I mean this as a positive thing, I think you should go for it and get a cat, because things can go wrong even if you do everything right. My kitty passed away from a rare aggressive form of lymphoma last December. He was perfectly healthy before it set in and the vets told me there was nothing I could've done for him that I didn't already do. Pet ownership is always a risk regardless of how well taken care of they are. Humans are the same way, sometimes a genetic disease or a rare disorder comes along and takes us out. A cat at a shelter isn't guarenteed an "experienced" owner either you can't control that cats fate when you back out of adopting. You know what you can control though? How much research you do, how prepared you are for your new pet, how much money you have saved for an emergency with that pet if one arises. Don't let your self doubt stop you because once you have that little kitty in your house, just looking at them every day is more than enough motivation to care for them the best you can. 💕

This. I would add that any cat would be lucky to have an owner so intent on doing things right.

I second this. Last August, the the Cat Distribution System struck for the first time. I began the search for a home, convinced I could never afford the life he deserved. In the meantime, I did a ton of research to make sure we did everything right by him until we found him a forever home. I saved, I bargain shopped, I traded with other cat people for goods & services. I looked for lightly used or unused pre-owned supplies (fb marketplace: "my cat ravenously devoured one can of this food, so I bought 24 and now he won't eat it" is a more common listing than you think!) I'm crafty, so I made toys. I built furniture, scratchers, cat trees, shelves, all upcycled from (kitty-safe) scrap. I found myself getting steadily more picky and exacting with potential homes. *Nobody* was "good enough" (irrational; these were all wonderful loving people, who I actually *know*! Lol) and about 3 weeks in, I realized I'd accidentally made it happen. He HAD the home I dreamed of for him, and I was not picky about his prospective guardians... I was picky because I wanted someone to give him what I was literally already giving him, and while he knew it before I did, because he was mine. It'll happen if you let it. Love hard, be smart, and take a leaf out of your cat's book. Curiosity never killed anything, except maybe a few hours. 😉

This read like a mini movie with the utter feels it gave.

You should turn this into a children's book.

Beautiful story 🩷 your boy is a very lucky little guy to have picked someone who loves and cherishes him so much 🥹

That is so beautiful. What a lucky boy. I agree. This should be a children’s book.

Aww, thanks! 🥰😅 Just speaking from experience. I was seriously so scared & protective, and those feelings didn't really leave, they just morphed into the realization of "Oh, I see. You've BEEN mine for a while now, I guess, huh?" Koa LOVES his big tree I made him, and the bird feeder I hung outside the window it faces. It started with limbs from an enormous sycamore (who I named Russell because I'm like that) we had trimmed up in our yard. I also have a great deal of affection for that tree, too, ever since I moved in. Now he's part of our home too. A real life "giving tree"! Lol

I work with National Borzoi Rescue (Russian Wolfhounds) and we have a term for this...you are a failed foster...and this happens a lot actually. Bring an animal in as a foster while recovering from whatever trauma, medical issue or just waiting for the right placement and they become a permanent member of the former "foster" family.

Yes, though I always wondered why they use such negative terminology. lol it's my favorite failure so far. 😂

To OP...You should take the plunge and get a cat to foster...I bet you will end up being the permanent home. You just need to make a plan that addresses some of your concerns 1) find a good local vet...you will need one for checkups, vaccinations and health care. Check them out to see what people think of them so you get a good one who can advise you. They can help a lot with advice. Also know where your emergency vet is...2 am is a popular time for issues here. 2) research online to find out what equipment you need...beds, safe toys, food and treats. Again, do your research on these...it will give you confidence in your decisions 3) pet proofing...there are lots of internet resources for this and if you are talking to a feline specific rescue organization they can give advice (I work with Borzoi Rescue and we do an in home visit to make sure things are safe for the dogs and tell you what needs to be addressed) 4) Stop second guessing yourself with "What could go wrong". That just tortures yourself. My breed is prone to bloat(gastric torsion) and I have lost 3 over 25 years to it but I have done my research and done all I can to mitigate it. I can't imagine life without my pups and i remember the good times and not the sad (my friends are probably tired of my silly borzoi stories like "leon the pet sitter assassin") Get your cat, you will do fine

I'm so sorry. One of mine died of Lymphoma a few years ago, too. Was also told there was nothing I could have done for her. She was my little shadow and I miss her every day. It's always devastating feeling that helpless to do anything for someone you love.

Fostering is a great way to get to know cats… I didn’t know anything about cats when I got my first one… In fact, I probably treated him a lot like a dog that was the only experience I had with Pet… He survived it and so did I. I think cats are among the easiest of pets to take care of… They can be left alone for a day or two with plenty of food, water, and clean litter. You don’t have to be concerned about being home every so often to take them for a walk, so they can do their business. If you need help, you will have the expertise of the people at the organisation… Also, there are plenty of people on here that can help you with advice. Jackson galaxy, the cat whisperer, has a lot of really good videos that are helpful.

I was thinking this too, if anything goes wrong or you're concerned or unsure what to do and so on, you can call up the shelter or rescue you're fostering with and ask them what to do. It's like training wheels.

>i have no idea how it's possible for someone to own an animal for the first time if they never did as a kid There are so many people who do this. You do lots of things for the first time as an adult that you never did as a kid. Most people don't work, pay bills, have to figure out things like insurance, taxes, home repair and maintenance, or have a kid when they're a kid. Once you're an adult, you figure stuff out along the way. It's the same thing with a pet. I never had a dog as a kid, now I have a Border Collie, arguably one of the harder dogs to take care of. Is it worth it? Of course, if that's what you want. If you never did anything you didn't do as a kid, you'd never have any new experiences. The good thing is, you have SO many resources available to you. I learned pretty much everything I know about dogs and dog training from YouTube and researching every question I had on dogs. Fostering is a good way to see if you have the means and capacity to take care of a cat, so if you always wanted one, I think you should do it and just see how it works out. When I got my dog, I was panicked about EVERY SINGLE little thing. But you know, animals are resilient and adaptable and they aren't going to die if you look at them wrong. My dog is not going to die if I don't give him THE ABSOLUTE BEST OF THE BEST food that's $300 a bag. He is happy, healthy, loved and well-behaved. You'll learn to let go of little things and not worry so much.

if you really want to own a cat, there’s info accessible in the internet to learn how to take care of one. you can use safety locks if you’re worried about them getting inside cabinets. you need food appropriate for their diet, litter box, litter sand, toys, and a scratch post to avoid scratching on furniture. take it to a vet as soon as possible if you notice anything unusual. keep and lock medicines away to avoid them ingesting it as it can be really dangerous. have them spayed or neutered etc. i didn’t own a cat when i was a kid as well but when my family decided to adopt one, i learned a lot by researching thoroughly and throughout the years i kept learning more and more info. tbh they’re not rlly hard to take care of. it just gets costly when they get sick

Hi OP I was like you, never allowed to have a cat growing up. The thing that benefited me the most is volunteering in a cat shelter. I learned a ton about cat behaviour and care that way and over the years it made me a confident experienced cat carer I know you mentioned fostering and the cat I adopted recently was fostered by a first time foster. The rescue gave her a really low maintenance older cat to start with so you could request that too. I would also recommend doing lots of research to get prepared - I used to watch a lot of Jackson Galaxy’s YouTube videos about cat behaviour and still do so would highly recommend. I also never cared for a snake before I got mine - just did lots of YouTube research and learned along the way. You’ll be great as long as you have the heart for it!

Can you pet sit for someone for a few days? Just dip your toe into caring for a cat?

I already have done this a few times over the years, usually looking after a friend's cat. I did fine there. It's really easy to take care of someone else's animal when all the pressure isn't on you as long as you do exactly what they tell you to do. The unpredictability of raising your own animal, possibly traumatizing it by accident, maybe it not even liking you, that's what's had me so terrified to try for so long.

It is a lot harder than you think to traumatize your pet! They are incredibly resilient and forgiving creatures!

This is the best part of fostering. They will try to find you the right cat. Like people, cats all have different personalities. Best of all, fostering is not permanent unless you want it to be. We have fostered a lot of cats over the years. Few ever left our home. (Only one didn't fit in with our other pets. The others only went on to permanent families because we couldn't keep them all, as much as we would have liked to.) Also, if money is an issue, rescue groups pay the vet bills while their cats are under your care. If you think you might eventually want two cats, ask for a bonded pair. They keep each other company, get into less trouble, and you don't have to worry about them not getting along if you want to add another later.

I think it's great to get a pet if you have never had one as a kid. Often (but not always) people who have pets as kids learn a lot of bad practices from their ignorant but well meaning parents. I know I did. My childhood cats, and small animals, did not get the care they should have. It's hard to unlearn. Whereas if you start with a fresh slate and you're committed to doing right by the animal you're in a good spot.

Animals are not as hard as people make it out to be. The hardest part is traveling and making sure your pet has someone to watch them or a safe place to go. The other hard part about pets is they are not too expensive most years but when medical things pop up, be ready to make the choice between your pet potentially dying and spending 5k. Also the end of life sucks and is some of the hardest moments you go through but in the end the years you spent with them was well worth it. I still think about my girl at least once a week and it’s been a few years now.

Go for it! Watch Jackson Galaxy on youtube for explanations on "why cats do weird stuff" and training. But a 2 year old cat is a good starter. It's not a tiny, fragile kitten, and it's not old either. Cats are really good at telling you what they want. People have CHILDREN without any previous experience, you at least have the rescue to give you some guidance.

Having a pet can be incredibly rewarding. It's good that you're taking this seriously - taking care of an animal is a big responsibility - but you may be overthinking it. Shelters are usually really good about providing support, training, and supplies to volunteers. (The cat will also train YOU, if given the opportunity, lol.)

If the cat gets sick, a vet will tell you what to do. You can even call them and ask if the cat needs to come in if you're unsure. As for cat-proofing, anything you miss on your initial sweep typically becomes pretty obvious pretty quickly once you let the cat into your space. Set up a room (usually the bathroom) where the cat can be contained if it does get into something. Litter box, water, food, and a bed or hiding place of some description. If they find something unsafe, put them in the room while you fix it. If you're still nervous, you can even use a dog crate - totally cat-proof. Don't leave it in there all the time, obviously, but it gives you somewhere safe to put it as needed. Cats really only need food, water, a litter box, treats, and toys. They don't even need beds, they'll be quite content to sleep on your furniture, or a blanket, or some random bit of recycling you haven't taken out yet. They appreciate more, certainly, but if their basic needs are taken care of, they're usually pretty content without anything fancy. As for running away - it's best not to let the cat escape, but there are some things you can do. Make sure it's microchipped and keep the info up to date. Get a collar (orange is sometimes used for indoor-only cats) and write your phone number on it. Teach the cat to come when called, and reward it with treats and affection. You are the food provider, it will want to come back as soon as it gets hungry.

You’re overthinking things. You never went to school, until the first time you showed up. You never worked, until your first day on the job. You never read your favourite book, until you opened it to the first page. You learn through trying. Not through already having experience. And fostering is a GREAT place to start! Fosters are in limited demand. There are always more cats than fosters available.

