As someone going into conservation biology I know that there’s a lot of traveling to be done (shorter term jobs or remote sites). I am fully confident in the network I’ve already created during my undergrad, an my ability to support a cat, but I’m worried getting one will hinder my ability to find a job in my field in the future.
I have someone offering to give me a kitten I fell in love with, I have enough money saved for a potential cat (first year expenses many years of day to day expenses and an emergency vet visit worth). I’m confident I’m my ability to give the kitten good care and my time, I’m just afraid of the job market (mainly after undergrad which is 3 years away).
I have family that offered to cat sit for weeks at a time, but I wouldn’t be able to take seasonal positions with remote housing (only unless it was a once in a life time opportunity to which my family have told me they’d watch my kitty). Regardless I wouldn’t want to leave my cat for long.
Please give your deeply honest opinions and share any personal stories. I’ve watched my current PI make it work w her high energy dog she got after undergrad.