There’s no such thing as a free cat

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I was on a “for sale” page on a popular social media site recently, and happened across a post that began “cat, free to good home.” This statement has always instilled concern in me for a couple of reasons.

The first is that there are sadly people in the world who obtain these cats for sinister purposes. A rescue contact I have explained to me a number of years ago that cats can be taken from these situations to be used by people as bait in illegal dog fighting organisations.

The second is this; there’s no such thing as a free cat. Consider the cost simply when setting up to ensure your home is feline ready and friendly, if it’s done correctly. The list of necessities is seemingly endless. Then there are the veterinary costs that come primarily with a check up simply when you take a cat on.

Caring for your cat well costs money. Yes, there are ways to economise while not compromising too much on quality, but for the most part, it’s never going to be what’s considered cheap.

The truth is, caring for a cat is a big responsibility. Making sure the feline that shares your home has quality food, appropriate medical care and adequate mental stimulation is something you’re constantly learning about, which means the list of requirements will change and grow to accommodate the new information you obtain.

So when you make the decision to welcome a feline family member into your home, consider the ramifications on the household income. And if you feel ready to make that commitment, take the plunge into “cat parenthood.” Because for all the money it costs, there’s a lifetime of happiness to be taken from the experience.

The most recent “free cat” to join The Mob, Poe….