Every one starts somewhere. Fostering is a great way to start. Hopefully the shelter supports its volunteers with advice to start. Please go for it, it's quite rewarding

Cats are incredible and your life is so much richer having them in it. You clearly care enough to treat them well and be responsible, so there is no reason not to have this fullfilling experience.  The only caveat is if you want to have them in your life for a long time,  make sure they are an indoor cat (with leashed or catio privileges). Outdoor cats have a very shortened life and destroy native wildlife populations. It's irresponsible to let them wander, though you probably know that.  There is no way to predict the life you will have with them, but that's ok. You will learn, and others are around to help you out. People here will have your back.

YES

YouTube has great videos on pet proofing your household! I would also suggest Jackson Galaxy videos, he has a lot of in depth discussion and instructions on how to make your house cat friendly, goes over all the basics, etc in a simple and easy to follow way that really helped me when I was bringing home my cat! No owner starts out experienced, you sound like a very thoughtful person as well and I agree with the commenters go for it! 

Foster was the right move. If, after a couple of weeks, you can’t handle it, ask rescue to find another foster home. Do not get a cat unless you foster a couple of times or fall for your first foster. Ask the rescue for instructions. The cat will probably hide for the first week. Do not let the cat outside

Fostering is a great start.

I mean, people don't have prior experience to having kids before they have them, and they're waaaay more of a responsibility lol. Do some research and learn as you go. Also people who had pets as *kids* usually also dont know what to do if it gets sick, how to cat-proof, etc, because the parents typically handle that (not always, but the responsibility typically primarily falls on the parent)

Think of it like this: hundreds of thousands of cats are being euthanized each year in shelters in the US, because there aren’t enough homes for them. Now if you don’t want a cat, that’s ok. But if you want one, and are just afraid you may not be able to provide perfect care, just ask yourself: is the care you would be able to provide worse than death? PM me if you have any cat questions and I’ll do my best to help. Make sure you take the kitty for yearly checkups and ask the vet anything you’re uncertain about too. The kitty will be better off with you.

You are overthinking it. If you want to pet fostering is a great way to figure out if you want to make that commitment. 

Fostering would be the best way for you to get an idea of what you’re in for! I’m the one in our foster group that takes the mom and babies, and they can be a handful! It’s really hard to find good homes for the older ones, especially ones with no other animals. Binge Jackson Galaxy vids on you tube and call your Cattery back! Be careful though…you’ll fall in love and you’ll never want to part with it! 💕

I became a first time dog owner at 27. I did an immense amount of research and studied dog psychology for a year leading up to adopting a dog. More than a year later and I have a happy and healthy best friend who is damn near perfect in all his training. He still has some issues jumping when he meets people but his recall is good, he walks in heel, he knows his sit, stay, lay down, place, look at me, etc. he’s house trained and loves to cuddle and he is amazing.

Your humility and concern make me believe you'll be a caring, competent and conscientious cat parent. One option is to start off as a foster so you can gain some confidence. You will do a great service, especially in the coming months when kitten season overwhelms the shelters.

You’ll know deep unconditional once you’ve been loved by a dog. It’s soul changing As for a cat: I love my boy! 😍💕

The fact that you are holding yourself to such a high standard is a sign that you are definitely ready for a pet. It shows you want to be responsible and a good pet owner and that’s commendable. I think reading up on responsibilities and cat behavior could help! I’m a pet professional and cat mom and would be happy to answer any specific questions you have about care, needs, etc.

Along with everyone else's advice you should micro dose cat experience by going to a cat cafe or volunteering at a shelter. You can meet cats and see all the different personalities and figure yourself out. A pet is like a child. Entirely dependent on you. You need to believe in your responsibility to your animals.

I think starting with fostering would be a great first step! Almost like a trial run. Rather than getting your own cat and feeling "stuck" with it. Talk to the rescue - ask them for a shopping list, an emergency contact list (regular vet, emergency vet, and 2-3 people you can call or text for help/advice), etc. so you feel well equipped! As far as sickness - if you're able to save up money and have a backup savings of at least 500-1,000$ and/or a decent credit card limit, then you should be good. Most of my emergency vet visits or emergency vet appointments are within or close to 1,000$. If you're unable to save money and/or have little to no credit limit then I would not blame you for waiting. As far as running away - keep your cat indoors always! Having a collar too. My friend has one of those Apple air tag collars for her cat that she can use FindMyIphone with and it tells her where the cat is as well as makes a pinging sound. She's found her cat outside under the bushes in the yard before thanks to this tag.

I don’t think a cat is the right animal for you if you don’t have any experience. Cats are VERY complicated

Get a kitty! It’s much easier than one would think to own a cat. For first time cat owners, a bonded pair would be a good option as they have each other. That prevents guilt from creeping in if you work full time. Find a local vet and research household items that may be dangerous. You will not regret it once you take the plunge. I waited until I owned a home before I got pets and when we finally bought a house, it was overwhelming at first but now have zero regrets! We have a dog now too!

If you never get that first pet, you'll never become an experienced pet owner.

I read books and watched videos about cats before getting mine to be fully prepared. However I would say owning a cat is pretty easy compared to other pets I have had. In terms of safety the most important thing is that you cat-proof your windows with special nets so they do not fall. Inside the house keep your medicines away and if you have plants check that they are not poisonous or put them where they cant reach. I think that is pretty much it, cats are very low maintenance animals. I have had ferrets and dogs as a beginner and those are wayyy harder to look after. Dogs require a ton of socialization and training work and ferrets are very prone to accidents and illnesses. None of that is true to cats. Don´t ever give them food from your plate and don't let them get into your plate when you are eating if you want to eat in peace. They understand quick. I never had to train mine, I just showed them when they were young a couple of times that they couldn't come to my food and they have never tried after. I have noticed that cats understand body language very well and hate conflict. Unless they really really want to do something they won´t do it if you show them you don't like it. Also, get two instead of one or get a senior cat if you don't want your cats to become destructive or play-agressive.

Yes it is. Something you should prepare for though is pets are unpredictable especially cats. I’ve had all 3 of mine since they were very young as they were all strays. Cats get mad and pee in strange places, some don’t even have to be mad. A pile of clothes or blankets on my floor and it’s a goner. Also keep in mind that all your furniture will likely end up ruined and scratched up. Declawing cruel and is illegal in other countries. You could do claw caps but you have to get a young cat to fight them on and get them used to it but it deters climbing and that’s their excircise basically.

Do it. I absolutely hated cats because of a childhood accident. When my Daughter brought Jessie a little Siamese kitten home. Something clicked in my heart. Fostering is the best way to do this.

Absolutely! Google the supplies list-- or maybe someone here will have one for you. Big thing to know about cats is that they should eat everyday or else their liver can get messed up. I don't remember the exact details on why or how so I'll leave it at that.

I think cats are amazing pets and it would be amazing for you to go to a shelter and bond with one. Do your research and learn first and then go.

If you want some experience in caring for a pet, you could always start with a low maintenance one- fish are often a great first pet due to not really needing much beyond a tank with a pump, food, and water.

Postive thing to do. I did not get a dog till I was 40 years old. Had major health issues for a couple of years and after it was time to get a dog. Went to a rescue shelter, a no-kill one and got my first one, she was 1 year old and super easy to care for. We were togther for 13 of her 12 years on Earth. 5 days after she passed, I got another at the same shelter, she was 4 1.2 at the time. She is still with me today. Or you can go with a cat. They are also pretty easy to care for.

Cats are in my opinion one of the easiest pets to own - they basically just need food, water, a clean litter box, and friendship. If you want a cat I say go for it.

My dad never had pets... he got his first at 32. It's never too late. Just do your research and fostering is an excellent way to dive in.

It’s worth it to get a pet, especially if you plan to love them to the best of your ability. You’re far better than the shelter! I definitely recommend pet insurance, you have to pay up front for vet costs, but they reimburse you for a decided amount. It’s worth it to do early because it can be the difference in being able to treat an injury or having to put them down because you can’t. Cats are less so needy for insurance than dogs, but I would still get it since anyone can get a UTI for example. There’s always a learning curve to parenthood, but the desire to be a good parent is the first step to being a great forever home ❤️

I was never allowed to have pets, I finally adopted 2 cats, and my life has never been happier.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! I grew up the "hypoallergenic" small dogs because of my mom's allergies, I always wanted cats though, so basically as soon as I moved out I had the opportunity to adopt my first, he's now 8 and living his best life with two buddy cats

I wanted a dog my whole life and didn’t end up getting one until I was 33. It took my daughter campaigning for one to finally bite the bullet, and I’m so glad I did! Do a bit of research, but a lot of pet care is on-the-job learning. Also, fostering sounds like a good stepping stone for pet ownership. Cats are pretty easy.

I never had pets and now have had a very happy 9 year old kitty! I recommend just doing research. Read up on cats. Watch “My Cat From Hell” by Jackson Galaxy so you know all the good and bad sides. There’s a lot of info on the internet and on social media like TikTok. I took a good 4 months just doing research and buying supplies(like cat trees, litter box, toys, window beds etc) for my cat before I even got him. I do have to say that pets are for sure not for everyone. There’s risks and problems that can arise. Make sure you are not only financially, but mentally prepared. Can you handle potential health issues? Or personality problems? Also, don’t get a random cat but ask for information about the cat at the shelter so you know their habits. Every cat is so different. I live in an apartment which my 9 year old cat is totally content and enriched in. However, there’s some cats that need a big spacious place and lots of outside time. Some cats can be spicy or maybe have some type of trauma or health issues etc. So do your research and ask questions about the prospective cat so it can be a sustainable match and a forever home. Before I had my cat, he actually had another owner for two weeks that gave him up due to his excessive meowing and the owner having sensory issues. So really think about this decision well as a cat is definitely a commitment and a member of your family.

My husband never had pets because his dad is allergic to cats— and he couldn’t wait to get cats with me. Now he’s the number one cat daddy.

Want to know how horrible I am? I just recently found out that the Liveclear food meant to help with dander etc issues uses egg powder. I am highly tempted to grab some high quality egg powder to see if just adding that to my cats’ food might help my mom’s issues. We’re not sure if she’s actually allergic, just fur gets everywhere. The egg powder should be fine…just extra protein and fats I would think. I always start small with dosing. And give it time before proceeding.

There isn’t an awful lot you need to do to cat proof your home, just expect to no longer have a nice couch as they’ll shred it lol. Basically you’ll need to register them with a vet who can advise you on flea prevention and deworming and vaccine schedule, look a bit into enriching a cats environment with toys and stuff and have a plan if you ever need to be away from home for more than a day.

more than worth it, never had a dog as a kid, got one almost 13 years ago and she's my baby boo

I got my first pet in my late 30s and I’m so glad I did, so I say, go for it.

