I'm considering adopting a cat from a shelter, what do you think, should I?

I'm 30, single, female, dating someone but not married. I'm not wealthy but my bills are always paid. I went to an animal shelter a few days ago, just to look around and saw a cat who had been there for four months. I was surprised it hadn't been adopted, it was a beautiful cat. 

I decided to take it home for a few days to think it over and told the shelter I might bring it back or I might keep it. They allow trial periods. Here's the thing, I love this little cat already, she's so great and I want to keep her but I don't know if it's a good idea. My life isn't the most settled. 

I can have a cat where I live now but I'm a renter...if I have to move it will make it alot harder for me to find a place to rent with an animal. I also don't have alot of money...I can afford cat litter and cat food....that's no prob but if this cat got sick I wouldn't be able to afford it's vet bills...I truly wouldn't..

But she's healthy...and young 1 years old. Do you think I should try and keep her? or return her immediately so she can hopefully get adopted by someone else: a better opportunity? It's a no kill shelter so she won't be euthanized.. they'll keep her-they have a lifetime commitment to her until they find a placement and they take good care of their pets there.
 

Update: there's also a dog that I want to rescue from a different situation...but again same dilemna....the long term commitment is a little hard for me and if they got sick/hurt the vet bills would be really hard for me, I might not be able to get them the care they would need...there's a chance these animals could get adopted by a wealthy and wonderful pet owner tomorrow..or there's a chance they won't be adopted for years...what would be best for the pets?

Answer

Greg:

Tough dilemma. I like the idea of you adopting this Kitty, but if the cat's healthcare is gonna be that big of a problem then it's probably best if you don't. You will have to take her to the vet regardless of her health for annual check-ups/shots and spaying if not already done. 

Another answer given above was you becoming the foster Mother until Kitty is adopted. That sounds like a good option. Although you may find yourself even more attached to her and unable to give her up.

Meow:

Of COURSE you need to return her and it's HORRIBLY selfish of you to have taken this cat home in the first place. Someone more serious about adopting with the means to support one could have adopted it in the time it's been with you.

Pets are not for "rent" and RIDICULOUS of this shelter to allow "trial period" adoptions. Adopting a pet should be PERMANENT.

And you also want a DOG? They are even more expensive to care for and far more time consuming PLUS far less places allows dogs.

I pity this poor cat. You should have thought about what was best for this cat not your own temporary, selfish needs. You have NO business being a pet owner!!!! TAKE IT BACK! 

Margareth:

I think you should keep the cat. You've grown quite attached to her and it's not fair on the cat to keep moving her to and from the shelter. 

Give her her 'forever' home and make two lonely creatures very happy. 

Elaine:

If you can't afford vet bills, I would hold off on the cat, HOWEVER you CAN offer to be a foster home for the shelter. This is short term, you offer the cat a home environment and interaction, the shelter covers all food. litter and vet bills.

Anonymous:

Cat's take care of themselves a lot, and they are great company (in my opinion). Keeping the cat is up to you, and you can always buy fairly cheap medicine if they got sick. If you decide to keep her: GET HER FIXED, when they're in heat, it's annoying and kind-of nasty.

Niks:

keep the cat; give it love and yes; most places hae pet policies - I have always had pets, and they go with me, no pet policy, I don't go there, simple. pets become a part of your family and so if you wouldn't leave your child behind because he place didn't allow kids, don't do it to your pet.

Nock:

There is afforable health ins for pets. Cats are good because they use a litter box rather than a walk. Be aware the most disgusting thing is going to a girls house and smelling her litter box. CLEAN it or it turns off guys.