Being A Responsible Cat Owner

September 29, 2026

Discussing How To Be The Most Caring & Responsible Cat Owner Possible In Honor Of Responsible Pet Owners Month


One of the most rewarding experiences in life is that of being a cat owner. However, being a cat owner isn’t always easy and being a responsible cat owner can take a lot of effort and hard work. That’s why we made this article for first time cat owners. 


In honor of Responsible Pet Owners Month (February), this article will discuss everything you need to know before you adopt a cat. This includes things like foods, products, time management, veterinary info, and the average annual cost to care for a cat. These are all very important things to know and consider before you adopt a cat and not after. 


Promoting Responsible Cat Ownership


The month of February is widely celebrated among pet owners as Responsible Pet Owners Month. This month-long holiday aims to educate pet owners and would-be pet owners about the importance of responsible pet care. Anyone can buy or adopt a pet. But, not everyone is equipped with the knowledge or tools to give their pets the proper care and attention they need. 


Additionally, several organizations including the A.S.P.C.A. (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), the American Kennel Club, and the American Veterinary Medical Association support Responsible Pet Owners Month by providing free information and education about pet care.

A cat and their owner

Before You Adopt A Cat


Adopting a cat is a wonderful and selfless act that is truly life-changing. But, being a cat owner is a privilege that should not be taken without serious consideration beforehand. Here are a few things to think about and ask yourself before adopting a cat. 


Making A Life-Long Commitment


When you adopt a cat, you are making a commitment to care for that cat for their entire life. Therefore, it’s important to consider the average lifespan of your new furry friend. According to VetWest, the average lifespan of a cat is 12-18 years. This will slightly vary depending on your cat’s breed, predispositions, and environment.


The average lifespan of your new cat is something you should strongly consider before adopting. Only adopt a cat if you are willing to commit to caring for them for their entire life.


The Cost


Before you consider adopting a cat, take a good look at your budget. It costs money to care for a cat. Pettable reports that the average annual cost to own a cat in the state of North Carolina is $1,625. This is only considering the basics like food, toys, vaccines, and veterinary bills.


Before adopting a cat, you need to be realistic about whether or not you can afford to care for them. Wanting a cat isn’t enough. You need to have the means to provide for them. Otherwise, you and your cat could find yourselves in a bad situation. Only adopt a cat if you know you can afford it in the long-term.

Budget illustration

Time Management


It’s a common misconception that cats are low-maintenance pets. This is far from the truth. Cats need food and fresh water on a daily basis. But, they also need daily social interactions such as petting and playtime. In order for your cat to thrive, you should spend at least 30 to 60 minutes a day interacting with them. Only adopt a cat if you can realistically dedicate this kind of time to your new furry friend everyday.


Being Prepared


Before you bring home your new cat, it’s important that you already have all of their basic needs covered. This includes things like cat food, food & water bowls, a litter box (with scooper), a cat carrier (for traveling to vet appointments) and a bed or blanket for them to sleep on.


By already having these things in your home beforehand, you are setting your cat up for success. This is greatly beneficial for both you & your new cat and will make the whole transition process much smoother and easier. 

A litter box

< Older Post Newer Post >
Tabby cat with closed eyes being gently held by hands, close-up portrait

Happy Cat Month

September 29, 2026
Talking About How To Make Cats Happy And The Month-Long Holiday That Promotes Cat Happiness The month of September is celebrated by cat lovers everywhere as Happy Cat Month! Never heard of Happy Cat Month? Then you’re in luck because Cool Cats Professional Cat Sitting has you covered! This article will cover everything you need to know about Happy Cats Month, how to celebrate it, and some of the best ways to keep your cat happy. What Is Happy Cat Month? So what is Happy Cat Month? Happy Cat Month is a month-long holiday that aims to inform and educate cat owners about how to make their cats healthy and happy. It’s a common misconception that cats are self-sufficient pets. While most cats do have an independent nature, they are still very social creatures. Cats need lots of love & attention just like any other pet. Happy Cat Month is a friendly and celebratory way to educate people about the welfare, health, and importance of our feline friends.
A wildcat behind a wire fence, looking through the bars with one paw raised.

Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week/ Remember Me Thursday

September 29, 2026
Covering Two Very Important Pet-Themed Holidays That Focus On Shelter Animals And The Struggles They Face The month of September contains several pet-themed awareness based holidays. Two of the most significant of these holidays are Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week and Remember Me Thursday. Both of these holidays are centered around shelter animals and the struggles they face. This article will discuss both of these holidays and offer various ways you can observe them. Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week The 3rd week of September is widely celebrated by pet lovers everywhere as Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week. This year (2023) Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week takes place from September 18th to September 24th. This week-long holiday was founded by PetFinder , an online searchable database of animals that need homes. Additionally, PetFinder also has a directory of nearly 11,000 animal shelters and adoption organizations. These animal shelters and adoption organizations span across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week was founded to raise public awareness about shelter animals that are often overlooked. Most of these animals are overlooked based solely on appearance. However, just because an animal doesn’t look perfect, doesn’t mean they are not worthy of adoption. Additionally, this also applies to senior pets or pets with special needs. Many people believe it would require too much effort to care for a senior pet or special needs pet. Caring for these types of pets may not be easy, but it is still very rewarding and humbling to do so. Remember Me Thursday Remember Me Thursday occurs every year on the last Thursday of September. This year (2023) it will take place on September 28th. This pet themed awareness based holiday was founded in 2013 by Helen Woodward Animal Center of San Diego . The focus of Remember Me Thursday is to raise awareness about the importance of pet adoption and all of the shelter animals that are in need of a forever home. Remember Me Thursday has made a huge impact in the world since its founding in 2013. More than 190 countries have supported Remember Me Thursday along with over 700 different animal welfare organizations worldwide. Additionally, more than 330 million people have helped spread awareness about Remember Me Thursday across various social media platforms. What started as a pet-themed holiday has now become a worldwide movement to inspire change in shelter animals’ lives.