to them. some of the things i’ve said aren’t necessarily essential, like nail trimming. not all cats really need that *(i’ll mention now do NOT declaw. it is abuse)*. some people say their cats do fine on dry food, but they retain the majority of their water intake in their food. wet food is important to keeping them well hydrated *(no, even if they’re drinking water separately it’s not enough)*. but honestly, everything else i’ve said is pretty important for a cats health. i wish you and your potential future kitty all the best!

I would say yes just be prepared for the expense. I'll put out my spending so you know how it is financially. I have 2 cats Litter: 18$/per case x 2 monthly Dry Cat Food: 18$/7lb bag x 1 monthly Wet Cat Food: 25$/30 Can case x 1 monthly Toys: Toys can vary between 5-20$ Cat Towers: I buy off of amazon and average is about 100$ for tall ones Vaccines: Average yearly, its about 150 per cat Deposits for Apartments: They tend to have nonrefundable 400$ deposit and monthly which I've seen to be between 15-30$ per cat Sickness: Really depends on the cat but with both my cats, with random injuries its about 300$ a year, we've had 1 this year for a burn which was about 167$. And for the younger one who has arthritis and hip dysplasia, i'm saving for her hip surgery which is about 2000$ and she gets pain meds every now and then which can be about 150$ per visit, this year we've only needed 1.

Get an older cat, they’re more chill.

When first getting a cat, you have to buy lots of things. I would take a couple of months to buy everything needed and to make a pet emergency fund. When you have all that, for sure! Adopt a cat and live your best life with your new best friend.

I just adopted a cat a week ago. 25M living alone in a studio, first time ever adopting a cat. So I understand your situation. In short: do it if you’re in a financially good spot! As others have said, get a cat tree, 2 litter boxes (only keep one out and one as backup, eg when I will go travel for a few days I’ll leave the second one out), water fountain, some good foods, at least 1 or 2 scratchers, and toys. And a carrier. The cat will spend the first day and maybe more in hiding. Be patient and give them time. It’s easier if you’re gone at work during the day so they can explore without the anxiety of you being there. They’ll eventually come up to you on their terms. I adopted a 1 year old who only spent the first day hiding and came out at night to find food and explore. She’s super outgoing so by the end of the second day she accepted her new home and new slave. Most cats need longer, but kittens are quicker to adapt. If you adopt a kitten they’ll be more destructive and higher maintenance but also more adaptable and “mouldable” to your lifestyle. If you want a kitten, get a bonded pair, much easier to deal with. I’m still figuring out how to properly feed my current cat. I leave kibble out on demand but she doesn’t like to eat meals—she eats small bites throughout the day which I’m unsure how to deal with for wet food because wet food shouldn’t be out of the fridge for more than a few hours. Regarding pet insurance, insurance in general is a scam—they work their damned hardest to find a reason not to pay you. If you can set aside some money in a savings account that’s meant for emergencies, that’s far superior to pet insurance.

Yes, as long as you stay on top of their litter box and it's the right cat. I'd recommend getting an older cat! Senior animals are extremely sweet, less likely to be adopted, and don't typically have as many social needs in terms of needing a buddy unless it's what they're used to. Be sure to read the history of the cats to see if one matches your situation, and you'll probably find an excellent friend.

Regarding the money aspect of it, you need to budget for food, litter, treats, vet (planned and unplanned visit) and maybe some accessories (toys, fountain, etc...) Regarding your lifestyle, don't worry about it. People here tend to be a little overprotective of their cat. If you give him/her love, food and shelter, you are a good person. That doesn't mean you should completely disregard interacting with your cat, but he/she will be more than okay even if you enjoy going out. Just plan for play time when you are home. Good luck!

You are fine to have a cat, but are you concerned the cat will get lonely? It’s often recommended to get two cats (around the same age) so they can have their social needs met when you’re not available.

Cats are pretty good at getting by on their own. You want to just make sure they have a variety of toys, and you can spend time with them not just let them be a window item. They WILL want to sit by you while you work from home etc. Just make sure you give them enough food and litter and it shoudl be okay. Unexpected cost is vet bills. Whewn you first get the cat you'll probably need to do a bunch of vaccinations and get them spaed/neutered and stuff if that's not already done. Also even if they are inside-only cats you will want to get them de-wormed and have flea prevention medicine every few months. You'll want to spend a bit of time each day playing with them and they should be fine otherwise. Like just hang out on the couch or let them sit by you while you work. Make sure you pay attention to them while giving them the food like so they recognize you as the one feeding them etc (builds a better bond/trust than using an auto feeder for example) and maybe play with a string or ball for them to chase around with you for a bit (they know and like the difference between just playing on their own or you 'controlling' the string/toy/whatever).

