Cats
The following contains nine pieces of animal information you should know about cats. Read on if you are interested in owning a pet cat in your home to enjoy on your own or with your family.
Now is the time to consider what's involved. Before adopting any pet cat or otherwise you must realize that you are making a long-term commitment. You have to be prepared to care for the animal for its entire life. Even when things change in your life, be it deciding to live with someone, relocating to another city or country, or having children, you should be willing to make the necessary concessions to ensure your pet continues to have the kind of life to which it becomes conditioned. Even going on vacation means making arrangements for someone to look after your pet. If you work an inordinate number of hours or travel often, it may be better to wait until your life is more settled, or you might consider adopting more than one cat so they'll have company and stimulation. It's true that most cats accept being left alone much more easily than dogs, but rarely are they the aloof, completely independent creatures that many people seem to believe they are. Cats thrive on the attention and affection that comes from you.
When you begin looking for a feline companion, you'll quickly discover there is no shortage of candidates; in fact, there aren't nearly enough homes for all the available cats. You'll find an almost overwhelming selection at animal shelters and small-scale private animal rescue groups, pet stores, veterinarians and breeders. You can also go the informal route, taking a kitten from the litter of a friend's or neighbor's cat or bringing in the stray that shows up at your door. Newspaper ads are another source, especially if you are looking for an inexpensive adult cat that has already been fixed and vaccinated. But wherever you start your search, remember the golden rule: No impulsive decisions. If you have any doubts about the kitten or cat, keep looking until you find the right one.
Before you bring your new cat or kitten home, make sure you're ready to take care of his basic needs. First, find a vet who suits you. Your new arrival should be examined as soon as possible after you bring him home. Also make time to poke around a pet-supply store for food and litter, plus their containers and a few other essentials.
Somewhere, far back in the evolutionary process, cats must have been imprinted with their own “golden rule” concerning fastidious cleanliness. When they are not sleeping, hunting or eating, cats are likely to be primping meticulously. Felines, wild and domestic, are believed to spend up to one-third or more of their waking hours on preening. Far from being a vain preoccupation with appearance, however, the self-grooming vigilance of cats is natural, reflexive behavior that is vital to their hygiene, health and comfort.
Banish all thoughts of training your cat as you would a dog. Although it's feasible at the hands of a professional trainer, it isn't very practical or affordable. You will want your cat to behave well, though, and you should be able to stop him from such undesirable practices as jumping up on the table to join you at mealtimes. Your coexistence will be a lot more pleasant and fun if the cat can be persuaded to come when he is called and to sharpen his claws on a scratching post instead of shredding the furniture.
Indoors Cats raised from kitten hood indoors are less likely to want to explore an outside world that they hardly know exists. However, if you adopt an older cat that was used to running loose outdoors, he may use any opportunity to escape. With time and persistence, outdoor cats can be converted into indoor cats. The winter season, when most cats happily stay indoors, or during a move are great times to convert puss into an indoor cat. Whether your cat has moved with you or is recently adopted, first let him explore his new indoor territory. He will likely go through his daily routine of patrolling for intruders, sniffing for unfamiliar marks, scratching and settling into a favorite spot for a nap.
Unless everyone in your household is extremely careful, your indoor cat may dart out and run off. Even cats that are used to going out and know the neighborhood well occasionally disappear. While most will return on their own, some may get trapped in a shed or garage, go too far a field to find their way back, or be mistaken as a stray and taken in by someone.
Proper identification is essential to getting your cat back. He should always wear a conventional collar and identification tag. Choose a sturdy collar made of elastic or with an elastic insert, or one with a "breakaway" feature: a clasp that opens when pulled hard so he won't be strangled if it catches on something like a branch. The collar should be tight enough so it won't slip over kitty's ears unless it's stretched, but loose enough to fit two fingers underneath. If you cat balks at the collar, get him used to wearing it for longer and longer periods of time. Then, never take it off, even when he is safely ensconced indoors.
Cats, like a lot of youngsters, will eat almost anything. And they will play with anything that can move. Strings, yarn, dental floss, elastics and especially needles and thread are highly enticing, but if swallowed they can do serious, often fatal, damage. Store anything string-like and any items small enough to swallow in a drawer or somewhere that feline paws can't penetrate. Chewing an electrical cord can be fatal, and pulling on it may bring down an appliance — in the case of an iron, possibly a hot appliance. Hanging cords, such as those for curtains, blinds and lamps can be strangulation hazards. Bundle all cords or tie them off out of reach.
Every feline possesses its own distinct personality, just as people do. Even purebred cats of breeds known for a certain character profile don't always match the description. Your Siamese may not be as boisterous as the majority of his relatives; your British shorthair, a breed known for its calm and self-possessed manner, may be quite skittish. But like a bonding parent who learns to read the subtle body nuances of a newborn, you can become attuned to your cat's temperament and idiosyncrasies, making for a more harmonious relationship.
By understanding how cats communicate with us, and other animals, we can help to foster a safe environment and prevent dangerous miscommunications.