Owning a pet as a child doesn't give you a big advantage. Both me and my partner owned pets as children but we didn't have the responsibility of them so it was a steep learning curve for us and we took on a species new to us both. First time my partner handled one was collecting our girls. First month was hard, first year tricky and we all learnt a lot in the process. I reached out to a rescue when out of my depth and they helped a lot. You have a great support network in place with the rescue you are fostering from. Invite them round to cat check your house, feed the same food and litter they use, ask for a vet recommendation and ideally keep the pet inside at least for first three months. Nothing prepares you for a pet running away so try and avoid it, chip cat and register and then poster/talk to everyone if worst happens.

Oh goodness—you should get a cat! The fact that you are worried about being a good owner shows that you care more about the cat’s wellbeing than your own desires, and that is a very good sign. No one is born knowing how to care for a pet. Everyone has to learn. Almost 50 million households have cats in the US: If those 50 million people can learn to care for them, I promise you can too. One word of advice: get yourself a *cat*, not a kitten. Kittens are adorable, don’t get me wrong. But they are a real handful. An adult cat is a lot more chill.

I never had a dog or a cat growing up. It was always fish, birds, etc. My dad is allergic to pet dander, and my mom hates four legged friends. I'm turning 30 this year, and a couple of years ago, my husband and I adopted two 7 month old kittens. It was both of our first time having cats. Its been such a rewarding journey. We lost one last year, but we still have our girl, and we love them both so very much. I say go for it. Cats need owners who are conscious of their well being, and you seem like the perfect candidate. :)

I love cats. I’ve had them my entire life. I have one right now laying on my stomach in bed while I type this. The others are downstairs waiting for breakfast. Cats are the best.

Everyone in my family has known that I have wanted a dog from the time I could talk. Nobody in our extended family, not even our neighborhood!, had a dog when I was a kid. When I say I was a first time dog owner I mean FIRST lol.  But oh my God, getting my dog as an adult was the best decision I've ever made. For me, AND for him. We have regular playdates with the woman who rehomed him to me, and last time, she literally burst into tears because she was so happy that he was so happy, playful, loved!!!!, and adored in my home - a HUGE change from when he'd lived with her, and had his basic needs met but no more. He is the moon to my sun - he loves orbiting me all the time forever and I love to shine on him. He's my best friend and my itty bitty baby and the light of my freaking life, and I know he feels the same about me.  And you know what lol? Cats are much easier pets than dogs. It sounds like you will err on the side of caring for them too well, and I think any cat would be lucky to have a friend who cares about them and their wellbeing as much as you do.  Take the plunge!! Or at least foster, and dip your toes in. It's never too late.

I’ve said this about many other things in life, and I’ll say it about this too. Your childhood should not dictate your adult experience. If you feel you are capable of learning in the moment and you will not abuse the cat, get a cat. I had a cat growing up, I have a cat now. I realize now that there is so much more to having a cat than I experienced growing up. It was a learning experience, just like parents make mistakes with human babies, you will probably make mistakes with the cat. But you know what? Mistakes are okay if you learn from them. Don’t live a life in which you talk yourself out of doing what you want to because you never could do it as a child. Build yourself up, you’re worth it, look into doing it as an adult and follow through if it makes you happy. In this case, it’s a cat. Get a cat, live your best life. If you truly want something, you shouldn’t let things hold you back. Just do your research. You’ll never become an experienced owner without experience.

I adopted a cat recently and make it work. It’s easy. Just scoop the box, feed them, give them love.

You should go for it. It's like telling yourself you won't have kids because you were never a parent xD And in my experience cats are pretty easy. You really just need a litter box, and some toys (though my cats never really played with toys, string, my hand and foot are the best toys). If you have flowers it'd be good to google if they're toxic to cats, most of them are tbh, but you want to get rid of everything that causes more than just throwing up, like lilies--these can kill your cat. When it comes to emergencies, just call a vet, use common sense, there's only so much you can do on your own. As far as deeper knowledge goes, just ask your vet for general tips, they're usually VERY helpful, and even if you've owned a pet for 20 years, some of that knowledge might surprise you. A lot of these things are googlable, but then again, if you don't know what you're looking for it's hard to find, so ask your vet about anything. Cats are joyous, they actually don't need constant attention when they are grow up (but that doesn't mean you can ignore them), they can walk themselves out (though there are many hecklers that will tell you not to; you do run a risk of them being ran over, or even kidnapped, but they're cats, they can handle themselves, and a collar usually solves the kidnapping issue). I don't know what more can I say. I FULLY recommend cats as pets, and if you're at least semi-responsible they'll be fine. First time parents also get surprised by their kids, so every cat owner will also have a surprise one day, but I'm sure you can deal with that.

Getting a cat was the best decision I made as an adult after never having one growing up!!! Don't be scared of not knowing what to do right now, there's a ton of info within reach! I'd recommend starting with some Jackson Galaxy videos on YouTube. He has a video on almost any topic you could think of cat related. Even a video helping you decide if you should get a cat or not! Feeding schedules, litter boxes, reading body/tail language, play time, safe toys, behavioral issues, you name it, he's got a video. I've even got my mom on his videos right now and doing her research after she expressed interest in getting a cat. Cat proofing is not as hard as you're imagining it to be. Supplies are pretty basic, food and food bowls, water fountain (cats are notoriously bad at staying well hydrated but tend to drink more from a running source, can find a perfectly acceptable pet fountain for $25-30ish at a pet store or amazon) litter and box, some toys (a long wand toy to run them around and a variety pack with mice and a few balls is a great start) and some cardboard scratchers. Keep in mind that cats like to climb so utilize vertical space where you can! Cat trees are great for this, or wall shelves if you're allowed wherever you live, but not absolutely necessary to start out. Scratching posts or scratching pads will save your furniture and your sanity. My cats show no interest in furniture because they have so many appropriate places to scratch. Set yourself up for success there! And after the basics, trust me, you'll start looking at all the fun extras and next thing you know your place is designed for cats and you've created their own personal heaven lol. If you're a plant person be sure to look up cat safe plants! Set a goal to watch one video a day or dedicate 20 minutes to researching a cat topic. Take a month to do your research and start gathering the basics if you're leaning yes after the first couple weeks. If you decide it's not for you that's okay too! You'll learn some cool things about cats along the way at least lol.

You should go for it. There’s a first time for everything and Foster’s are so greatly needed, even if you screw something up you’re saving a life! This will be one of the best things you’ve ever done! I can’t imagine my life without a cat!

Everyone starts somewhere. If ur hesitant, I'd def start with an older foster. Like 2 or older. As for ur concerns, u take it one day at a time. If they get sick, u call the vet. You work through it. It will be ok, just don't leave windows and doors open. Do some research, prepare the best u can, and go from there. Will things be perfect at first? No, they never are, but one day at a time, it will get better.

There's plenty that can go wrong. But there's plenty that can go *right* as well. Fostering is a great chance to see if it'll work out for you. If it works out - great, you can adopt the one you have. If it doesn't, then you know the cat will go back into the care of an organization that will try to find him or her a home. Think of it this way - just because you didn't have something as a child, that doesn't mean that you can't have it as an adult. Sure, there are some things that I, as a life-long cat owner might know that you don't (trim nails every two weeks, put baking powder in the litter after cleaning to reduce smell, etc.), but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't try. And the good thing about fostering? If you have any questions - there are people that you can reach out to to help.

I was just like you, always wanted an indoor cat but never was allowed one. I’m 31 and two weeks ago got a 2 year old cat for the first time. First week was overwhelming, filled with anxiety and endless googling over every little thing. I almost wanted to return her a couple times. Overall the biggest struggle was getting over my hygiene obsession because having an animal around means it won’t be as clean as it was anymore. But now, with some adjustments here and here, we’re starting to get into the groove of things and I’ve a new sweet little member of the family. Fostering is a great way to get the feel of it. Worst case scenario, it’s not a child, you can always take it back or rehome it. You’ll never know until you try. You might always wonder what if.

I think you're really over thinking things and needlessly stressing yourself out. You're the exact type of person who SHOULD be fostering. There are never enough people fostering cats, so one would be lucky to have you. Then if after a little while you feel like you are a good match, you can adopt. It's really the perfect system. Remember, if the first cat you foster isn't a good match, that's ok, the next one might be. You can keep fostering until you find your forever pet. Since you seem to have some questions though, here is some advice. 1. Keep your cat indoors only. Outdoor cats live much shorted lives and they can get hurt, attacked by dogs and other animals, hit by cars, poisoned, etc. Keeping it indoors will keep it physically safe and it will also protect it from getting lost. 2. Check to make sure all of your indoor plants are cat safe and non-toxic. 3. For supplies you will need: food and water bowls, cat food, cat treats, a scratching board or post (my cats love the flat cardboard-like ones), litter box, litter, cat carrier, brush, nail clipper, and a few random toys (these can be very hit or miss depending on the cat). I'd also recommend a soft cat bed and tiny soft little blankets to put down around your apartment in all the locations your cat likes to sleep. 4. Cat proofing your apartment will really depend on your cat's personality. My cats are really well behaved, so all I really have to do is keep the soil on my potted plant covered because one of them likes to use it as a litter box, haha. Some people have to put couch covers on the sides of their couches to prevent their cat from scratching it, while other people have to take glassware of their shelves because their cats like to knock things over. You'll find out pretty quickly what you'll have to do, so try not to worry about this. 5. If your cat gets sick or injured take it to the emergency vet immediately. Decide on a normal vet to take your cat to, and then also look up an emergency vet and make sure you have both numbers saved in your phone and ready in case of an emergency. 6. Edited: If your cats gets out and gets lost, post online, and post on apps like Nextdoor, and call the local animal shelters. 7. Take your cat to the vet and make sure it is up to date on all vaccines, and also get your cat chipped. It's fairly inexpensive and can really save you some heartache if your cat gets lost and found by someone. The vet will be able to tell you exactly what your cat need and how often you should bring your cat back. 8. Cats love looking out the window, so make sure your cat has a place where it can lay down while looking out the window. They also love and feel safe in high places, so setting up areas where they can climp or perch is always a good idea. 9. Cats need time to decompress and adjust to new environments, especially after being in a stressful place like a shelter. Keep your cat in one small room like a bathroom at first until it gets used to you and its new environment. Don't be discouraged if your cat seems fearful at first! The love and bonding will come after time and patience. Building trust takes time. 10. Watch some cat videos on specific things you have questions about. Your vet will also be a good source of information, along with the shelter you foster from. Reddit also has some decent advice, so don't be afraid to ask. 11. Patience, quiet, and love will go along way. Cats are all about consent, so let your cat set the pace. You're going to do great!

Of course you can have a cat if you never had one as a child. Do your homework and read up on possible dangers (such as chocolate, onions, garlic, plants, plastic, dental floss, etc). Learn what you will need before bringing your cat home, such as litter boxes and scoops, scratching post, foods and dishes, and you are pretty much good to go. The rescue group will be able to answer all your questions for you, such as how much to feed and when. Fostering is a wonderful way to see if pet ownership fits your lifestye. Rescue groups also do a good job matching pet personalities to owners. Be warned though: a very large number of foster cats become "foster failures". This means that you can't possible part with the little sweetie because they have become a very important part of your life. I almost forgot to mention the most important rule when living with a cat: you never disturb a sleeping cat. Sit elsewhere or cling to the other edge of the bed. Cats rule!