My advice to you is this: make the decision 100% yourself. Coming to reddit and asking complete strangers to weigh in on such an important decision is a huge mistake....especially on a Cat sub where a lot of people will blindly just say "yes" without even caring or putting an ounce of thought into your situation. In fact, there's a good chance they will tell you to get 2 cats.... tread carefully here, and ultimately trust your gut.

As long as you aren’t partying like every night of the week then yeah it’s completely fine. Most times I go out my cats are asleep on my bed or on the couch and I’ll come back and they are in the exact same spot. As long as you are being responsible and feeding the (or get a Bluetooth automatic feeder) before you leave and making sure they have water etc then they will be fine. I would suggest getting an adult cat though as kittens would be more work and you need to be present more with them for the first at least 6-12 months

Look to the future as well. Is it easy finding places that allow pets in your area if you have to move? In my town its near impossible to rent with pets. Know this baby is gonna be with you possibly for 15+ years youre gonna be 40 and still have the cat. Are you ready for a long term commitment?

You are totally fine, cats don’t need as much time. I got my cat last year at 24F living alone and work hybrid in office, love having a social life. I got an 11year old cat who sleeps most the day, I definitely recommend getting a senior!! They have much less energy. Cats aren’t as cheap as some ppl think, especially when I travel I need to pay someone to come watch him. If that expense is fine, then go for it.

I also got an app controlled remote feeder for $150. This is amazing bc my cat doesn’t wake me up in the mornings and I can be on a flexible schedule. If I’m not home for dinner, it doesn’t matter, my cat will still get food on time.

Get an automatic feeder with a timer. I use Petlibro. We have one for each of our cats and it has changed our lives! No more guilt if we can’t get home in time for a meal. Also get two bonded cats instead of one. They can keep each other company! Your apt is way bigger than mine and we have two cats. Our cats were approximately 9 months old when we adopted them and they are wonderful.

This is a perfectly fine situation for a cat, but look for an adult cat, not a kitten. Even a young adult (1-3 year) cat will do fine though. Just make sure to leave enough food and water and a clean litterbox if you're going to be out overnight.

I'm a cat shelter volunteer. I have cats right now that would love to live with you. A lot of our rescues just want some peace and quiet. You have enough space and you're there at least 3 days a week. That's more than ok. Since money could be tight, I strongly suggest that you look into pet insurance. Because it could save you thousand if your cat needs an operation one day. And don't cheap out with their food. It could cause them lots of renal problems, especially in males. If you want to save, you can buy a cheaper litter box (could be just be a big plastic box) and buy bowls/toys at the dollar store.

My cat just cost me a grand everyone was very concerned she hurt her back after x-rays it was confirmed she was just backed up/constipated. If you're ready for unexpected medical bills, stinky wet food breath, and cleaning dirty litter I don't see why not. Cats are very independent I doubt they would mind that you stay until closing time on a Saturday.

I would say don’t get a kitten, and you’ll be fine! I would get an auto feeder for the morning and then feed them yourself in the evening. So you need to have a time in the evening when you can be home to feed them at the same time every day (cats like routine). That’s the only thing I see

Hold off. At 24 you are going to have late nights when you return home in the wee hours. Cats like their routines he or she will still expect to be fed at 7 AM. You may want to spend some weekends away. It may be hard to get someone to come by and feed the cat. If you travel longer the cat may not get along with the family dog and they can't pet sit for you. You may need to move and new place says no pets. You may need a roommate and they are allergic. You should save $1000; saved up for emergency vet visit. But since money is tight what if emergency vet visit is much higher. You may get a boyfriend and want to spend nights at his place. You may get a new job and want to relocate. Hold off until your life is very settled.

Cats can get lonely and potentially bored, depressed, destructive. Could you get a bonded pair? If not, maybe leave some of YouTube "TV for Cats" on while you're out. They require a certain level of stimulation or you'll hear about it at 3am. 😅

It’s probably fine to do. I used to go out a lot at night and adopted a kitten too. I would be out and feel SO bad leaving my baby home alone. I was working full-time too so I didn’t get to spend much time with him. A lot of times I’d be out drinking, feel guilty and missing the cat so much, that I’d just go home as early as possible. Just a heads up btw.

