Getting a Cat in Med School!

[aaronrodgers]

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Hi all! I'm an MS2 and I'm about to adopt a cat. What are some of your experiences and advice for taking care of your purry best friends throughout med school and residency? Our lifestyle and schedule change so much between first, second, third, and fourth year, and residency. I'm looking for some wisdom and advice on how to give my cat a happy life as a med student, thanks 🙂 !!

 

[kinjin24]

its doable

 

[raf1ki]

Get ready to become an early riser because your cat wakes you up at 6 am by scratching the carpet, pouncing on your chest, or sprinting around your bathroom obstacle course.

 

[kinjin24]

@gyngyn

 

[Lawpy]

This thread needs more @Catalystik @Goro @gyngyn

 

[gyngyn]

I don't think I could have done it during medical school or residency.
They need more love than that. ..of course that was before the 80 hour work restrictions.

 

[ciestar]

Get ready to become an early riser because your cat wakes you up at 6 am by scratching the carpet, pouncing on your chest, or sprinting around your bathroom obstacle course.

Both of mine sleep in. So thankful for that lol

 

[cafedisco]

It really depends on the cat! I've not started med school yet, but I've had mine while working in healthcare for a few years. I wouldn't be able to get through med school without them, although they certainly are a handful. Mine require walks. One loves the sound of his voice... The other wants to dunk her paws in anything that contains water and doesn't understand that hugging succulents will break them. I love them both It's all up to what you're willing to do to give them a full life, if you plan to study/be at home a lot during preclinicals, and what kind of personality they have. If you're really concerned that he/she will be too active, maybe rescue an older cat that has a more even temperament.

 

[_Kvothe_]

Hi all! I'm an MS2 and I'm about to adopt a cat. What are some of your experiences and advice for taking care of your purry best friends throughout med school and residency? Our lifestyle and schedule change so much between first, second, third, and fourth year, and residency. I'm looking for some wisdom and advice on how to give my cat a happy life as a med student, thanks 🙂 !!

I’m also about to start M2 and I got my cat right before I came to med school. She just turned 9 so she’s on the older side, which I honestly think is best for my lifestyle cause she’s super chill and sleeps most of the time. Just beware that any kitty will likely try to compete with your computer and notes for your attention if you study at home 🙂

 

[Goro]

Hi all! I'm an MS2 and I'm about to adopt a cat. What are some of your experiences and advice for taking care of your purry best friends throughout med school and residency? Our lifestyle and schedule change so much between first, second, third, and fourth year, and residency. I'm looking for some wisdom and advice on how to give my cat a happy life as a med student, thanks 🙂 !!

Make sure you have a support group that can take care of the cat when you are too busy to.

Also make sure you're up to this challenge. In my experience, no cat is so aloof that you can ignore them for prolonged periods of time.

 

[aaronrodgers]

Thank you for the anecdotes and advice. Now I know what to be cognizant of. Happy to join fellow cat owners of SDN.

 

[teenyfish]

I've had my guy for a little over a year now and he's been so great for my mental health. However, like many have said, cats do require attention - I essentially have a shadow all day. I would recommend getting a cat that's at least a year or older. My friends have a kitten and all she does is zoom around the house and terrify them that she'll get into something.

I don't feel too guilty leaving him for a normal work day amount of time, but anything longer than that and I start to feel like he's getting lonely. I'm very lucky in that I have my fiancé with me for additional help, but if you're single I'd look into an automatic feeder at the very least. I'd also recommend finding someone who has/likes cats who would be willing to watch your cat if you go away. Anything longer than that gets tricky! Best of luck - I've loved being a cat person.

 

[NickNaylor]

Cats are pretty self-sufficient. My wife and I ultimately got two cats and a dog while I was in medical school. Obviously I was busy with school, and she would be gone from ~7am-6pm for work. The cats would do just fine, but sometimes we would need to the dog to daycare if we were expecting to be home late.

I think having a cat is very manageable during medical school, even without someone else at home.

 

[Doctor-S]

Since it sounds as if you've already decided to adopt a cat as an MS2, these are my comments as a happy cat owner - and they're just my own thoughts, and nothing more ... no worries.

