If you are thinking about getting a cat, or especially if you’re thinking about getting a kitten, remember it isn’t a decision that should be made on a whim. Having a pet is a big responsibility and one that will be with you for a long time. Domestic cats generally live at least 12 years and some live to be over 20 years old.

One of the big responsibilities is being able to tell when something is wrong and being able to identify a potential feline illness. This can be tricky with cats if you don’t pay attention because they don’t easily show signs of pain or weakness. This is something you often have to pay attention to and notice on your own. Sometimes there will be obvious signs, but sometimes there won’t be. You also need to make sure you can afford the cost of the basics and the cat’s health care.

If you’ve given it a good deal of thought and you know you are ready for the responsibility and cost of having a cat, enjoy. The bond you can develop with your feline friend can be very rewarding.