Considering getting a cat as a university student is a big decision. There are probably four negatives to the desire to get a cat when a university student: money, time, accommodation and landlords. The positives are very apparent: emotional support and an improved feeling of wellbeing. I am told that 75% of students who attend university or college feel separation anxiety on leaving behind their family cat or dog. Many students are dealing with this by adopting a cat or dog. There is an increase in university or college students adopting a pet. Is the anxious Gen Z and Millennials dealing improving their mental health?
Personal views
A university student is unlikely to have a lot of money or at least they are on a tight budget. Owning a domestic cat is, if we are honest, fairly expensive particularly now as veterinarians which are part of chains have put up their prices in the expectation that the owners will have taken out pet health insurance which is also expensive.
Often a university student is not ideally placed to cover these costs. Then there’s the accommodation. University students are often sharing digs with other students. They might live in a nice apartment but there may be four people living in it. Does everyone living there accept having a domestic cat joining them? Are they all good cat people?
Is the owner going to ensure that the environment is enriched enough for a full-time indoor cat? Or will they have the time to take their cat outside for some mental stimulation? Will they have the time to train them to walk on a leash?
Most often university students live in rented accommodation. Also, most often landlords don’t like pets in their properties. And if they accept pets in their properties, they might increase the deposit payable and they might be more inclined to retain that deposit because they might claim that the cat has caused damage. I am presenting this rather negatively because sometimes landlords can be very friendly and present no problem to a tenant having a cat but this article is meant to flag up potential problems.
I mention the amount of time available. In order to be a good cat caregiver, you have to ideally give a lot of time to your cat in terms of companionship. You can’t just leave a cat alone in an apartment for most of the day without the potential for negative health aspects developing.
Accordingly, my personal opinion would be that a university student is not best placed to be a cat caregiver but I’m not saying that all university students fall into this category. There will be exceptions. The assessment is made on an individual basis.
Although it might be best for a student to wait until their lives are more settled after they have graduated before they consider adopting a cat or dog.
Below are the thoughts of Bing’s Copilot on this topic (AI). There is an overlap with what I have said. And it refers to a student who asked whether they should adopt a cat when living in an apartment with her boyfriend and two other university students.
AI
Bing’s Copilot (an AI bot) says: Let’s explore some aspects to help you make an informed choice:
Financial Considerations: As a student, your financial situation might be tight. Owning a cat involves costs such as food, litter, toys, and regular veterinary care. Vet bills can add up, especially if your cat needs vaccinations, check-ups, or emergency treatment. Consider whether you have enough savings to cover these expenses.
Time Commitment: Cats require attention, playtime, and companionship. Are you prepared to spend time with your cat despite your busy student schedule? If you’re away from home frequently (e.g., attending classes, studying, or socializing), think about how this might affect your cat.
Living Arrangements: You mentioned living in a rental apartment. Many landlords have a no-pets policy, so check your lease agreement. Even if your current landlord allows it, consider future moves. Will you be able to find pet-friendly accommodation after graduation?
Indoor vs. Outdoor Cat: You mentioned wanting to protect the birdies, which is commendable! Keeping your cat indoors is a responsible choice. Indoor cats tend to adapt better to moves because they’re less exposed to outdoor stressors.
Support System: Living with flatmates and your boyfriend can be helpful. Discuss responsibilities and ensure everyone is on board with having a cat. Having a support system makes it easier to manage pet care.
Health and Well-Being: Cats provide companionship and can reduce stress. However, ensure you’re mentally and emotionally ready for the commitment. Consider your own well-being and whether having a cat will enhance your life during your studies. Remember that owning a pet is a long-term commitment. While cats can bring joy and comfort, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons based on your specific circumstances. If you decide to proceed, make sure you’re well-prepared for this new addition to your life! 🐾
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