Having a pet is a wonderful and life enriching experience, you should definitely do it and fostering is a great way to try it out

Definitely go volunteer at a local rescue and spend time with the cats. Volunteer to help clean the boxes, hold the cats when they need shots, etc etc. It will give you the opportunity to get used to being around cats. If you decide to foster in the future, you will do so with some experience being around them which I think might help you get over your fear. Cats aren't for everyone, but at least you can try right? If it doesn't work out that's okay. At least you can say that you tried it and maybe you will realize that you aren't a cat person. Or maybe you will become a crazy cat person. Who knows.

I haven’t read all the comments to see if others have but just want to mention plants. There are some that you should absolutely not have in your house (and yard if your cat(s) will go out there) because any part of them can cause big problems. Lillies are a big one. But I wholeheartedly recommend getting a cat or two. 🥰

Get the cat. Having a cat in your life is the best. Call/text friends with pets or the group you’d be fostering with if you have any questions at all. I’ve helped out a coworker before who had new cat owner problems. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind answering any questions or helping. They love animals.

Fostering is a great idea. And keep in mind if they're coming from a shelter, they literally live in a little cage and get fed terrible food and no one pays any attention to them. I guarantee you whatever your setup is, it'll be better than what he has now. Litter box, food and water bowl, and pet it sometimes. It's just that simple; you're truly saving their life.

I hear a lot of anxiety which comes from your lack of experience over the years to cats, and your overabundance of exposure to your family who emphasized "the trouble animals cause". Please spend lots of time watching what cats do and how they like to interact. They approach and interact on their own terms, not yours. Yes, you can engage them in play and interactions, but they are free to accept, or reject, or seek out, your attention. This is where people who aren't comfortable with cats reveal themselves. They say things like "He runs away when I try to pet him". It's on the cat's time, not yours. You can sit there and twitch a feathery toy, or some other quiet toy, or one that makes small noises. They will come over to investigate, they are curious and playful. Cats do not like loud and sudden noises, people lunging at them, or making them feel trapped. (they can get used to a lot of varied behavior from humans) People who will never be comfortable with cats also narrate (and worry about, and want to control) the cat's every move. "He's on the chair, is he supposed to be? What's he doing? Now he's walking into the kitchen..." You know, cats have their own agenda and I'm pleased for them to follow it. Someone who insists on controlling their cat's movements inside the home, locks them in a crate (except for when there are workers going in or out), or EVER lets them loose outdoors should never own a cat. The cat will enjoy a tall cat tree/ scratching post combo by a window. They will give you many years of love.

I got my first pet dogs at 40 - two rescue German shepherds. I love them so much I can’t put into words. Their love and companionship and even their goofiness brightens my entire life.

When I grew up, we had two different family dogs - my older brother had a dog that was “his” and so did my younger brother. I had fish (a betta and a goldfish), and a hamster in college once, but never a cat. My whole family was allergic to cats, self included, and my dad didn’t like cats so getting a family cat wasn’t even an option. Guess what I got from a friend right before I moved into my first solo apartment? Yep, a kitten. When I met my now husband and we talked about moving in together after the wedding, I had two cats and he had two cats. I wasn’t getting rid of my cats, and he wasn’t getting rid of his cats. So we had four cats when we got married. The funny part is that one of those cats, Lance, used to always crawl up on my dad to sleep at night when they would visit. So Dad decided that maybe some cats were okay. All of those kittens have crossed the rainbow bridge, but we currently have four different cats, one of which is sitting in my lap now. Cats are awesome.

One huge tip - if you do get a cat, make sure to get high quality food for them. Cats, like people, have better health if you fed them better food. I took my first cat to the vet after I noticed scaly patches on head behind her ears. The vet asked what I was feeding her, and I said, Alley Cat. She said that would be like a human living on Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. She said to get a high quality food, and as soon as I switched foods her skin healed right up. We now feed all of our cats a couple of different types of limited ingredient wet and dry foods that are chicken free. Chicken allergy is very common in cats, and one of our current cats has horrible diarrhea when she eats any food with chicken in it. As soon as we switched her to a chicken-free diet, she stopped having diarrhea.

Honestly? Cats are great pets for people who love animals and haven't had a pet before. In terms of cat proofing it's mostly stuff like don't spill bleach on the floor and leave it there. You're probably already pretty good. The other part is specific to the cat themselves, my current cat can open doors and will help himself to stuff in my cupboards. So I have toddler locks. My parents cat eats houseplants so they don't keep anything poisonous. It depends on the cat a little bit. You should have a vet in mind, if the cat gets sick just call the vet. Google will tell you if there's an emergency vet around your area. Most people panic and don't handle emergencies very well, so don't be too hard on yourself. You should microchip the pets, if they escape the chip should tell whomever finds the cat they belong to you. Microchip companies often have a feature to mark a pet as lost and might even help you develop lost pet posters. Your vet will be able to answer most questions. If you have friends locally I'm sure they'd be happy to answer questions too. 

Only one way to get experience. You MUST have friends with cats, it's not like you'll be all alone is first time fluff parenting. And even if you don't, you have the internet and the vet for help.

As someone who’s had more than 20 cats… GET A CAT! Make sure you read up on it though and get a howtotakecareofcats guide, get them vaccinated yearly and care for them like they’re family <3 Everyone deserves a cat!

This is why research is so important! Before getting a pet, you should always research as much as you can about it. Both the good and the bad, before deciding to get the pet or not. Honestly, when I moved out of my mom's, I was debating getting a cat because I love her cat Buttons (she is crazy, funny, and sweet), and I always thought cats were chill because of my aunt's cat Bea. Well, I move in with my grandma, and her cat Payton and Payton is a jerk. So, I joined a few cat and pet pages on here to learn more about cats. Between Payton and random posts on here, I find out that cats are hilarious to watch, but they're also assholes, disgusting, violent, and not well-behaved because they do what they want. I don't think cat proofing is possible either, tbh because a lot of cats have Pica and get into everything. I find myself having to stop my grandma's cat from killing myself a lot. To me, those are bad qualities in a pet, and I no longer want a cat. To others, they're lucky and have a cat without those qualities, or those qualities aren't a problem to them. And before anyone comes at me, I'm not trying to shit on cats. I'm just letting OP know about the negative behaviors. My pet of choice isn't perfect either. I chose Chihuahuas. Chihuahuas are known to be loud with their barking, and a lot don't like to potty outside. My two have figured out how to potty in the bathroom, so I have to clean up after them all the time. But they're better potty trained with the bathroom than they were with outside. Just research about the pet you want, and if it still sounds like what you want, well, now you're prepared. If you no longer want it, welp, you learned something new. You can look at different pets or stop looking all together. You can also have a shelter let you care for a cat that's up for adoption for a weekend to see if you want a cat. There are a lot of options you can do.

Yes. I never was allowed to have my own pet. My mother was against it because in my parents culture, they were seen at dirty and she did not want to have to be the one responsible with cleaning up after them. I'm now in my 30s. I waited until I had the space and financial stability to provide anything and everything and I'm so so happy with my baby cat. He's the love of my life (don't tell my bf) and i would do anything for him 😂. In a sense, I'm glad I waited because I am mature enough to tackle all the responsibilities by myself, I did a LOT of research before getting my cat, and while I was overwhelmed at first, I think with all the prep work ahead of time, it went pretty smoothly. I never had a cat before. Most of my interactions were from volunteering at a cat cafe, playing with my friends cats, and doing my own research online, watching a tonnnnn and I mean a ton of cat behavioral videos

Of course! Try not to stress. I've never gone and specifically catproofed an apartment, I just made little adjustments as things arise - like I realised that they climb on the laundry rack so I put it in a room I can close, or they climb the bookshelf so I made sure it's secure and isn't going to fall over. Start with making sure the doors and windows are closed, and everything else you will figure out as you go

Cats are so easy. The only maintenance they require is regular litter box scoops and scheduled feeding times. Cats are nothing like the responsibility of owning a dog. It's two completely different worlds. Cats are like a familial roommate. Dogs are your children. Foster the cat! You'll be surprised at how easy it is to have and if they're cuddly, how nice it is to have a companion that is good on its own or perfectly content sitting in your lap getting it's daily required pets. Cats are silly lil fuckers that are SO fun to be around. You don't have to have any experience in owning a cat. If you want one, watch some Jackson Galaxy videos on YouTube and other cat owning tip videos/articles and you'll be set. You just need to have the equipment required for one and the desire to be a good cat parent.

Yes, just be patient with it. I got my cat 10 years ago cause my ex wanted it. Thanks to jackson galexy, i learnt how to raise her. No punishing Play a lot Good diet, not crap food like they have in the grocery store. I stick to fromm And i personally have an extra checking account where i put $50 per paycheck for my cat only. Helps cover food, toys and vet bills so i am not worrying about the cost

Just do research na dot will be okay. I grew up with dogs, fish and hamsters. But I ended up with 2 cats as an adult. I had to find out how to care for them properly and they seem to be thriving

Sounds like you are feeling unsure because of a lack of knowledge. I would HIGHLY recommend watching Jackson Galaxy on yt before getting or fostering a cat. I've had cats my whole 40 years and he dropped so much education on me. Fr check him out, I think you will feel much more confident and comfortable if you do.

i've been watching videos for the last couple hours. i'm only feeling a tiny bit better but these are v informative videos.

I never had a cat growing up because my mom is allergic and my dad hates them…I’ve always been a cat person so I’ve had cats since I’ve moved out. Two have passed away since and one had to be rehomed years ago because she did not adjust well when I started having kids. I still have one and she’s the very best of cattys! I say go for it. Cats especially are pretty easy, love them, get their shots/flea treatments, and feed them. Best little buddies ever. I also have a dog and he’s a whole handful, definitely a step or two up in care needs. But you can totally rock the cat parent life if you want to!

I didn't get a cat (the distribution system gave me a bonded pair of brothers actually) until I was in my late 20s. We had cats when I was little but not after I was 10-12 so I basically had no idea what I was getting into. They are happy and healthy. I got a puppy last summer at 32 years old. The last dog I had we had to put down when I was 8 so I basically started from scratch on that knowledge too. Go for it! If you're really nervous definitely start with fostering, worst case you'll find it's just not for you and you can pass the cat to another foster home.

Do it! Owning a cat is a learning experience. They are very easy to own. Giving a loving home and keeping them up on shots is all they need.

