Having plants can be just as fulfilling as having a pet. Far too often, I see young adults like myself moving away from home and spontaneously adopting a pet. Owning and caring for an animal is not a decision anyone should make lightly. It is a large responsibility that many college students are not prepared for prior to welcoming a furry friend into their home. You may have wanted to adopt because you miss your animals back home, or perhaps moving to college was your first opportunity to have a pet. While these may be valid reasons to look into adopting an animal, they should not be your key drivers in your decision making process.
Some things that need to be taken into account to ensure your pet has the best life are your ability to provide for them financially, your living situation, and your lifestyle. Can you comfortably afford to pay for food and veterinary expenses? Does your apartment allow your pet to maintain the activity level that they possess? Are you able to provide them proper exercise and mental stimulation on a consistent basis? If you travel often, do you have someone reliable to care for your animal when you are gone? These questions require serious reflection, and if you cannot confidently answer yes to each and every one of them, then you should consider an alternative.
My entire freshman year, I had convinced myself that the second I got out of the dorms, I would get a cat. I grew up with pets and currently have three cats back home. Yes, I was responsible for feeding my cats and cleaning their litter boxes, but was I the exclusive provider for them? Absolutely not! I knew I could potentially afford a cat and have the knowledge and ability to care for one, but as a busy 20-year-old I did not feel I would be able to provide the quality of life that they are worthy of.
So what did I do? I bought a plant. It received sunlight and water, yet it died. On my second attempt, I did better research to what the specific plant requires and have watched it triple in size since. Now, my many plants have taken over every window and shelf I can find and I am filled with joy with each new leaf and bud that appears. I have invested in growing lights, soil, and fertilizers. I check on each one daily. They are still a living entity I am responsible for, and I do not take that lightly. Yet I know that if I am out of town for the weekend, my plants will be just as happy and healthy as when I left them.
Of course I still miss my pets and look forward to the day I can adopt an animal of my own. But I have been able to find similar enjoyment caring for my plants as I have caring for a pet. So I urge you all to ask yourselves: am I ready for a pet or should I just get a plant?
