It is entirely normal that a college student, away from home for the first time, might want some companionship, and equally normal that someone might choose a cat, because as we all know, "cats are pretty low-maintenance pets." I'd like to dispel the latter assumption first, then offer some pointed questions to answer before making an impetuous decision, in order to save yourself future problems.
Cats are Low-Maintenance Pets

The reality is that while cats are free-spirited creatures, they have been domesticated for long enough (over 2400 years) to rely on humans for their daily needs. Food and water is not enough; indeed, the "cheap" food found in pet aisles of supermarkets may keep a cat alive, but it is rarely of the quality to allow a cat to thrive. Here's a list of the very basic needs of a cat:

• A diet of premium quality cat or kitten food
• Fresh water daily, served in a clean bowl
• A litter pan filled with a high quality litter
• Two or more scratching posts for claw management
• A comfortable bed to sleep on, in a private place
• A selection of toys for entertainment when you are at school
• Veterinary Care
  • Vaccinations
  • Spaying or Neutering
  • Medical Emergencies

These basic needs are only the monetary ones. The real nitty-gritty comes to questions about your relationship with your cat, and where he or she will fit into the "grand scheme" of your life at college and afterward. If you planned on just having a cat for a pet at school, and then finding a new home for him when you graduate, better think again.

A cat - every cat - deserves to be considered family, rather than replaceable property, and if that concept eludes you, a cat is probably not for you. Here are the questions you should ask yourself before making what should be a lifelong commitment as a cat parent, rather than just a roommate (for that distinction is what separates the men from the boys, and the women from the girls.)

Will my dorm, fraternity/sorority/apartment manager allow cats?

This is the most important question. Don't even think about trying to "sneak" a cat into your new domocile. I guarantee that you'll be caught, and the results will spell heartbreak for you, and disaster for the cat. If having a cat is not allowed, then read no further, because the other questions are moot. (On second thought, skip to the final paragraph, because there is another option, if you truly love cats.)

Am I prepared to keep my cat indoor-only?

An indoor cat is a safe cat, and this axiom is no more true than in a college campus atmosphere, with traffic, constant coming-and-going, stray dogs, and even a few cat-haters or pranksters who love nothing more than to catch cats to tease them, or worse. Your cat will be perfectly happy indoors, with or without a window perch to look outside, if you give him otherwise responsible care.

Will I be financially able to take care of a cat's basic needs?

Do you have enough money saved, or will you work part-time, or will you have to depend on parents to cover these extra costs? If the latter is the case, will your parents commit to footing these needs for four years or more?

Will I have the spare time to devote to a feline roommate?

If this is your first year at college, you may not fully anticipate the time commitments in store for you: classes, studying, part-time job (if applicable), and recreation time with friends.

Although cats will sleep a large portion of the day, and spend some time playing alone with toys, they have a real need for companionship with their humans. Daily petting, interactive play, grooming, and cuddling are a must for a happy cat, as well as regular scooping and cleaning of the litter box. An ignored cat will become bored, depressed, and behavioral problems may result.

Am I equipped to cope with behavioral problems?

It is well-acknowledged that most feline behavioral problems result from "user error," i.e. the cat's caregiver has failed to meet the cat's needs. Litter box avoidance starts when the owner fails to keep the box pristinely clean; destructive clawing results from failure to clip claws or provide suitable scratching posts; and whiny, bratty behavior is inevitably the sign of a ignored and bored cat or kitten.

Correcting behavioral problems almost always involves detective work to try to eliminate the potential causes. Are you prepared to take the time to take these steps, or would you be more inclined to "give the cat up?"

What will I do with my cat on holidays and vacations?

For more than an overnight trip, a cat should not be left home alone, to fend for himself. You need to be prepared to either bring your cat with you when you return home for vacations, find a reputable boarding kennel, or hire a pet sitter (more expenses.) Again, you'll need your parents' full cooperation in most cases.

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