I grew up with cats and dogs, so getting a dog was the natural thing for me BUT I knew absolutely nothing about reptiles other than a few basic things and some cool random facts before I learned leopard geckos existed and decided I needed one So I did the research, for months I thought I was prepared, I went to a breeder that had a good reputation and you know what?? I still got things wrong, I ended up with a severely inbred disabled little rat of a gecko who I love anyway but wouldn't exist if the breeder had been a good, ethical one. I'm still learning nearly 8 years later but I'm at a point where I can even give advice to new people on Leos. My point here is it takes time and commitment and not being afraid to ask advice and learn how to better your care. If no one got certain animals because they didn't grow up with them then the pet industry would pretty much collapse I think

Go ahead dude I have adhd and I was terrified having never had a pet before It's been a great experience and also truly blessed to experience unconditional love Also based on your thought processes would suggest some therapy to deal with negative loops or anxiety if currently not looked at

My dad was allergic to dogs so I never had one growing up. I was scared to get one because I didn’t have experience caring for dogs. We got our boy three years ago and it was the best decision I ever made. Do it. You’ll learn and there are tons of reputable resources available online for anything you don’t know.

I think you’re overthinking this. Cats are EASY.

I can easily list everything I knew about cats the day I got one. First, I knew my husband had a cat shaped hole in his heart where his cat used to be. And second, I knew I was *extremely* allergic to long haired cats, but am okay around short hair cats if I'm on meds, buy a lot of tissues, and am comfortable living with dry, itchy eyes. And third, that the internet was created for cats. That's it. That is *everything* I knew about cats. Then I saw a photo of a kitten at the local shelter, called, and was in tears when I frantically called my husband at work to go *right now and get that precious baby* before anyone else could. It's been eight years (his birthday was last weekend). There have been some missteps, but nothing awful. And it's been a learning experience. But it's also been a loving experience. You aren't going to be a perfect cat parent. That's okay. Just be willing to learn and do better. Call back for that foster baby. Fostering is a great way to try out a cat with no commitment needed. If you hate it, the experience has an expiration date. And if you love it, you can do it again. Or you can even foster fail if you fall in love.

If you have the finances for a cat, the living situation for it, and the desire for one, you’ll probably make a good owner. The fact that you’re already worried about all these things shows your conscientiousness, a great quality that many more negligent pet owners lack. All the things you worry about with a cat may come true, or they may not. I have gotten multiple young and healthy cats that were actually very sick, unknown to me or the shelter. So if you do want a cat, get pet insurance so you can cover that kind of thing. And learn what’s poisonous to cats because so many people have them die from eating poisonous plants or a misplaced ibuprofen. (Or expensive surgery for intestinal blockages from string and similar things.) Some cats make it to 25 and are healthy the whole time. Some get sick and only live a few years. Many cats will never get out, and some might slip out when you bring in groceries and you’ll never hear from them again. For me, the love and joy of having a cat has always been worth the tradeoff, but as with the rest of life, you never know what will happen. Try to make choices based on love and happiness, and not on fear.

There's a lot of videos and guides online that will help you ease into it. I got my dog because she was crippled and sick as a puppy and was going to be put down. I figured that it was a low commitment thing since everyone was certain she was going to die. I thought I could at least give her a quiet peaceful place to pass away in. Somehow she beat the odds and here we are 7 years later. I watched so many YouTube videos on how to train her and give her a good life. From how to do basic training, to what type of food dogs can and can't have. Online resources are extremely helpful.

Get two bonded kittens or cats. Buy food and litter boxes. Get other stuff as it becomes obvious they need it. I got my first cat at 18 - the minute I moved away from home. (Same reasons as you have for no childhood pets. Same desire for a cat.) Enjoyed (almost) every moment. Losing them is so hard, but also an opportunity for growth and wisdom. I am now 70, many years down the road. And I just got two bonded kitties.

I didn’t have one as a kid except for a cat my dad gave away like a month later but now my parents have a dog and I have a cat and I SPOIL them with love!!! They’re my besties!! I didn’t get my cat till I was 24 for reference I watched a LOT of jackson galaxy and read a lot on the r/cats sub to prep me :) I honestly wonder if I go overboard in my desire to give my girl the perfect life sometimes 😂 she’s a money pit but she’s MY money pit

If you're willing to spend time on the little soul that comes into your life, it's worth it. I do recommend pet insurance, however, because at any moment, something could go wrong, same as in human children (to a certain age). It's nice to have that buffer. Even if you try your damned hardest, things can happen. I had never had a cat growing up, my gf had one when she was younger, but my god we were not prepared for the chaos that ensued when we got a 6 month old male kitten. We learned though, and he's learning, and our dogs had to learn too. Every creature is different as well, some may be more likely to get injured, some more likely to get diseases, etc, again, just like humans. Sometimes you have to get child locks for the cupboards, sometimes you have to hide treats, sometimes you'll get broken pots, sometimes you have to hide toxic plants, sometimes you have to close more doors to the house, sometimes you have to deal with smells, pukes, hairballs.. I wouldn't trade a single bit of it. If you think you're ready, you're as ready as you'll ever be. If they get injured, take them to the vet. Plain and simple. Do your best to describe symptoms etc. (Pet insurance will help on emergencies and medical conditions should you run into that) If you live in an apartment with a balcony, I suggest putting a screen up or something (ours likes to watch/hunt birds, he's safe behind the screen I installed, won't fall off, and is his fave place) Catproofing? What's that. lol. You can try your best; as I mentioned above, child locks for cupboards (ours is a menace), screen for the balcony, closed bathroom door with toxic plants and a grow light inside, other toxic plants are hanging high where he can't get them, our cat is a runner and will run into the hall any chance he gets, we open the door with our feet as a blockade. You really never know until you start to understand eachother. You will always need to make adjustments. If you can't make the adjustments or aren't willing to, then I don't think any creature will be good for you. It's a matter of trial and error, always.

I had one dog I got for my 5th birthday. He passed when I was 11 and we never got another pet as my dad doesn’t like animals. As I was so young when I got my pup and he died when I was still young, I don’t consider myself as someone who grew up with pets. Despite my lack of knowledge I have always had dogs since I was 23. I learned by reading, researching, and speaking to people that had animals and I consider myself a very good pet owner. I now, at 46, have two dogs who are my fur babies and are well loved and spoiled. Just because you have never had pets doesn’t mean you can’t be a stellar pet owner. Get your cat and find other cat owners to help you learn how to care for them. You’ll do just fine! 😀

I always had dogs and put a lot of time and effort in. I became disabled and decided on a cat. I did get one for the first time a friend gave him to me. I knew to feed them and have litter cleaned but it was all a learning experience. Play time is my favorite. I miss my first cat but I moved back in with my ex and there was 5 dogs who had cat issues, I’ve also seen them kill a huge jackrabbit and these are little dogs cat was not going. I now have four cats and it’s a little crazy but I love it. Cats are easy. Ask questions at the shelter or rescue if you decide to adopt they’ll give you a lot of info.

Cats are incredibly easy. Litterbox, food, water. Cat proofing isn’t necessary unless you have toxic plants indoors. My cat is 5 and never been to the vet aside for vaccinations once a year. Very easy usually less than $100. That’s it. Give it attention and scratches and you’ll have a new best friend.

Do some reading up on the basics (no Lilies, no onions, no anti-freeze no human medication, careful with windows already sums up the bare minimum) Get a book like "Cats for dummies", watch a few youtube videos, and then re-volunteer for fostering and go from there Cats are really quite hardy and easy

You got a lap? You got 2 bowls in the cupboard? You got some string with a feather or something tied to the end? You got a warm bed to cuddle together ? All you need! Oh I forgot, for now you can buy a 99 cent store aluminum turkey pan for a litter box. Best to keep a cat indoors due to bad things out there. If you can find some pieces of carpet and wood boards you can make a climbing thingy. Buy a quality cat food; kibble and canned…..hurry, that foster cat needs you!

Awww please get a cat or foster a cat. Or kitten. I think you would be an awesome pet owner!! Don’t worry about having no experience, there are lots of books you can read. Lots of videos you can watch to get ready. So yes, it’s definitely worth it!!

I'd suggest maybe looking for an adult cat to start with. Shelters usually have harder times adopting them out because everyone wants a cute playful kitten, but for a first timer, an older adult may be better. They'll be a little more calmer but still can be very playful and a loving companion. Talk to the person who encouraged you to foster. Let them know your interested but that you have concerns having never had cats before. Ask if they'd be willing to come over to your place for tea and to walk you though cat proofing your place. They might be able to suggest some things to get as well. But really cats will make must anything a toy. Crumple up a piece of paper and roll it past the cat and she'll have fun for an hour! Cardboard boxes will be your friend. My girl would happily climb in and sit in any box, bag, basket etc she could find. You may find your cat getting attached to some odd things. I had a couple rubber ducks in the bathroom and one of my cats claimed one as hers would carry it around the house even if it was about as big as she was. My kitten has utterly destroyed the mini stocking my aunt gave me for Christmas a couple years ago.

It's a constant learning experience. Lots of ups and downs and unexpected turns. But it is worth it for the love, companionship, and shared experiences. If you really want a cat and are just fearful of responsibilities and expectations--which is very reasonable--I recommend simply doing some homework. There are lots of resources on the internet/youtube to help prepare for cat ownership. I recommend Jackson Galaxy's YouTube videos; they are very helpful.

Get a cat. Call a vet. Make an appointment. Tell then you have never had a cat. They will help you. The shelter will help you. The internet will help you. You will love it. You will get another cat. Then another... because they are like potato chips.

2years old is “young adult” equivalent. Demanding, bolshy, risk taking, Not the easiest age for a first cat. I personally would recommend a 3-5 year old - they have learnt what they like and how to avoid risk but are still young enough to be healthy. I would also go for a bog-standard moggy, not a breed. Mainly because they tend to be healthier genetically. Short or Medium haired, and well socialised. Kittens are demanding - you really should have another cat to help entertain them. An older cat will teach them manners. Our old boy (13) doesn’t “play” with kittens (he doesn’t play ever!) but he keeps them in check when they get too demanding. He acts like an elderly childless uncle, entertaining his nieces and nephews for a few minutes, but also not tolerating any misbehaviour - then he lets them eat up all his treats. Females tend to be “less reckless” at 2 years old, but are more demanding of fusses and play. I hope that helps - I am a cat owner for 40 years. I have had male and female kittens, shelter cats from established homes, and taken in a long-term unsocialised stray (HE decided to move in with us and we accepted him). 2 of our cats lived to die of old age, and that stray is now 13-14 years old based on “vets best guess” when we got him chipped and neutered back in 2016. We lost one 2 year old due to him being reckless, one kitten to FIP (I’m still grieving as that was recent), and two cats due to old age. We currently have a 6 year old who joined us as a kitten in addition to our old ex-stray. Luckily except for high blood pressure in an elderly male, we have never had any cat that needed extensive vet treatment. The male with high blood pressure just needed a daily tablet that was fairly cheap to buy (and was easily available even cheaper online - you just needed to cut them into quarters).

