What are the Requirements for Adopting a Rescue Cat? A Veterinarian Explains Preparations for Welcoming a Cat, Including Environment and Costs

When you decide you want to get a cat, the first thing you probably consider is where to get one.

There are many places to get a cat, such as pet shops, breeders, animal welfare centers, and shelters.

In recent years, with the protected cat boom, more people want to adopt rescue cats.

Many people may be interested in rescue cats but wonder if it's too difficult to own a cat for the first time.

Therefore, I would like to explain the necessary conditions for adopting a cat, the living environment, and the financial aspects.

What are rescue cats?

You often hear the term "rescue cat," but let's first understand what they are.

Literally, they are "rescued cats."

Stray cats, abandoned cats, and cats that can no longer be kept for various reasons are taken in by animal welfare centers or volunteer shelters, where they wait to find new families.

Rescue cats often suffer from illnesses or injuries due to harsh environments, abandonment, or abuse. These cats may have both physical and emotional scars.

Furthermore, if a new family cannot be found even after they are rescued, they may become candidates for euthanasia.

Conditions for adopting a rescue cat

It is no exaggeration to say that "owning a cat = protecting a cat's life."

You should not get a cat with half-hearted feelings, such as "they're cute," "I want to own one," or "I might be amazing for owning a rescue cat."

What are the necessary conditions for owning a cat?

Living in a home where cats are allowed

This is an absolute condition.

There have been many cases of problems arising from secretly keeping pets in properties where pets are not allowed.

Even pet-friendly rentals may not allow cats, so be sure to check thoroughly.

Lifelong ownership and strict indoor living

The average lifespan of a cat is 15 years. With good food and advancements in medical care, cats' lifespans are continuously increasing.

For over 10 years, you will need to provide food, litter box care, and health management. Therefore, the financial capacity to support a cat throughout its life is required.

If you need to move, you must find housing that allows cats so you can take your cat with you. If that is not possible, you must fulfill your responsibility as an owner by finding a new owner.

Also, when adopting a rescue cat, strict indoor living is almost always required.

If cats go outside, they may get into traffic accidents.

There are also cases where they urinate or defecate in neighboring areas, leading to problems.

They might pick up fleas and ticks and bring them into the house. Some diseases can be transmitted from fleas and ticks to humans as well as cats.

If they haven't been spayed or neutered, unwanted pregnancies or problems due to estrus behavior can occur.

It is important to take full responsibility and provide lifelong care and strict indoor living.

All family members must agree to adopt the cat

A cat will only be happy if all family members are willing to welcome a rescue cat.

If even one family member disagrees, the cat might be returned to the shelter in case of an emergency.

Let's welcome the rescue cat as a whole family.

The owner must not be away from home for long periods

It is not recommended to keep a cat in an environment where the owner is often away.

Accidents can occur unexpectedly, and cats may become bored and exhibit behavioral problems (excessive grooming, self-mutilation).

While cats are territorial animals, they also love to play with their owners. If you are away, create an environment where the cat can engage in vertical exercise, such as with a cat tree. When you are home, play with them a lot to build trust.

Suitable living environment for a rescue cat

It is a prerequisite that the property allows keeping cats.

Rescue cats have often spent a long time outdoors, so there is a possibility they might try to escape. To prevent escape, it is necessary to install pet gates or take measures to prevent them from going out on the balcony.

Also, remove any items that could cause accidents if the cat plays with them, or things that are toxic to cats, in advance.

As mentioned in the conditions for adopting a cat, it is not recommended to keep a cat in an environment where the owner is often away from home.

Costs required to welcome a cat

Once you are committed to adopting a cat, it's time to prepare for their arrival. We will explain the necessary items and costs for starting cat ownership.

Item	Estimated Cost	Description
Cat Food	¥500~	Choose food labeled "complete and balanced." Complete and balanced food means the cat can live solely on that food and water.
Cat Litter Box + Litter	¥1,000~¥3,000	Litter boxes come in various types, from open boxes to covered ones. Litter types vary as well, such as paper or mineral-based, and granule sizes range from small to large. Choose based on your cat's preference and ease of cleaning.
Scratching Post	¥1,000~¥2,000	There are sisal rope types and cardboard types, and some are placed on the floor while others stand upright. Scratching posts are necessary not only for claw care but also for stress relief and scent marking.
Carrier Bag	¥3,000~	Necessary for vet visits or travel. Available in shoulder strap or backpack styles. Choose based on ease of use and how easy it is to get your cat in and out.
Food Bowl, Water Bowl	¥1,000~ x 2	Stainless steel is common, but ceramic and plastic options are also available. Choose according to your cat's preference. It's often easier for cats if the bowls are slightly elevated, so consider using a stand.
Brush	¥1,000~	Brushing is necessary for both short-haired and long-haired cats. Types include rubber, bristle, and slicker brushes.
Toys	¥500~	While catnip toys are common, various other toys exist. Toys with strings or made from animal hide can lead to ingestion accidents. I have personally experienced diagnosing and treating such accidents many times. Always supervise playtime and put toys away afterward.
Cage	¥10,000~	Useful for when you are away or have visitors, or as a safe retreat for your cat. Multi-level cages (two or three tiers) that allow vertical movement are recommended.
Cat Tree	¥10,000~	Cats engage in vertical movement. A cat tree is good for preventing lack of exercise. You can also arrange shelves like stairs or use existing furniture in your home.

These are the items needed when you first get a cat. The total cost will be around ¥30,000, but you can purchase the cage and cat tree later once your cat has settled in.

Lifetime cost of owning a cat

According to an annual expenditure survey by a pet insurance company, the total annual cost of owning a cat was approximately ¥160,000 (about ¥13,000 per month).

Assuming this cost applies for the average cat lifespan of 15 years, the lifetime cost of a cat is approximately ¥2.4 million.

Supporting a cat throughout its life entails a significant cost.

Let's look at the types of expenses involved in a cat's lifetime.

Food expenses

Prices vary depending on the type of food and whether it's prescription food. This is often the most expensive part.

Litter box supplies

Cat litter is a consumable item. Regular purchases are necessary.

Utility costs

Air conditioning in summer and heating in winter are necessary.

Medical expenses

In addition to treatment costs for injuries and illnesses, there are recurring preventive costs for vaccinations and flea/tick control.

If the cat has not been spayed or neutered, those costs will also be necessary.

This is the second largest expense after food costs.

Pet hotel

Used when the owner is away from home for an extended period.

Disaster preparedness supplies

You never know what might happen. Preparations for evacuation are necessary.

Summary

We have explained the conditions for adopting a cat, as well as the living environment and costs involved.

The content may seem quite severe.

However, to become an adopter, you must understand all of these points and be prepared to meet the conditions. If you cannot meet even one condition or if your anxieties are not dispelled, it is necessary to give up.

Most rescue cats have experienced hardship before being rescued.

If you adopt a rescue cat with half-hearted feelings and then find yourself in a situation where you cannot keep them, not only might they be returned to the shelter, but in the worst case, a more painful future of euthanasia awaits them.

Do not be swayed by temporary emotions; think carefully about the rescue cat before deciding to adopt.