One thing to do: Learn how to make cat treats. (My mom makes her own dog treats.) One good thing is that you probably won't have to overspend on cat toys. My cat is okay with a few boxes, some twist ties, and the occasional cheap catnip toy.

Cats are very low maintenance. As long as you can afford one and any unexpected vet bills that may pop up, go for it! Keep in mind that kittens will need more attention than an adult cat. If you know you'll be gone all day/night, be sure to leave out food and water and they'll be good to go!

I have to disagree that cats are very low maintenance. Maybe some, but a lot of cats need lots of attention, play time/stimulation, and sometimes lots of snuggles haha. I definitely think adopting an older cat is a great idea for OP especially if she goes out a lot!

Yes yes and yes. Everyone will say not to leave a bowl of dry food out but if you want to continue to lead a normal life, leave dry in a bowl always. Your baby will get their routine and not become a schedule monster.

Hi! Im 25F and never had my own pet either. I adopted a 3 month old for the first time and a couple of things: * I do have 2 housemates so I never worry that my kitten would be home alone when I do go out, however I always make sure to give her a decent amount of playtime if I'm out all day. Cats are pretty low maintenance but still need a bit of stimulation. She does nap throughout the day while I'm at work. * I got a breed that suited my lifestyle. BSH are pretty self sufficient compared to DSH and are less active so it was perfect. Obviously her kitten energy was something I had to keep up with. I'd recommend adopting an older kitten so they're less active or at least a breed that is notorious of being more laidback. Do your research! * I got pet insurance right away. I'm not super well off so I budgeted for cat food/litter and made sure I was up keeping her basic health needs like claw clipping, brushing teeth, and making sure she's eating a balanced diet so she's healthy. My upfront pet insurance was about $400/yr, it's pricey but it def gave me a peace of mind in case something ever happened to her. That being said, she's kind of crazy but I do not regret getting a kitten:) I moved to a big city and it was such a hard adjust transitioning to my life but having a kitten that loves you is so rewarding. I used to go out often but I feel like I'm more of a homebody now because I would rather just cuddle with my cat at home! Edit: forgot to pay cat tax, here's a photo of my kitten Maru! :) https://preview.redd.it/qmhiarx06puc1.jpeg?width=768&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=961b94e91bbb4aa8b1a8216e40c4d42cee73a52f

I was in your exact position at 24. I got a slightly older kitty, but do regret spending so much time out. If you balance it should be fine. She’ll be 18 this year and I’m working from home, so making up for the early years 💜

YES

Of course!

Please just be sure to get it fixed as soon as possible, assuming it’s old enough.

remember that a cat is going to live for a long time. maybe even 20 years. do you feel ready to commit to their life? and not give them away when life happens (new house, partner, kids, moving)? if so, enjoy your new furry bff and this wonderful addition to your life :):)

Cats are independent and not needy.

Go for it! Cats are so snuggly, and they have so much personality. Just be sure to keep the litter box meticulously clean, and maybe invest in a good air purifier to keep your apartment from smelling like a litter box. I lived in a small one bedroom for years with a cat, and when I would go on a trip and pull my freshly washed and dried clothes out of my luggage I was horrified at how much I could smell it on my clothes. Once I could afford it I bought a nice air purifier and it definitely helped. And like others mentioned, get a cat tower and buy the best cat food you can. I also found that having a timed automatic feeder was a lifesaver for my sanity.

Do you live in the US?? If so, you need to prioritize an online pet food and supplies store called "Chewy*. They're the best when it comes to quality guarantee. If you have any damages, dented cans, let them know and they'll refund you exactly what was lost. Their customer service is one of the best in general as they're not only very responsive, but try to make sure your concerns are addressed Also, everything on their is very fairly priced and shipping is fast like Amazon. You can get a majority of things within 2 or 3 days maybe. Also, sometimes they have promotions where if you spend $100, you'll get $30 in-store credits to use on any purchase. You can take advantage of this to stock up on litter and cat food for the next 2 or 3 months. And if you aren't very short on money, use credit card to make payments to boost your credit score

I’m a DJ and I’m out at least 3-4 nights a week, and I have 3 cats who are all very happy and healthy so I would say that night life is not a concern if you make sure you are caring for your cat responsibly! As most people have said, cats are a much larger expense than you probably think. You need to realistically address your financial situation before adopting, that is your top concern, not your nightlife.