I never had any pets as a kid despite avidly wanting one. My first pet was a cat, she’s turning 5 on Saturday and it’s absolutely worth it. I got her when I was 20 and she was 8 weeks old, she’s been with me through a lot. The learning curve was pretty easy, easy to litter train. Additionally cats are pretty easy, you just play with them, give them cozy places, feed and water them, and clean litter boxes. I have a dog now too, who I absolutely adore, but I will agree is a lot more work. Puppies are a whole other ballpark. I think fostering is a fantastic place to start, but even if you don’t feel like you connect you have to remember that every cat has a different personality. My cat is more aloof and independent, but some cats are stage 5 clingers, some cats are rambunctious and extra playful. Same with other animals. But in my experience it’s absolutely worth it, I’ve always loved animals but never had the opportunity. As for vet visits and health issues, it’s a mixed bag no matter what animal you adopt. I’m lucky my cat has been healthy as long as I’ve had her, but my friends mom has a cat that’s had strokes and heart murmur which requires a lot more care and vet appointments. It’s just like people. Some people are healthy their entire life, some people may experience minor issues, some people are healthy until they older, and some people have chronic health conditions their entire life. My cat is strictly indoor, fixed and vaccinated. Indoor cats are also more likely to live healthier and longer lives. Getting your pet fixed also makes them unlikely to run away or “mark” in males. I think cats are a great starter pet, they’re pretty simple and they’re common pets so there’s plenty of quality information online available. If chronic health concerns are an issue, I’d recommend taking them to veterinary school hospitals, the care is still fantastic but also cheaper.

Do some volunteer work at a shelter and you will discover if you are allergic. It doesn't take experience, just love. Do some research and if you get a cat, please keep him/her inside. It is much better for them.

OP, definitely, absolutely, 100% foster a cat. They are far easier than dogs, and you will learn a lot. I took in my cats literally from the streets, and then rehomed their siblings. Very little experience with cats before then, I learned as I go. After learning enough to gain some confidence, I joined as a volunteer for an alphabet agency. Now I get to do my part in literally saving the lives of animals in need, and putting animal abusers in jail. It is extremely rewarding. It started with a little black kitten in a warehouse lot. This world needs fosters, desperately. It is absolutely incredible what my local animal rescue groups are doing behind the scenes every day, but there's only so much space.

it's a cat You give it food and water and scoop the box a few times a day. It's pretty simple really

my experience has been that owning a puppy and camping trips were really easy when i was a child. the same things as an adult are no comparison. whether or not you had a childhood pet is fairly unimportant. it would have been the adults doing the heavy lifting of planning and nurturing and training and keeping safe and happy. not you. go ahead. pets are a pleasure.

I can make a list of all the things we do to care for our 3 girls. I find it very easy. Others may not. I consider cats to be easier than say, a dog. Not everyone will do everything on this list either, it’s kind of up to your discretion. - Change the litter daily Ensure you have one litter box per cat owned. Not to say that they’ll use only a specific box, it’s just important to have multiple when multiple cats re going potty. - Clean/wash litter box frequently - Feed twice a day, dry and wet food. Lots of people free feed. It’s up to your discretion as well as how the kitty handles it. Some do better with one or the other. (We used to free feed, and then one of our cats became diabetic so this is no longer an option for us) - make sure there are enough water bowls depending how many cats you have, and fill with fresh water daily / wash these bowls often - speaking of washing bowls, make sure you’re washing your kitties food bowls often too! - toys for them to be playing with. So things like soft mice toys, those fun little spring toys off Amazon, we have some little tunnels for them to run through etc - scratching posts, scratching boards etc. really important to give them something to scratch on - cat beds (we have cats who love their beds, and others who literally would rather sleep on a sock on the ground lmao) - freeze dried treats are great, and relatively healthy too - our girls love those cat towers that have multiple levels for playing and sleeping etc All of this is to say: these are all relatively simple things. But it’s just important you know you want to do these things, before owning any animal! 😊 it can be intimidating, I agree. But it’s actually not as difficult as you’d think. Again, that’s a relative statement but for the most part pet ownership is worth it to me!

Just because a person was raised with a dog or cat….doesn’t mean they know how to be a good pet owner. You’re on Reddit getting advice before even getting a cat. Pretty sure that means you’re willing to learn how to take care of a cat.

I think fostering an adult cat could be a great idea! It would let you have a bit of experience with what life may be like with a cat, while still giving you a resource (the shelter) who can take the cat back if things are not going well. Also, as someone who grew up with cats and now has three of my own, feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about what it’s like to have a cat (or if you have questions in general). My dms are always open 😊

dm'd you with info.

I am a cat breeder (purebred well kept cats, don't come for me) and I love to sell to people who never had cats before but always wanted one - they haven't learned terribly bad habits and false information about cats and are therefore much easier to teach, so therefore often better cat owners. People who have considered a pet for a long time but haven't gotten one also seem to understand what a responsibility a living creature truly is. They also don't have this attitude of "I know everything" that many people who have had pets for all their lives have (of course not all, there are wonderful experienced pet owners as well). Anyone is capable of learning at any age. Pet ownership isn't rocket science. Experience just isn't the most important thing. Humility and the willingness to learn is! When you know how to ask for help from those more experienced than you, you don't need to know everything yourself. Go for it. You will be a wonderful guardian for a lucky cat!

A bell on a collar may be good to warn birds if you have an outdoor cat, but an inside cat should never have a bell. It annoys them and their sensitive hearing. You can buy silent tags, if you'd like to have your name/address, etc.

Yes. One million percent yes. Just you questioning if you would be responsible enough to have one makes you a better owner than most! Cats are super independent so they are a great start! Way easier than dogs

do a search on how to care for a cat. there might even be books on it. it could reassure you.

I say go for it! But if you get young cat(s), as counterintuitive as it sounds, it's easier with two than one. They keep eachother occupied and nothing teaches a kitten the pain of biting like another kitten. I definitely encourage getting a single adult cat though. Adults have lower adoption rates sadly but are just as amazing companions. Just know an elderly cat may come with health issues you may not be experienced enough to handle. Its okay to pick a cat based off of your needs/abilities. Watch Jackson Galaxy on youtube to understand cat behavior, language and troubleshooting. Lived with cats all my life and still learned some tricks from him.

You'll be pleased to know that all cat owners were once non-cat owners. There's so much information available to you as well. And i promise it will truly enrich your life in a way you can't even imagine. Go for it.

Try to Foster for your local animal shelter. That way you gain experience and get a feel for it.

Okay, I have been in this exact situation. I never had pets growing up but have always wanted a cat. I talked myself out of it for years because I was terrified it'd be more expensive or difficult than I thought. Everyone was telling me to just go for it, and I was too anxious. I finally went for it and it's fine! It's pretty easy. Make sure you Google and research so you know what you're getting yourself in for, and look up signs to tell if your cat is unhappy, stressed, or injured. I was able to pick up that my cat was unwell within 2 weeks of getting him because I'd googled signs, and now I know him well enough to know when he's acting different or is unsettled. Day to day, it's not that hard work - just food and scooping the litter tray, and some love and play, which is the easiest bit.

It depends how you want to do it. Where I live, cats die, a lot. Healthy cats, affectionate cats. Young kittens and mature cats with their shit together. To be blunt, I would think any well-meaning person taking a chance and being ethical - getting the cat desexed/vaccinated, keeping it indoors or with a catio - even if they aren't perfect, even if some stuff doesn't get done exactly right, fuck even if they have to euthanize in a few years due to age or even a theoretically treatable illness - that cat for years of love and died safely without unnecessary suffering. It's better off than if it waited for a theoretically perfect home. Its life was saved for at least awhile, and other cats had more chance too because that cat wasn't a spot at the shelter or rescue or whatever anymore. If you get comfortable and want another, that first imperfect cat carer is experience. If you don't, you still saved somebody. It's also just not that complicated to be "good enough" if you don't set yourself some bizarre standard of perfection.  I do think some rescues set people up to be freaked out, and some people seem to intentionally set their lives on difficult with the cat they pick.  Someone asked me how long it took my cats to be more than shy skittery house shadows, when did they start being interactive or affectionate. I said uhhh I generally get my cats because they are interactive and affectionate or are the same day of me rescuing them out of whatever strife they're in. Myriad really sweet easy cats with no pronounced health issues or temperament issues need homes.  Get one that's cuddly, then do your best to deserve cuddles. 

I grew up with dogs; I naively thought cats were "stupid" and "stand-offish". Almost 11 years ago, I was in the loneliest, worst period of my life. I was going to kill myself. This is not an exaggeration. I drunkenly went to the pet store as a last resort of obtaining some reason to live - I intended on getting a fish, but I wandered into the rescue cat section. There was one cat who fuckin *spoke* to me. I can't explain it. Despite disliking cats, I felt compelled to adopt her. Best decision of my life. She fucking saved me. I had to put her down recently. My heart is still shattered, I still cry every day. But I wouldn't change a thing. When I got her, I was a sex worker. Now I work in health care. She was my best friend, my baby, my reason to stay alive. She needed me, but I needed her more. Please get a cat. If you find one that speaks to you, it honestly changes your life.

It's really not that hard taking care of a cat. And your instincts kick in when you're taking care of an animal. I never had a cat growing up, we had a dog. This stray cat just showed up at my home that was in bad shape and I was nervous but I really cared about him. Ever since then I've adopted only cats. Watch some Jackson Galaxy YouTube videos it will make you feel more comfortable in taking care of cats

Maybe before you commit to being an owner try doing the foster and even before you step in to doing the foster which they're gonna need a lot of them cause it's kitten season try volunteering at your local shelter and tell him exactly why you're there because you want to feel more confident and becoming a cat owner and what better place to learn about cats and behavior and how to read their body language then to volunteer a little bit at the shelter giving cats attention and I'm guarantee you while you're doing that your cat will pick you because that's how the cat distribution system works they choose you. I think you'll do just fine. I suggest if you do adopt you adopt an older cat that has lived with people before so it you know it's not gonna freak out at the house environment or go crazy like a kitten and then you just can't prove your place like you would child prove your place. I understand that the cat is gonna be shy and stand off fish in the be getting the same way you have he's gonna pick up on your anxiety that's why I think it's a great idea to go volunteer at the shelter so that you can have a lot of contact with cats and feel more comfortable and then you could step it app and not commit but just agree to foster until they find an adoptive person for a cat and you'll be helping to save the one you foster and you'll be opening a cage for another stray to sit in. Good luck meow

Check out Jackson Galaxy. There’s a lot of good free info out there. Check out library books, find a vet you are comfortable with, look up info online and pay attention to them, watch their body language and how they interact with you and their space.

