A small, furry ball with the tenacity of a seasoned hunter chasing its own tail will surely bring a smile to anyone’s face. Don’t believe those who claim that cats are cold, calculating, and do not bond with their owners – only with the food bowl. These animals, who have accompanied humans for thousands of years, can be very grateful, loyal friends!
A cat in the house brings nearly only advantages. Are you considering getting a cat? Here’s what you should pay attention to before bringing the pet home.
Having a Cat – Advantages
First, think about why you want to adopt or buy a cat. Every decision regarding pets should be well thought out. Do not buy animals on impulse or as a trend! Give yourself time and honestly answer the following questions:
- Are you really ready to take care of a pet for a very long time? The average lifespan of a domestic cat ranges from several to even over twenty years! This is a serious commitment, meaning you are taking a new family member into your home and caring for them through thick and thin;
- Do you have the appropriate living conditions to properly care for a pet? Cats don’t feel comfortable everywhere – they usually avoid noisy places, and other animals, including other cats, can also be an issue. Also, consider the costs of keeping the pet – both regular expenses like food, litter, and vaccinations, as well as unforeseen ones – such as for treatment, obtaining a passport, and transport;
- Are you sure you do not have allergies to animals? Desensitization is possible, but it usually takes several months;
- Are there any other contraindications to owning a cat – for example, a job that requires frequent and long trips? Or are there other circumstances that make it difficult to care for the pet? If in doubt, consult specialists – veterinarians, behaviorists, employees of charities and shelters – people who know cat habits and needs inside out.
The benefits of having a cat are truly numerous. Interaction with a trusting, playful, or affectionate pet improves mood and brings happiness. Playing with your pet reduces stress, allows you to take your mind off current matters, and forget about the troubles of everyday life. A furry companion doesn’t care if you performed well at a meeting, if your new haircut suits you, or if you are meeting deadlines. They have no high expectations of you, do not judge – they only want you to take care of them and give them a sense of security – and they will reward your care with attachment. They will show it in various, sometimes surprising ways – it’s worth trying to earn a cat’s gratitude! The bond with a pet, gaining its trust is truly an invaluable experience.
Contact with a cat can also contribute to improving your health. Various studies indicate that purring, in particular, has a beneficial effect on humans – it reduces stress and lowers blood pressure. In homes where cats live, there are also fewer cases of allergies in children.
It is also not uncommon for furry companions to be a remedy for feelings of loneliness or isolation. The company of a playful, attention-seeking animal is especially valuable during a pandemic when social contacts are required to be minimized.
It is also worth mentioning that cats can teach you a lot – empathy, mindfulness, patience, responsibility, and finding joy in small things.
Cats: Sale – Where to Look for Advertisements?
Are you determined to get a cat? At the outset, it should be noted that in Poland, pets – such as dogs and cats – can only be sold by legally operating breeders or institutions and organizations working to improve the welfare of animals – this is based on articles 10a and 10b of the Animal Protection Act of August 21, 1997. Therefore, before making a purchase, make sure that the breeder from whom you want to buy is acting within the law. Entities offering the sale of purebred cats must belong to one of the recognized feline organizations (the largest are FIFe – under whose auspices the Polish Cat Federation Felis Polonia operates, and WCF – under which the Association of Purebred Cats and the Polish Feline Association operate). If, during your visit to a person claiming to be a breeder, you notice that the animals are neglected, kept in poor conditions, or for any reason suspect that you are dealing with a puppy mill – report this to the authorities and to organizations working for animals immediately.
So where should you look for cat sale offers? Of course, the majority of such advertisements can be found online. Breeders, as well as shelters and foundations, often publish offers for the sale and adoption of cats on social media and popular advertising portals. This practice allows reaching a large number of people interested in acquiring or adopting a pet. For example, it’s worth checking cat sale advertisements on abc.pl, which is one of the most popular sales platforms. On abc.pl, you just need to go to the Pets category and choose the Cats subcategory. There you will find ads regarding both the sale and free adoption of small and large animals, female and male cats of various breeds. Ads come from all over Poland, and you can filter them by newest or by price offered.
Why is it worth choosing abc.pl while looking for your dream pet? Because it is a safe, reputable ad portal. Every offer is verified by an administrator before publication, and no ads containing illegal or misleading content can appear on the site.
To welcome a cat into your home, you need to be well-prepared. It’s wise to acquire the necessary accessories in advance – many of which can also be found on abc.pl. What should you buy? Your pet will definitely need a litter box. Various models are available on the market; some cats tolerate only uncovered litter boxes, others prefer concealed ones, and some accept only those that are covered but, for example, without front doors… If you plan to adopt or purchase more than one cat at once, remember that the general rule is that there should be as many litter boxes as there are cats – plus one. You should also buy litter for the litter box – in this regard, the selection is very large, and you just need to check what the pet prefers. A scoop will also be useful.
Subsequent purchases will pertain to food matters. Food can be dry or wet – either in cans, pouches, or trays. Your cat may also have a mixed diet. It is worth remembering that the food should be of good quality, and portions adjusted to the cat’s age and weight. You must not allow overfeeding and obesity in your furry friend, as this causes numerous health problems.
You will also need bowls – for food and water. Some cats absolutely refuse to drink water from a bowl – a small cat fountain may be essential. Carefully observe your pet’s drinking habits, as insufficient water intake can lead to kidney problems in cats.
What else is worth remembering? It would be a good idea to also buy a scratching post, even a small one at first. Your cat will certainly want to sharpen its claws. If you don’t provide a scratching post, your pet may destroy your furniture or carpets.
On your starter shopping list, it’s also worth adding a claw clipper or scissors, as well as a brush or furminator. It’s good for the kitty to have its own bed, blanket, pillow, or house – a place where it can peacefully sleep through lazy days.
On the market, you will also find a rich offer of cat toys. Notice that animals – just like humans – get bored with a gadget after some time. Instead of immediately giving your pet several toys, a better idea would be to occasionally buy it a new wand or ball. Don’t be surprised if a crumpled piece of paper turns out to be more attractive to your cat than a freshly purchased felt mouse.
Keep in mind that toys will not replace contact with you for your pet. Cats like to walk their own paths and value their independence, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need attention. Especially if you decide on one cat, remember that it will regularly demand petting or playtime. If you have any communication problems with your pet, do not hesitate to consult a cat behaviorist. This is a specialist who will help you understand the needs of animals, including, for example, the source of undesirable behavior – to ultimately eliminate such unwanted habits and replace them with those that are acceptable to all household members, etc. You can be sure that as cat owners, you will really learn a lot, not only about these wonderful animals but also about yourselves. Good luck!