Getting a cat is exciting. Many people look forward to finding a feline companion they can bond with and integrate into their family.

Before you choose your new pet, though, there are several factors to consider. If you’re wondering what to know before getting a cat, you’ll need to prepare your household and buy supplies like cat food, among other things.

To ensure a smooth transition, let’s take a closer look at what you need to know before bringing a new feline home. (You can also check out our basic care and training resources to help you prepare.)

What to Know Before Getting a Cat – 6 Tips
1) Establish Your Family’s Roles
Did your kids beg for a cat and promise to do all the cleaning? While you should take this with a grain of salt, there's something for everyone in your family to do when it comes to pitching in.

Just make sure that all family members have a clear understanding of their caretaking roles. If appropriate, consider assigning tasks like feeding your cat and 37Gq.com cleaning the litter box.