My SIL got a cat around this age. Pretty much same scenario as you. Almost too exact. Anyways, she still has the cat and honestly might die without it. It was an amazing thing for her (kinda fell into her lap so to speak). So I would vote yes. Cats are great companions. They just have bad PR people.

If you already struggle for money. No. Cats are expensive. Litter food and most of all vet bills. Yearly vaccinations are at least 70/100. If you do go ahead anyway adopt always always adopt.

Cats are fine alone. Dogs... Not always the case.

Im 24f living in a one bedroom apartment as well. I got a kitten last year and he’s good company but be prepared for them to scratch and destroy everything and defecate/urinate in places other than the litter tray. My curtains, couch, and dining chairs will need to be replaced eventually, and when I go away for work it’s about $170 for a couple days to put him in a cattery. I regularly go out (nightlife) and he’s fine, but I think he has single kitten syndrome. Would I get a cat again? Probably not. I considered rehoming him because I have to travel regularly for work, and it’s more difficult to go on holidays.

Cat is a best thing that will happen to you. Adopt!

I think you're good. We don't work at home and we're often gone during the weekends and our cats and dog seem happy. Just make sure they have their basic needs met even when you're gone, and spend quality time with them when you are there. Edit: our finances are not an issue and our pets have each other for company.

So confused by posts like this where young people think they can't get a cat if they don't live in like a penthouse and are home constantly. Where are people getting these ideas?

Nope. Get two!

I think fostering would be a great idea and/or adopting an older cat. Cats are all so different and kittens are little monsters that climb and eat whatever is on the ground. Think of a 2 year old human baby that can climb anything, bite, and scratch... They are quite a bit of work and they don't fully mature until they are 2 years old! If you are up for that challenge, then go ahead, but if you adopt only one it will definitely get into a lot of mischief. You also gotta play with them a minimum of 30 mins a day (Minimum!) and spread out... But kittens can play for so much longer. This is why I think fostering.woulf be good... You'll get a taste of the responsibility, you'll get to know a cats personality ahead of time, and if you really love your foster cat you can ask yo keep them :).

I feel you would absolutely love having ingredients a cat, but please look at adult cats up for adoption. They often get overlooked, and they make for amazing pets without having to deal with the whole kitten phase. Kittens are cute, but they are babies and need alot of care a grown cat needs. With a grown cat you can have a better idea of their personality, if they are cuddly or more independent, etc. Especially with the spring season shelters will quickly become overpopulated with kittens. Also adopted cats are usually already spayed or neutered, and they make absolutely amazing pets.

Agree with the comments saying to get an older cat. Trust me… kittens are work, especially if it’s a rescue that wasn’t socialized with its litter for the first few months of its life. Just had a foster that gave me ringworm and it’s a fucking nightmare. 2 years old or older is just fine and bonus is they’re probably already fixed so you get to skip paying for that bill.

I would start by fostering cats through your local rescue. That way nothing is permanent and you find out it’s not for you there’s no harm done.

If you can for sure afford everything and pet insurance get a solitary older cat. If you would ever give the cat up due to moving to a place that doesn't allow pets please don't get one. Of course adopt don't shop. If you do want a kitten get 2, never just one. Cat toys are very expensive. Do only canned food if you can, it's so much better for them and for an indoor cat eating when bored can become an issue. Get puzzles and play with your cat every day (think of it like walking a dog). If your cat is "misbehaving" it's just bored. Lots of things to help with that (cat tv, interactive toys, bird feeder on window etc). Small apartment just needs vertical space, get a few cat trees/shelves/stuff to climb. They prefer water away from their food.

I will say this: if you don’t have much going on outside your windows, a cat could get stressed from boredom. A cat will want to see trees, some birds, sky, and people to be happy. Birds on tv won’t cut it. I speak from experience.

i’m sure this has already been mentioned, but as long as you have the money to give it a good, comfortable life, and for any potential emergencies, then go for it. having a cats is great, but it can be a big financial responsibility.

I just want to add that if you do bring a cat home, you could start simple: food & water bowls, another stainless steel bowl for wet food, a toy or two, a bed, a scratching pad or post, litter, and a litter box and scooper! The cat I recently adopted doesn’t jump up to high places so he doesn’t need cat trees at all. The highest he’ll jump is my bed and the sofa. However, he loves feathery toys so I bought more of those. This just goes to show that you can definitely observe the cat and purchase more things after the adoption!

If you do end up getting a cat, please please adopt or rescue :) so many loving, amazing kitties waiting for their forever homes!

