How to take care of a cat when going to college and living alone?
So im going to be living alone in an apartment and going to college, I want to get a cat because its the only pet they allow me to have in this place and I dont really know how to take care of it if im going leaving for college every morning. I thought of an automatic feeder but Im afraid I wont give the cat the attention needed.
also, in any case I have to travel by airplane, is it a hard procedure to get your cat through the airline policies regarding pets?
Jeff Says... Said,
April 1, 2010 @ 11:36 pm
In reality, you shouldn’t get a pet unless you can devote the neccessary time to it’s care.
However, cats are very independent animals. If you are only gone during the day and back in the evening, your cat should be fine. Feed it in the morning and at night and it will be alright.
AliveNside Said,
April 5, 2010 @ 4:15 am
Get two cats who have been friends a long time.
I was single with 2 cats for a couple years and it is easy and guilt free when you are at work (school) knowing your kitty has a friend at home.
Holly K Said,
April 6, 2010 @ 5:09 pm
Cats are independent animals- it’s not going to suffer while you’re gone and care is easy. You can feed it every day, get one of those timed feeders or one of those free for all cat feeders (usually lead to obesity though). Just be sure you can really KEEP the cat. They can live 20+ years if cared for well and it would be really sad if you had to give it away. Pets are a lifetime commitment.
Pocket Protectorate Said,
April 7, 2010 @ 5:22 am
Women love cats…
(And THAT is all I’m gonna say, Son…you know what I mean…yay yeah!)
Good luck in school…
And May God Have Mercy On Your Poor Soul!
(I graduated from CSUS in 1988…(Journalism/English B.A.) college is fun…teach the cat to be an outdoor cat, or just leave it inside while you’re gone, it will be fine. They can sit and stare all day out a window, and it’s not any fur off their oz…be cool, and…
Rock on!)
LightsOutWay Said,
April 7, 2010 @ 9:54 pm
First off, be sure you can financially handle a pet. Vaccinations, spaying/neutering, your apartment’s security deposit for pets, a high quality food, litter, toys and etc can really add up. Not to mention, any surprise health problems or injuries that would require pricey vet trips. If you’re good to go with all that, wait til you’re settled in at school and have a decent idea of your schedule and how much time you think you can realistically dedicate to a cat. However cats are pretty independent, especially as adults. Though a kitten will require litter box training and extra attention to get socialized and all her energy out. Good luck with your decision!
Edit: Cats don’t travel well in my experience. I’m sure there are exceptions but in general, cats like familiarity and the noise and hustle of airports and flying makes them pretty skittish and/or defensive. On top of that, many cats get motion sickness. I found this out the hard way when I flew from NY to OR with my cat. I generally take the dog but leave the cat with a friend when I have to travel. Here’s a link with some handy info about traveling with kitties.
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Note this part especially:
Within 10 days of the flight, you must take your cat to the veterinarian and get a health certificate. The airlines will also visually assess your cat’s health before they put it on the plane. Check the rabies requirements in both your state and the destination state to make sure your cat won’t be impounded.
cpinatsi Said,
April 11, 2010 @ 7:50 am
You just feed the cat in the morning and evening. You can also leave dry food around for her or an automatic feeder, as you said.
Just keep in mind that a cat is a 20-year commitment. When you are at a stage of your life that is not so stable (I mean you will finish college, or you may change house, or go away to another school or to get a job), what will happen to the cat?
bread Said,
April 13, 2010 @ 12:23 pm
I think this is a ridiculous idea.
Get on with your studies. You do not really want a cat – you are choosing this because it is the only pet you are permitted to have. That itself is not sufficient reason to own and be responsible for an animal.
Sorry – you have the rest of your life to have as many cats as you deserve – I would suggest right now this is not the best time.
adam_strange79 Said,
April 16, 2010 @ 5:32 pm
if you can afford it, take it seriously and realize its a 10-20 year commitment – get a cat
hey9009010 Said,
April 18, 2010 @ 10:08 pm
Hi, you can get a cat and still take care of it. Get a food bowl for it and a big bag of cat food and put food in the bowl and get another bowl and put water in it. Alsodon’t't forget to buy litter and a litter box. You can make a scratching post so the cat won’t mess up the furniture. Open the bag of cat food when you go to a class so if the cat runs out of the food in the food bowl it can have more food. Don’t forget to give it a little bit more water (about 6cups of water). Also, get these things in a set and get two cats so the cat won’t be lonely but give them twice as much food and water.Regarding the air plane question: No but some people put them in the kennel which is a bad thing. So get a perfect cage (big enought to have a little litter box, food/water tray, and toys). So I’m so happy I’m telling you all the right things. P.S: You can put a cat on a cat leash and walk it during your free time.