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One thing many people don’t consider when they first decide to adopt a kitten or two is the expected lifespan of those new additions to your feline family and the ongoing responsibilities it will bring. Newborn kittens are the cutest baby animals ever but if you are to give them a permanent home you will need to be responsible for their health and well-being for between 15 and 20 years.

In addition to the general welfare of your new pet, there is a financial consideration to be aware of too. Your kitten will very quickly grow into an adult cat and there will be ongoing expenses to meet.

It’s obvious that you will have to meet the cost of food but have you factored in the expense of annual vaccinations and veterinary fees? Taking out pet insurance can help mitigate the cost of unexpected bills but be careful to read the small print first - many policies reduce the amount of cover available as your pet gets older but without reducing the cost of your premiums.

Also, in the same way that people have different characters and personailites, cats’ characters are many and varied. Your expectation of owning a soppy lap-cat may not be met so you must be prepared to accept your developing kitten’s personality come what may.

If you want to get an idea of a particular cat’s personality before you choose a kitten, there are many excellent books available that will list the character traits of different breeds of cats. This should enable you to select a breed whose natural personality closely matches your expectations.

Indoor cats will require significantly more attention than those able to spend time outside and you will have to be happy to give them this. Will you also be willing to keep a litter box clean on a daily basis? Do you have a suitable place in your home to accommodate this box? All these questions must be answered before you can take on the responsibility of a new kitten.

What about grooming your pet? Have you the time needed to keep the fur of your cat in good condition? Long-haired cats naturally need much more attention than short haired ones and you should also consider your attitude towards your pet shedding its fur. Can you put up with hairs all over your clothes and furniture? Confirmed cat lovers will see this as just another aspect of cat ownership but many people will not be able to deal happily with the constant need to de-fur their possessions.

If you spend long periods of time away from your home, you will need to make sure that your cat has reliable, regular care. A willing friend or neighbor may be able to call in twice a day to feed and spend time with you pet or you might prefer to use the services of a commercial ‘home visiting’ service. If neither of these options are available, you can always arrange a stay in a boarding cattery. Each option has its own advantages, disadvantages and costs but whichever you choose, the wellbeing of your cat must always be paramount.

Once you have considered all the negative aspects of giving a kitten a home and if you feel that you are able to meet all these needs happily, then the fun part of sharing your home with a kitten can start.

There can be nothing finer in life than returning home after a hard day’s work to be greeted by your loyal and loving cat. Owning a cat has been shown to have positive life and health benefits for its owner but I personally think that just sitting with your furry companion purring contentedly on your lap is reward enough.

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