My cat
I always imagined my 20s as a whirlwind of spontaneous weekend trips, cozy brunches with friends, and a thriving career. What I didn’t factor in? A little furball with a penchant for knocking things off my desk at 3 AM. Enters Sushi, a 2 month old kitten who entered my life when I was 23 and completely unprepared for what pet parenthood really entailed. If you’re thinking of adopting a pet in your 20s, here are a few things I wish I had known before bringing home my whiskered roommate.
1. It’s Not Just Cuddles and Cute Instagram Posts
Adopting a pet sounds dreamy—envisioning lazy Sunday mornings with a purring my cat on your lap while you sip on your overpriced oat latte. But here’s the reality: pets demand attention. Cats may have a reputation for being independent, but they still need love, playtime, and, of course, cat food at ungodly hours. If you’re juggling a hectic job, a social life, and occasional existential crises (hello, adulthood), be prepared to make time for my cat your pet every single day.
2. Your Budget Will Take a Hit
I thought I was prepared for the financial responsibility—food, litter, and a cozy bed, right? Wrong. Vet visits, vaccinations, cat purring unexpected health scares, scratch-proof furniture (because Sushi sees my couch as her personal jungle gym), and an endless supply of toys that she refuses to play with? It adds up. If you’re already stretching your salary thin between rent, groceries, and your Netflix subscription, be sure to factor in the cost of pet care before making the commitment.
3. Your Sleep Schedule Will Be Destroyed
If you think a cat is a low-maintenance pet, you’ve clearly never been woken up at 4 AM my cat by relentless meows and the sound of a rogue paw swiping your phone off the nightstand. Till 4 months, Sushi used to operate on her own mysterious time zone, and no matter how many bedtime routines I try to enforce, she will always decide that 3 AM is prime-time for zoomies. However, this isn’t the same for every cat.
4. Your Social Life Will Change
Want to spontaneously go on a weekend getaway? Hope you have a reliable pet sitter on speed dial. Late-night plans with friends? Be ready to head home early because someone’s waiting for dinner. While having a pet doesn’t mean you have to stop living your life, it does require planning. On the brighter side, Sushi has definitely made me a more responsible (and slightly less spontaneous) person.
5. They Become Your Therapist, Best Friend, and Chaos Coordinator
Despite the scratches, shredded curtains, and my cat unexpected vet bills, having Sushi has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. She’s there when I come home after a stressful day, curling up beside me like a little ball of comfort. She’s my daily source of laughter, my reminder to slow down, and, most importantly, my little companion through the chaos of figuring out life in my 20s. Not to mention, the way she senses my stress and immediately starts purring on my chest, is the best feeling in the world.
If you’re thinking about adopting a pet in your 20s, just know it’s not a temporary commitment—it’s a long-term, heart-filled journey. It’s messy, expensive, and exhausting, but it’s also deeply rewarding. If you’re ready to trade in spontaneous plans for responsibility, the occasional frustration for unconditional love, and your pristine furniture for a little extra chaos, then go for it. Just remember: they may be small, but they’ll take up a big part of your heart (and your bed).
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