First and foremost, I love having a cat. She is affectionate, loving, sweet and friendly. However, I did not adopt my cat until after I completed all of my education and post-graduate training. I waited until I was prepared to bring another life into my home.

1. There will be times when your pet will need (and want) you, and you will NOT be available for your pet, even though you have the best intentions, and love your cat. It's just the way it's going to be for you as a medical student and newly-minted physician - especially if you're in a competitive specialty.

Do you have a supportive network of happy cat friends? Will you be able to leave your cat with another person or significant other who can dedicate quality time to your cat, including social time and playtime? Besides you, who else will help your cat feel happy, cared for, and loved? Who will feed your cat, socialize with your cat, and change your cat's litter box when you're not home (or on an "away" rotation)? Whoever they are -- get their names and telephone numbers because you're going to be busier after you complete MS2 and you're going to be much busier after you begin your post-graduate residency. It's advisable to plan ahead.

2. As a pet owner, you are financially and emotionally responsible for your cat. Your pet is your happy "child" and you are their devoted "parent" for the next 15-to-20 years, maybe even longer.

Happy cats cost money ... microchips, cat collar, cat food, cat litter, cat trees, cat scratchers, cat toys, cat blankets, cat beds, cat carriers, all of the fun stuff. The costs of owning a happy cat will add up, over time. Naturally, as they age, there will be additional issues and expenses related to their health, happiness and daily care. Just like us, kittens grow-up and become elderly cats, with feline geriatric issues and assorted expenses.

3. Healthy cats are happy cats. Cats can become injured, or mildly ill, or seriously ill, or critically ill, just like us ... and just like our (human) patients. It will happen. Are you prepared to provide and pay for veterinary care for your cat? I mean care and treatment provided by a licensed veterinarian and not by searching the Internet. Just saying.

For my own comfort (and for my cat's health), I purchased a pet insurance policy. So far, the pet insurance policy has reimbursed me for several unanticipated medical problems (including costly lab work). So, it helps to have a good pet insurance policy. Very happy. 🙂

Thank you.

[FWIW ... contrary to popular belief, cats are NOT necessarily solitary creatures; and many cats crave companionship, and need companionship, as well as stimulating playtime, to thrive. Otherwise, they might begin to act-out, secondary to a behavioral issue. If you want more details, feel free to ask your veterinarian, and they'll give you the scoop about owning happy cats and kittens.]

 

[deleted903608]

I don't care for my cat 100% of the time (she belongs to me and my SO and lives with him since I live in med school housing) but here are a few thoughts I didn't see mentioned already in this thread:

Adoption is a wonderful option that I highly suggest and you have the added bonus of being able to get an adult cat (fully litter trained and not too crazy full of energy!) But be very careful with the kitty you choose. I love my little rescue so much but she had some behavior "quirks" and trust issues from a traumatic past (cat hoarding situation and then years in a shelter) that took a while to work through and would have been tough if I was doing it alone while in med school.

Also coming up in August is "Clear the Shelters" day (I think its the 17th or 18th?) when many shelters around the country will waive or reduce adoption fees! Helpful on a med student budget.

Also if you're worried about kitty waking you up in the morning a little trick my SO and I discovered is that feeding our cat her big meal at night (around our dinner time) helps her keep a more human-like sleep/wake cycle and she doesn't feel the need to wake us up at 5AM cause she's hungry any more.

Good luck with your new furry friend!

 

[MedScat]

My cats are my therapy animals! I don't now how I'd make it through medical school without them. They bring me so much joy and I highly recommend getting one. Much like others have said, they are your child and will demand attention! If you go away for a weekend, you have to make sure you either take your fur baby or get a sitter. I hate when I see people leave their cats alone for a few days at a time. I take my cats back and forth from school/home every 2-3 weeks which is tough but, like I said, I'm not sure how i'd make it without them. Adopt an older cat (>1 year) because they demand much less time and energy and, their personality is usually already determined. If you have any questions at all PM me, I'd be happy to help!