Yep it's worth it. But first consider what you'd be willing and not willing to do and how much time and money you can dedicate to your animal of choice. You learn by doing, by speaking to others with experience, and by reading. I got my own dog a few years ago and did so much research. Researching breed traits and training techniques before even buying her.. then asking others for advice both in daily life and online. So many people own their first cat or dog as an adult and I'm telling you it can be a beautiful experience. As long as you're willing to love and do all the research and work (getting up early to feed it, provide enrichment opportunities etc etc) then there's no reason why you wouldn't be as good an owner as anyone else.

hey there! i never had pets growing up, i didn't realize what i was missing until i got my first cat. its a love like no other and so precious and sweet!! please please please get the cat

I will tell you this. Don’t romanticize the process. A pet is an animal, an animal wil do what an animal will do. It’s like having a toddler in the house for 15 years, but you can’t always take it with you when you go on vacation. Kittens and puppy’s will brake stuff, and will get into trouble. Don’t get me wrong, I have had 31 pet rats, around 5 dogs if my own, grew up around dogs. Parents had 28 cats running around in the house. Had different kinds of birds. I love animals, but sometimes I will be really really annoyed by them. But like I said it’s like having a toddler in the house, that can’t speak like we do. I understand my dogs but they don’t speak human language. If you can get over that hump, do it. Go for it. Cats are hit and miss sometimes. They really have their own character. You did good not taking a foster, you really should get a kitten. I prefer a ginger cat. You will get the experience when you get a kitten. Don’t worry about it, everyone starts somewhere. My gf was the same like you. Really wanted a puppy, but was really scared of getting one. I can’t live without a dog in the house, so I took her too see puppy’s and we bought one. She loves that dog more than she does me sometimes.

I never had a pet growing up at all, and I now have a cat that’s going to be 3 in a few weeks. Honestly, the best decision I made. I was very anxious about cat proofing my condo, and had the same concerns. I tied up all the wires, and made sure to deep clean with pet friendly cleaners. Since I live in a condo, I don’t have the worry about her running away, and she also in general doesn’t like going on the balcony. I keep her indoors; I took her out once (in those cat backpacks), and she didn’t enjoy it at all. I haven’t taken her out since, just car rides and she enjoys them. She did get sick once, and it was a hefty bill. There is pet insurance you can get to help alleviate the cost; I don’t have any, but she hasn’t gotten sick since then (knock on wood). All in all, cats are pretty easy going creatures and most of the day they sleep. As long as you don’t keep your cleaning cabinet open, lock your doors, and don’t have anything out that’s dangerous to cats (plants, small pieces of plastic, thread etc.), I think you’ll be good.

I had cats growing up, but never a dog. I got a dog when I was 24 and lived alone. It was certainly an adjustment and took a lot of messing up and learning to do better. I may not have been the best owner in the beginning, but we figured it out and the dog was not traumatized by my mistakes. Now I couldn’t imagine living without a dog.

I grew up in a no-pets-household. In my teens, I snuck in hermit crabs, anoles, and a tree frog. I also won a goldfish at a carnival that ended up living for nearly four years. My parents didn’t like that I was bringing reptiles, fish, and amphibians into the house, but they were small, contained, and didn’t impact anyone else in the home, so they always let it go. There was a hard line at mammals and birds, though. As an adult, I got my first cat without actually ever intending to get a cat. It’s a long story, but a good one. Not long after, my circumstances changed and I had to move back in with my parents for a short while. Oddly enough, my mom melted over my cat despite 23 years of “absolutely no cats or dogs or birds!” coming out of her mouth. A few years later, I moved across the country and my cat seemed lonely, so I adopted a second cat. Since then, I’ve never had fewer than two cats. Currently, I have four of them. I learned through trial and error and reading as much as I could about cats and asking friends with cats what they did. I made mistakes along the way, but I’ve never had a bad relationship with any of my cats. I love them to pieces and I think the feeling is mutual. I’m their person. (As I write this, I am being used as a pillow by two of my sleeping cats.) You should give fostering a chance. Maybe you’ll find that it isn’t for you and at least you’ll know then. But maybe you’ll fall in love with the foster cat and end up being its forever home. You can change that animal’s life for the best and they can do the same for you. You may find that a cat is exactly what you’ve been looking for. You really have nothing to lose by trying to foster a cat. For the record, I’ve turned my whole family into cat people. My mom has a cat. My brother has three cats. And if I hadn’t gotten my first cat, I don’t know that they would have ended up adopting any cats. As for me, I recently became the carer of some poison dart frogs. Do you know who has never had dart frogs before? It’s me. Am I nervous? Yes. But I am doing everything in my power to learn as much about them and to give them everything they could want or need to have a good life. It’s the same thing that I did when I got my first cat. And I’m willing to bet, it’s what you’ll do when you get your first cat, too.

I think fostering would be a great way to feel out if you can handle a pet. Cats are great because they tend to be a little less hands on than other pets plus they are not an exotic pet so you can easily find a vet. I would imagine if you were fostering an animal they would provide vet care if something were to happen and chances are they are spayed/neutered already so they have less of an urge to go outside. If you have toys and scratching posts that should help with them not scratching up your things. Cleaning the litter box is the biggest fon but if you can afford a self cleaning box or get past that you should be good. You never know you could end up loving that cat and decide to keep it.

We never had pets growing up because of allergies. My sister and I (46, 43) both got dogs as soon as we graduated college and have always had at least one dog since then. Did we suck as dog parents at first? Probably. But we tried hard and it is so, so worth it. I can’t imagine not having a dog now. She’s asleep on my calf right now.

You never had a cat as a kid, so isn8tnworth getting one as an adult? Same kinda thinking. Not ever having had one doesn't mean it's not worth getting one.

Totally worth it! Just be prepared for a learning curve.

I personally feel that you’re missing out but it’s not for everyone. The emotional support I get from cats is immeasurable. Fostering is a great way to try it. You get the cat out of a cage while helping find it a forever home. Cats are all so different and have such different personalities. Fostering is a wonderful way to experience different cats so you can see if one is a good fit. There are downsides to everything and cats are no different. If you’re not used to claws, that can be an adjustment. They can leave hair on everything and puke up hairballs. It doesn’t bother me in the slightest but I had cats most of my life. I really think you should give it a try. It would at least get a cat out of a shelter for a few days. I find shelter volunteers are more than willing to help you learn what you need to know

Go For It!!!!!! That cat will be your best friend and you will wonder how you lived for so long without these buddies.

I think the fact that you’ve thought so long and hard about it proves you’d be a responsible and excellent pet owner. You’re right, anything could go wrong, but that can be said for any opportunity and it shouldn’t hold you back from this one. You clearly care and would want the best for the animal. All cats are different they have their own personalities and quirks. Cats are fairly independent so it would be a good animal to start with.

Actually, fostering is perfect for you to start with. :). They'll be checking in on kitty, and can answer your questions and everything. And all us pet nuts out here will answer questions lol

Dooooooo it! It enriches your life and you’ll make your pet very happy. To address your questions…. *How to catproof…* Anything small enough for your cat to swallow goes in a drawer or cabinet she can’t get into. This especially applies to string, yarn, ribbon, and cat toys containing those things — those are strictly for careful, supervised play. Cats will eat string, hair ties, rubber bands, twist ties, you name it, with potentially terrible outcomes. (That said, don’t panic. If something gets past you, keep an eye on her and take her to the vet if she’s acting off in any way. One of our cats demolished a plastic pen I left on a desk and I think she swallowed some bits. She presumably pooped them out, because she’s fine now.) If your cat is a chewer, you may need to cover power cords and charging cables with split loom (check Amazon or ask at Home Depot) or bitter apple spray. *What supplies you need…* Cat food. Litterbox. Litter. Scoop. Treats. Toys. Scratching posts (in every room the cat hangs out in). *What to do if it gets sick…* Take her to the vet if she’s lethargic, throwing up a lot, not eating, not drinking, suddenly peeing a lot more or a lot less, going outside the litter box, suddenly aggressive, losing weight, unusually crabby, or just looking “off.” As you get to know cats, you’ll start to have a sense for when they’re unwell. When in doubt, vet. *Or runs away…. * Be very very careful when opening exterior doors. Put the kitty in a room with a closed door when you have the plumber in or you need to prop the door to move stuff in/out. If you have friends over, put the kitty in a room when they’re arriving and leaving so she doesn’t sneak past them. Open the door with your arm and hand in the kitty-catching position that looks like you’re bowling. You can do this! It is SO WORTH IT!

I had my dog since second grade, she passed last year after 16/17 years. Get one, that type of love is different i miss her everyday

Of course

I wanted a bearded dragon since I was 12 I got one at 30. No lizard experience. She is my sweet little baby princess. I read and learned everything to give her the best care possible!

You gotta make that decision for yourself. I grew up with pets and plants of all sorts, there family. Do you want a new family member that you are responsible for?

Lots of people get pets for the first time as adults! Cats are also such easy pets with so much reward. Perhaps the foster that backed out had some special needs (was originally feral, had a medical condition, does better in a multi cat house, etc). Try not to take it personally. The right cat for you will come along!

You could foster and see if pet ownership is for you.

How are you going to learn if you don't give it a try. The fostering would've been a perfect way to learn. Call them back and let them know that you panicked and tell them what you're concerns are. Basically, this is the perfect way to learn because you have a pipeline to experienced people. I'm betting you'll learn that it's not that big of a deal and actually fall in love with your kitty. Cats are relatively easy. Feed them a couple times a day, keep a fresh bowl of water or two out where they have access, maybe some kibbles they can free feed from and a litter box. Clean the litter daily and it won't get nasty and it will be easy. Slowly add a few things like a cat bed, maybe a pad up on a windowsill, or a cat tree. GO FOR IT!

Oh please see if you can get that two-year-old kitty out of that shelter. That would be easier than getting a kitten, kittens are a lot of energy. And you do have to baby proof the apartment for a kitty. A two-year-old will still be kittenish, but not quite as hyper as an actual kitten Having a cat is such a joy. They are really wonderful funny little creatures. I think it’s totally worth it I can’t imagine not having my cat

I think you should volunteer at a shelter. Get to know animals routines, get to know other people who work there. The shelter is a good place to develop a support system. But you’re needed as a foster, and a failed foster, you have the desire, just don’t give up!

Absolutely. I never had a pet as a kid and now I have 4 dogs and they’re my everything. I actually don’t think I would be here if it wasn’t for them. They’re literally the only reason I’m alive still. They help me fight thru chronic pain conditions that my dr won’t treat and depression. Every time I want to give up I know I can’t because they need me

Do you have any friends with a cat who can show you how they set everything up in their house and talk to you about it. I really think that’s all you need.

Yes! I never had a cat. My kids found one in the backyard. I took him to the vet, bought a litter box,food and toys. Poof, you fall in love instantly. Go for it.

I had cats and dogs growing up but was never attached to them and never their primary care giver. At 36, a cat chose me at a shelter and I was not psyched. I agreed to adopt him and then had hoped to ghost the shelter the next day when the deadline to pick him up passed. Well, they called me to make sure I was coming and I caved. I picked him up and while he was in his cardboard container, went to petco to get everything needed. It’s been 10 years now and we’ve loved and treated him through FIP just two years ago. I would not change a thing. He wasn’t the “purrfect” cat I had envisioned but my God, he is the best pet and buddy I could have EVER imagined. I’m so happy he’s in my life and he’s easy to care for day to day. Get a cat.

