 CARING
FOR A CAT
Choosing a cat
You may have heard the saying, "You own a dog, you feed a cat." It's
true that cats value their independence a bit more than their canine
counterparts, but if you've ever been around cats, you already know
they actually crave and require love and companionship.
Cats make wonderful
pets.
Because they're less demanding, they can easily adjust to a variety of
lifestyles and living spaces. Every cat is a true individual, though,
so it's important to take the time to choose a four-footed friend
who's right for you. A cat's personality, age, and appearance, as well
as the kinds of pets you already have at home, are all things you
should keep in mind when making your selection.
Choose a
Personality.
Stroll past a few cat cages at the shelter, and you'll notice that
some cats meow for special attention, while others simply lie back and
gaze at you with an air of arrogance. There are as many different
personalities of cats as there are cats in the shelter. Which
disposition is best for you? You have to decide. But regardless
of individual personality, look for a cat who's playful, active,
alert, and comfortable while being held and stroked. At the shelter,
ask an adoption counselor for assistance when you wish to spend some
time with individual cats.
Kitten or cat?
As a general rule, kittens are curious, playful, and full of energy,
while adult cats are more relaxed and less mischievous. Kittens also
require more time to train and feed. Cats are only kittens for a few
months, though, so the age of the cat you adopt should really depend
on the level of maturity you're looking for. Young children usually
don't have the maturity to handle kittens responsibly, so a cat who's
at least four months old is probably the best choice for homes with
kids under six years old.
Short-haired or
long?
Cats can have long, fluffy coats or short, dense fur, and the choice
between the two is chiefly a matter of preference and availability.
You'll see more short-haired cats at the shelter since they're the
most popular and common cats. One thing to keep in mind is that
long-haired cats require frequent grooming to be mat-free. Felines
with short coats also require brushing, though less frequently, and
they'll leave less hair on your favorite recliner. Most cats enjoy a
regular brushing and will look forward to this daily ritual with you.
Room for one more.
If you already own a cat or dog, you're probably wondering how easy it
is to add a cat to the family. The good news is that cats can get
along with other cats and - despite the common stereotype - most dogs
can get along with cats. The bad news is, introducing a new cat to a
home with other pets will require some patience on your part. The best
way to handle adding a new cat to the home is to provide time for a
period of adjustment. After several days, supervise meetings
between the animals for periods of increasing length. Most cats will
soon learn to accept each other, and some may quite possibly become
the best of buddies. Some dogs simply won't tolerate the presence of a
cat, but by carefully introducing them, most problems can be solved.
Be responsible!
Regardless of the cat you choose, you'll want to start being a
responsible pet owner right away. The easiest way to do that is to
keep your cat indoors with you from the very beginning. If you don't
let your new friend outside, he'll never miss it, and will have a much
better chance of still being around to sit on your lap a few years
from now. The other big staple of responsible cat ownership is
having your female cat spayed or your male cat neutered. Spaying or
neutering will ensure that your cat never adds to the millions of
animals born each year who never find a good home. It'll also help him
or her live a longer, healthier life.
Adopt a cat for
life.
Remember that you're making a commitment to love and care for your new
pet for his or her lifetime-which could mean 10, 15, even 20 years. So
choose your new pal carefully and be a responsible pet owner. In no
time at all, you'll know how wonderful sharing your home with a cat
can be.
Cleanliness.
Your new cat will prize a clean environment and a clean body. Cats
are naturally fastidious and most will instinctively use a litter box;
for some, you may need to place the cat in the box and make little
scratching motions with their front paws so they get the idea. Many
place such a premium on cleanliness that you should clean the box
daily or several times a week. Cats also value privacy, so place the
litter box in a convenient but secluded spot. Most cats will
spend hours grooming themselves, but even the most avid groomer can
use a little help from time to time. Nail clipping and ear and teeth
cleaning are tasks you can do to keep your cat well groomed. Even
short-haired cats benefit from weekly brushing, a task that can be
pleasurable for both of you.
Health care.
Animal shelters take in animals with widely varying backgrounds, some
of whom have not been vaccinated. Despite the best efforts of shelter
workers, viruses can spread and may occasionally go home with adopted
animals. If you already have dogs or cats at home, make sure they are
up-to-date on their shots-including feline leukemia-and in good
general health before introducing your new cat. Take your new
cat to the veterinarian within a week after adoption. There, he will
receive a health check and any needed vaccinations. If your cat has
not been spayed or neutered, make that appointment! There are already
far too many unwanted kittens and cats; don't let your new pet add to
the problem. Most likely, the shelter will require that you have your
pet spayed or neutered anyway. If you need more information about why
it is important to spay or neuter your cat, read our online
information on spaying and neutering.
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