There are many advantages to owning a cat. Clean, easy to care for and independent, they require little living space, adapt to an indoor lifestyle and often cost less to maintain than other pets. You should prepare for a lengthy commitment, however, since cats generally live for about fifteen years. As territorial animals, they dislike traveling and moving from home to home.
After you have decided to adopt a cat, you must make several important decisions, including the pedigree, age and sex of your prospective pet. In theory, pedigreed cats have predictable personality traits and maintain a physical type. People interested in showing a cat must select a high quality pedigreed cat. Non-pedigreed cats, on the other hand, generally cost less, make healthy pets and often need to find a good home.
When considering the sex of your new cat, remember that both neutered males and sprayed females make excellent pets, neither sex has a particular advantage over the other. Un-sprayed females however go into heat throughout the spring and summer months and may become accidentally pregnant. Un-neutered males are prone to spray urine, fighting and wondering around.
Young kittens have great appeal and will become quickly adjusted to your home, but they require more attention than adult cats. An adult cat usually requires more time to become comfortable in a new environment, but requires less care, training and attention than a kitten. Kittens should arrive in your home when they reach eight to ten weeks of age. cats that leave the social environment of the litter too early may develop shy or aggressive personalities later in life.
For people who spend a lot of time out of the house, adopting two or more cats can prevent loneliness. Consult with a professional breeder, animal society or veterinarian to discuss the health and cost issues involved in owning multiple cats.
Take plenty of time to select a specific cat before you bring it into your home. Contact a breed society or visit a cat show to give you insight into the breeds you prefer. Professional breeders produce the best pedigreed animals, while humane societies, animal clinics and shelters remain excellent resources for non-pedigreed pets.
Look for an alert, energetic, friendly, playful animal, but avoid shy, sickly or aggressive cats. Bring a friend or professional to help you evaluate the cats and try to meet their parents. Healthy cats have smooth, un-mated, parasite-free coats, bright eyes, damp noses, clean ears and white teeth. There should be no signs of disease or illness, especially diarrhea. Obtain vaccination certificates and registration papers (if any) at the time of sale, and work out a return policy in case of problems.
Prepare your home and family for introduction a new cat. Place breakable, valuable, toxic and sharp objects in a safe place. Remove small rubber objects, plastic bags and other items that a cat may chew or swallow. Windows and doors to the outdoors should be closed and latched until the cat becomes adjusted to your home. Purchased a litter box, feeding supplies (food and bowls), a grooming kit, bed, scratching post and toys. Depending on your lifestyle, a carrying crate may also be necessary. Schedule a visit to the veterinarian for a check –up and any needed vaccines. Young children will needed explanations and demonstrations of the proper way to behave with animals.
With careful research and preparation, you will find that cats make loving and entertaining additions to your home.