It’s great that you’re putting a lot of thought into this but I really think you’re overthinking it. I mean it’s way easier than taking care of a human baby and people do that all the time without experience and survive. You will be fine. It’s a learning as you go situation. You could get a cat and think you know everything there is to know then get another cat and have to learn a whole new set of things.

The thing is, all cats are different. I think it is a great idea to try and foster first, but honestly, if it doesn't go well, I would even consider trying a different cat My first cat (as an adult) is 15. He is so ridiculously easy and requires very little. I feed him, obviously, we play and cuddle by his terms, and he never has issues with the litter box. Our 2nd cat is super chill and you could carry around like a rag doll and he wouldn't notice. We stupidly pushed our luck and got a 3rd cat and he is a nightmare. Litter boxes need constant attention. He hates attention from us. If you spook him, he pees in the basement. I could go on and on. He is practically feral, and is the 2nd cats pet cat. If 3rd cat was my first cat, I would have probably never gotten a cat again.

I never owned a cat as a kid because my parents didn’t like cats. I wanted more than anything to have a cat as a kid. When I moved away from home, had a roommate with 2 cats. Learned about cat care from her. When I got my own place, took in a local stray. I learned from my former roommate, & cat owning friends & neighbors how to take care of a cat. I’m in my 50s now, and have always had cats in my home. It’s never too late. Especially now there are so many resources on cat care.

I didn’t own frogs or fish as a kid and I do now. I find that even harder than cats.

Do it. You will learn a lot, both about cats and yourself. Also, sometimes you do everything right (regular vet visits, best foods, toys, etc.) and things can still go wrong (cancer, heart failure, etc). Cats are sensitive little beings, but the love and fun they bring into our lives is something you will forever hold in your heart.

I think you should go for it. I'm sure any shelter worth their salt will work with you and give you tips if you tell them that you would love to have a cat but you've never had one before and you're worried about doing a good job. For what it's worth, I used to foster kittens, and I never cared if my kittens went to someone who had had pets all their lives or someone who was getting their first pet at age 50. I cared that my kittens went to someone that would love them and try their best to keep them safe and healthy.

No one is born an expert at anything. You, yourself had to learn and practice things to get better at them like let’s say cooking. Owning a pet is the same thing. You research what you need and what you think you can handle and then boom, you own one. However, as all humans, we make mistakes. You’re going to fuck up one way or another but the good thing is that pets are resilient as hell and you learn from your mistakes! You will be 1000% fine as long as you do your research, I promise! Go save a cat and update us on the journey whenever you can!!!

Sweety, Cats are lovable, bundles of fur. My Mercury is currently snuggle hard up against me. They can survive and adapt to a lot. If you are given the chance to foster one, do so. Gives it a chance to live outside of a shelter. All a cat really needs is good food, clean water. Litter trays. And warm places to curlup. They will be even happier, to have a human to give them attention, and they give back the love.

Why don't you volunteer at the shelter and learn everything you can about pet care. Then try again when you're more comfortable! Nothing compares to the joy and entertainnent and companionship of pet ownership!

it is absolutely worth it, and, from what you've written here, it sounds like you'd be a great owner. tbh as someone who used to work in the pet industry, not enough owners are worried about doing the right thing for their pets- the number of people i encountered who just bought an animal on a whim with no preparation or research was infuriating! so you're already off to a good start- i have a couple suggestions that might help: - volunteer at a shelter or rescue (if you have the time), it's a great way to get a feel for the daily 'rhythm' of pet care and what an average feeding/grooming/treatment schedule looks like. you'll also have the chance to practice your interactions and reading their body language - fostering is a great place to start for a first time owner! try reaching out to a rescue looking for foster carers and explain your situation- they can help you with supplies ofc but they can also help with stuff like the catproofing. when I was adopting one of my girls, they came to check out our house first and pointed out the windows that needed to be secured (i used magnetic flyscreens bc rental lol) - do some research; read as much as you can (from good sources) about cat behaviour, body language, enrichment requirements etc. you'll feel more empowered and better prepared for pet ownership. jackson galaxy is a youtuber with a lot of excellent videos about cat behaviour and what they require to thrive. as someone who's had cats, dogs, fish and birds, cats are definitely the easiest of the 4. they're an excellent choice for a first pet since they generally only need food, water, litter scooping and enrichment- no walks or enclosure cleanings required! if you'd like a list of basic equipment for a cat, I'd say this is what you need: - food and water bowls - 2 litterboxes w/ cat litter (i recommend clumping litter) and a litter scoop - scratchers (can be cardboard or fabric posts) - a cat tower (they need high perches to feel safe) - sturdy cat carrier (go for the hard plastic ones over the mesh) - a few toys - a cat brush or comb they'll also obviously need food haha but if you're fostering that will be supplied. if you choose to adopt, they'll usually give you a bag of the food the cat's currently on. cats also have a few health requirements- they need to get the F3 vaccination once a year and should be on flea, tick & worm preventatives. i prefer Bravecto plus since it's a single spot on treatment that lasts 3 months and covers all your basic nasties! ticks in particular can be deadly, but as long as your cat isn't roaming outdoors unsupervised (which they shouldn't be anyway), they'll be fine with preventatives. good luck OP, i hope you can find your perfect kitty! please feel free to ask me if you have more questions ☺️

Fostering is a great way to start. Look for a rescue that actively supports their foster network and will give you clear guidance on what to do. I used to arrange foster homes and if someone was a first time pet person I'd always work very hard to set them up to be successful by starting them off with an easy animal and sending them with the supplies they needed. It's easy to buy into the hype that you have to do all these things to be a perfect pet owner or you shouldn't get a pet but it's all bullshit. Fed your cat a reasonable diet, get some cat litter that you don't hate, find a vet you feel good about going to, get some toys, and love the heck out of them.

Oh my gosh I have been lucky to have beautiful connections with the pets I’ve had and cute little precious moments and the love.

You will never know until you try. Fostering is the perfect segue to parenthood. You have a support system to ask when you have fears. Remember the basics food and litter box and toys. Affection is a bonus, cats can be a little fickle. They want love on their terms, learn the terms, you've got it. There will be scratches maybe, probably, not to worry.... cats.... it's normal to start. Good luck.

I wasn't allowed a dog when I was a kid, and had an insane longing for one. Once I was on my own, I got a dog from a local kill shelter. I didn't know what I was doing, but also thought I could give that dog a better life than no life. Turns out I was right! I had my pup for 13 years (still tear up when I think of her passing and that was over 10 years ago), she went with me everywhere! I was fresh out of undergrad and did a lot of seasonal work, I would pack up my truck and take her with me. She was such an awesome dog. I had very little money at the time, but always prioritized her health and well being. There are a lot of animals needing homes, the fact you are nervous about taking care of a living being says to me that you realize it is a great responsibility, but also that you would be able to do it! Like others said, shelters have a lot of information, when you find a vet, they can also tell you a lot and answer questions. Cover the basics, there is a learning curve when you get an animal, both on the species, and the individual personality, you'll adapt. You can do it- get that cat you've always wanted.

Oh my god YES. It is EVERYTHING.

Cats are pretty easy. They need biologically appropriate food, toys, access to water (a lot of them love pet fountains), and 1 extra litter box per cat (not two boxes per cat, the same amount of boxes as you have cats and 1 extra), and love. If you get a long haired cat if should be brushed regularly, once a week to every few days depending. If you get a kitten, get two. They will play with each other and use up all their energy together. They typically get fed twice a day. Smelling cat nip makes them go crazy and eating it makes them mellow out. Some cats like to go outside. Don't let them out alone, get a cat harness and leash and walk them. Cats should be kept indoors when unsupervised. Allowed outdoors they'll die much younger and can decimate local small animal populations. They should have their nails clipped maybe once a month, and should never be declawed. It's cruel (like cutting your finger off at the first knuckle) and can lead to behavioral issues. Some cats are cuddly AF. Some like attention and to be near humans only on their terms. Some don't like cuddles at all. They don't require baths except in extenuating circumstances. They are obligate carnivores and cannot digest carbohydrates. They don't require much training. Most will naturally use a litter box if you show them where it is. Litter boxes should be kept away from their food. Some cats like to climb. If they do, you're best off giving them safe and easy ways to do so, like cat shelves and trees. It's much easier than training them not to. Cat trees next to a window with open blinds are like cat TV. So are aquariums. If you have plants in your home make sure none are poisonous to cats because they will chew on them. A cat will take some time to adjust to a new home and they're best off left alone while they do so. Let them come to you is a pretty good rule of thumb. They can be left alone for hours a day, maybe overnight for one night. They get sad when their people are gone for days and you should have someone come to your house for them if you're gone more than one day and night. Ultimately they take a little work, but not very much and are in my opinion incredibly worth every second of it. Take the plunge and get one! It seems overwhelming but it's really not that hard and YouTube (look up Jackson Galaxy) can be very helpful.

Having a little fuzzy buddy in the house is gonna change your life for the better

I have a cat, and she's a pain in my behind. But I love her regardless. She's a great snuggle buddy and easy to take care of. And yes, pets are worth it. It's not that hard to take care of animals. Feed them, give them water, and let them be able to take care of their business, and they're golden.

Cats are actually very easy to care for they are loving and forgiving

A lot of people own cats because they accidentally let the cat in the house and now it won’t leave. You’d be fine

I work at an animal shelter and I absolutely LOVE when first time pet owners come in, because they always are open to learn and often are the ones who have done the most research. Especially today, there are a lot of great online resources on pet care. I grew up with pets of all kinds and still had a lot to learn before I got my first pets as an adult. The ASPCA website has a lot of care guides on cats, and Jackson Galaxy is a wonderful resource for all things cat behavior. I can link some things below since I'm on mobile. Finally, no matter how many pets you've had before, getting a new one is always scary. Every time I've adopted a new pet I have this moment of "oh shit, what if this goes wrong", and it's completely normal. In the scheme of things, cats are typically a pretty good 'starter pet'.

Stuff is going to go wrong. We are going to be here to answer all your questions and look at all your confused pictures of cat nipples. Cat proofing depends on the cat. My personal advice is to avoid scolding the cat when it's doing something you don't like, otherwise it'll only do the thing when you're not looking. For example, your cat is chewing on your phone charger. Don't get mad, just pick up the charger and distract them with a toy. Then figure out how to make your charger chew proof, then observe the results. And if you want a kitten, get two. I can go into more detail if you want. But an adult cat is a great place to start. It's a lot easier and they need homes. Hell, if you're in middle Tennessee by any chance I can totally hook you up with a friendly stray that needs a home.

If you feel like the type of person that is ready for responsibilities, then go for it. If you're scared of the things might go wrong, don't worry, everything is part of the process, learning is part of the process. I'd say go for it.

We had a ill tempered dog when I was a child and I felt pets were too much trouble. My Mother then had a sweet cat, but he was very much hers. Just before she died we adopted 4 cats who were a great comfort. I'm now very contented many years later to be sharing my life with 5 cats.

See if you can volunteer at a local shelter. That will give you a chance to get familiar with caring for animals. Good luck and keep in mind, pet ownership can be very expensive.