The 7 Worst Mistakes People Make When Deciding to Get a Cat


Thinking about getting a cat? We’re glad you’re here then, because that means you want to make sure you make an informed decision, instead of rushing into things only to regret it later.

Here at VerveCat, we are passionate about minimizing the number of cats in shelters. That’s why we’re such proponents of adopting from shelters and rescue agencies, rather than breeders and pet shops. 

Unfortunately, a lot of people who start with good intentions don’t think things all the way through and end up returning the adopted animal for rehoming. 

Not only is this extremely stressful to the cat, but it puts additional burden on shelters that often don’t have space and are pushed beyond their capacity. 


Brown tabby kitten with white paws laying down and looking straight at camera

7 Mistakes People Often Make

Here are the most common mistakes people make during the decision-making process – and how to avoid them.

1. Not Considering the Full Financial Picture

The true cost of cat ownership extends far beyond food and litter. Many potential cat owners underestimate regular expenses and fail to plan for emergencies.

Regular costs include:

  • Quality food and treats
  • Litter and supplies
  • Annual vet checkups
  • Preventive medications
  • Toys and enrichment items
  • Pet insurance, if you go that route

Emergency expenses can arise from:

  • Unexpected veterinary care
  • Dental procedures
  • Chronic health conditions
  • Property damage repair

Plan for monthly costs of $50-100 and maintain an emergency fund of at least $1,000-2,000.

2. Skipping the Research Phase

Inadequate preparation, including those critical first days of acclimation, sets both cat and owner up for failure.  Research should cover:

Take time to understand what successful cat adoption and ownership entails. And you should familiarize yourself not only with the upsides of cat ownership, but also the long list of disadvantages of having a cat.

3. Making an Emotional Impulse Decision

It’s easy to fall in love with a cute kitten photo or feel the urge to adopt during holidays. However, impulse decisions often lead to regret.

Common emotional triggers include:

  • Social media influence
  • Holiday adoption pressure
  • Recent loss of another pet
  • Feeling lonely or depressed
  • Friend getting a cat

Take time to evaluate your motivations and ensure they align with long-term pet ownership commitment.

4. Not Evaluating the True Time Commitment

Cats need more than just food and water. Many people underestimate the daily time investment required for:

  • Feeding and fresh water
  • Litter box maintenance
  • Play and exercise
  • Social interaction
  • Grooming
  • Training and behavior management

Cats may be less work generally compared to dogs, but they’re still a lot of work. Consider your schedule and lifestyle over the next 15-20 years – a cat’s typical lifespan.

Check out our in-depth article on the time commitment of cat ownership.

5. Ignoring the Reality of Their Housing Situation

Your living situation must accommodate a cat long-term. Consider:

  • Rental restrictions and pet deposits
  • Space for essentials (litter box, scratching posts, cat tree)
  • Future moving plans
  • Roommate or partner preferences
  • Multi-pet household dynamics

Secure, stable housing is crucial for successful cat ownership. If your landlord doesn’t allow cats, or if you think you’ll be moving soon and won’t be able to take your cat with you, do not get a cat.

Also, keep in mind that even if your current landlord allows cats, having one will probably limit the housing that’s available to you the next time you move to another rental. 

I know first-hand what it’s like trying to find rentals as a cat owner in a hot rental market – and it’s brutal. Take a look at some ads on craigslist and see how many of them say “no pets allowed.”

6. Assuming All Cats Are Low Maintenance

The “independent cat” stereotype leads to unrealistic expectations. Cats vary significantly in:

  • Energy levels
  • Social needs
  • Training requirements
  • Grooming needs
  • Tolerance for alone time
  • Adaptability to change

7. Not Involving All Household Members

A cat affects everyone in the home. Failing to consult all household members can create conflict over:

  • Allergies
  • Care responsibilities
  • Cost sharing
  • House rules
  • Pet preferences
  • Schedule coordination

Everyone should agree on getting a cat and understand their role in its care.

Make the Right Decision

Avoiding these mistakes massively increases your chances of a successful adoption. If you’ve considered these factors carefully and feel prepared, you are set up for a beautiful journey.

Now to examine your own circumstances a little closer, take our Should I Get a Cat Quiz to really evaluate your readiness for cat ownership.

We want everyone who wants a cat to have that joy in their life. But seriously, don’t do it unless you’re really ready for the long-term commitment.

Explore other articles in our Cat Ownership Readiness Collection:

VerveCat is supported by readers.  When you purchase via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no added cost to you.

The information provided here is not meant to replace professional guidance from your own veterinarian or cat behavior specialist.

About VerveCat

VerveCat.com launched in Fall 2023 and aims to grow into a comprehensive source of information, resources, and reviews for every part of feline companionship.

Whether you’re an experienced cat owner or just getting started on your cat life journey, we’re glad you stopped by and hope you’ll find things here to help you along the way.

Read more about the VerveCat project and the sentient beings behind it on our About Page.