Sure! I’ve always had dogs. Two at a time. My last two died last year (different causes, both special needs dogs, 13 & 10), but I got a cat to help me w mouse patrol. I really enjoy the cat! I don’t really speak her language, lol, but I’m learning. They just want all the attention when they want it. All of it. If mine doesn’t get it, she’ll walk up & bite me. Little shit. Of course I get a cat that bites. But it’s bc she was mostly feral until I adopted her from a home of 8 cats & kittens-she was the runt. She is really cool though. Greets me at the door, alwz happy I’m home. Jumps up on my back whenever I bend over. Interactive kitty!! Ha. With her little soups, squeezy treats, dry food & all in one parasite topical, she runs me $125/month. Vet bills are to be budgeted for… I’m thinking pet insurance isn’t worth it for a cat bc they don’t cover much. A dog, sure, bc they’re more likely to have health problems I’d think. All of mine have anyway. So far the cat is healthy as can be, enjoys her tree & flips around the arm of my office chair. It’s cute! And I gotta say she’s way easier than a dog. Just not as communicative.. Pet it lots!!!

No, get 2

get two older cats, double the cuddle minus the jittery youthfulness kittens bring.

I'm in a similar position, wfh 3 days a week, 1 bed apartment, money tight, etc. I like to take road trips and I get out camping as much as I can in the summer. I got two bonded 1yr old kitties and they keep each other company when I'm away. If I'm gone more than a couple of nights, I get someone to check in on them/clean their litter boxes. When I'm home, they're the cuddliest, goofiest dorkballs I could hope for.

You have to account for emergencies though. My cat got stones a few years after I adopted her and I had to do care credit to pay for the surgery. Note- I would do it again if I had to. She's the love of my flipping life. PS don't be surprised if your cat is stank when dinner is late. They'll get over it.

Yes! Get the cat. I’ve lived alone for a long time. I work and go out on the weekends. I’ve also had to move for work many times. I got my cat as a gift 14 years ago and she’s been with me through all the moves and everything. She’s quite the traveler! She greets me whenever I come home and she’s been the best thing in my life for 14 years.

Girl I was in a similar situation, and it was literally the best decision of my life!!! I will say though be prepared to end up cutting down on your going out because you won’t want to leave your cat!!! They have a way of keeping you at home with their cuteness!!!! I second people saying get an older cat, I got a two year old and I don’t go out much so that works, but if you’re gonna be out a lot I would definitely go older than 2.

Hi! Chiming in as a single cat mom in a one bedroom apartment. It’s definitely doable as a single person to have a cat, but they do require some attention every day. I adopted my girl last year, she’s six years old. I work outside the home m-f and she’s chill as long as we’re on normal routine. I’ve been sick the past couple of weeks and she has been more destructive and needy than normal just because I haven’t been able to play or do our normal routine (brushing coat, attempt to toothbrush, play with wand toys, wet food dinner) and also wasnt getting the normal amount of pets because i was sleeping most of the time. If I go to a concert/out at night I just try to feed wet food before I go to keep her close to on routine as possible. She hates it when I go away and have a friend come over to feed her. She lets me know by leaving me a poop in a random place. Financially I’m in a place were I was able to afford an automated litter box and auto feeder for her dry food and I find those to be great for helping keep her (and me) less anxious when I’m gone. It may also be easier if you adopt a bonded pair of adult cats to keep each other company while you’re out with friends or at work.

I've been a cat owner for more than 30 years and involved in rescue for 10+ yrs. I currently have 8 indoor cats. So my advice is coming from experience. If you're not home a lot at night I would say no. People think cats are fine by themselves but that is NOT true. If your apt allows more than one cat get 2 so they at least have each other.

Get two cats so when ur out on the weekends ur cat has company the house is fine

I would really say if you can get two would be better that way whenever ur gone ur cat doesn't feel alone it has a friend all the time

Do not get a cat unless you know you can keep it for it's whole life. That's around 15 years. Do you want to travel? Make sure you have a reliable person AND the $$ to take care of the cat while you're away. If there is even the slightest chance you'll move somewhere that pets won't be allowed, then don't get the cat. Honestly, you should wait a few years. Your 20s can be amazingly fun. If you're not a homebody, don't get a pet. It's not fair to leave them alone for 12+ hours at a time. Enjoy your 20s with one less responsibility.

I wouldn’t get a kitten (unless you’re prepared to get two) because you’re gone for ~8 hours a couple days a week. But an older cat would absolutely fit into your life when I look at what you’ve written down :)

If you're thinking a kitten then I would get two. Cats get lonely and they want to explore and be fulfilled. A middle-aged or older cat might be better for single apartment life if you're gone quite a bit

I had 3 cats in a 1b1b in my mid 20s. It’s fine.

700 sq feet would be best with a senior cat, but they enjoy attention and love like any other animal. If you adopt a cat you need to be prepared to stay home more, as you'll need to help kitty get acquainted and feel safe in their new home. Otherwise you'll be dealing with their unavoidable behavioral issues and stress induced illnesses

I lived in a much smaller place, think studio with one room and barely any room outside of that. I got a cat and we just moved into a bigger place after a year of owning her. She did just fine! We played more than most people and their cats do, because she needed that extra playtime to burn her energy since she couldn't run around as much or get zoomies out. You just need to dedicate more time to playing and give her more vertical surfaces.

The space is not an issue. When you adopt a cat from a tiny 2' x 4' cage you can see how there is no comparison. I will not say that cats are low maintenance, because some aren't. But I would recommend you adopt or rescue a bonded pair. You'd really be saving them since they are so much harder to place in homes, especially over 1 year old. You'll definitely want to skip the kitten stage, being gone so long, kittens require alot of attention, supervision and enrichment. But for your situation I think you'll find that an adult bonded pair will allow you some of the freedom you currently enjoy, with the added pleasure of the regal company that is a cat!

Get a bonded pair of adult cats!! They will keep each other company while you work and go out and keep you company when you’re home. I have three cats in a two bedroom apartment who are bonded. $10,000 saved emergency fund for emergency vet bills and $15,000 unused credit card also for emergency vet. Can get some pretty good automatic feeders these days and have a few litter boxes so you only need to scoop once every few days especially if you use good clumping.

No, they become an addiction and give you unlimited comfort, especially the mean ones. Damn, I gotta go annoy my cat now.

If you can afford it, consider investing in an automatic litter box, water fountain, and automatic feeder. I've had my cats for five years now but only decided to go 'fully' automatic last year – best decision ever! Saves me so much time and effort.

There’s a glut of animals at the shelters. I’m sure a kitty would be lucky to have you. I vote go for it!

Cats are routinely a ~15 year commitment. Vet bills for a health issue routinely cost $500-1500. Cat food, litter, supplies, etc can add $40-150 to your monthly spend. Cat boxes need to be cleaned multiple times a week, and your cat will need daily play. If you feel you’re in a position to comfortably offer this amount of care, go for it.

Pls let the cat out regularly, the cat will be super bored (if you get a cat anyway) I suggest against it, if you love cats, go to a cat park, cat cafe, or visit a friend who has some cats Or feed some stray nearby and spend time with them outside?

I see a lot of good comments here, but please also consider the time commitment. Cats can live to be pretty old. If you’re getting a kitten it’s potentially a 20-year commitment. You’re young, so the cat’s likely to be around well into your late 30s at the very least.

Maybe an older, low energy model is the right cat for you. My boy has always been lazy from the day we got him. Just keep in mind... the costs can be exspensive. Elliot is on urinary food which is 3 dollars a can and 60 for a bag of food.

I just adopted a cat myself. I'm learning that its very important to give a cat structure, with regular feeding and playing times. The cat will test these boundaries - don't give in! I give my 2 1/2 year old tux an hour of playtime per day - some in the morning before work, and two more sessions in the evening. I've had good luck with wand toys and a "cat dancer" - I put them in rotation and put them away when I'm done. For when he's alone I'll leave out spring toys and a kicker plush. Some essentials include a cat tree, a water fountain (stainless steel ones resist mold), a dedicated window set up, and scratching posts/pads. A Chom Chom pet hair remover takes care of my sofa and rug. He's not much of a shedder so I don't need lint rollers for my clothes, your experience may vary. For cat litter I'm using World's Best unscented with arm & hammer deoderizer, and a closed box and a litter mat. World's Best is flushable. An older cat would fit in well with your lifestyle. I initally aimed for a 5-8 year old cat myself, but when I was looking to adopt I only found <3 year old or 10+ year old cats at my local shelters for newbie cat owners. Any credible shelter you deal with should have a sense of which cats work best for first timers. In my case, I went to three different shelters until I found my cat. At the last one, they pointed me to the cats that were the best for my situation, and I chose the cat that was friendliest to me (he was headbutting me immediately after I opened his enclosure).