Think Like a Cat : How to Raise a Well-Adjusted Cat–Not a Sour Puss
A lot of people are exclusively “cat people” not just because they’re easier to manage than dogs, but because they want a house pets that doesn’t require a lot of extra work. Dogs do require a lot more work, however, I’d like to point out a few things you might want to consider when choosing a cat.
First of all, if you’ve decided to bring a feline into your household, make sure you make your decision in a way that works best for both you, your family and the animal.
Some cats are highly energetic and they may be fun to watch, but they could also be a real challenge to care for. If you have a baby or small kids, keep that in mind. On the other hand, a shy, sensitive cat probably wouldn’t thrive in a loud and boisterous household. It’s always a good idea to evaluate your family’s lifestyle first so you can find a cat with similar needs.
Some people prefer purebred cats, while others are thrilled to have any basic domestic tabby. One thing you should consider is hair length. Long-haired cats require regular brushing and combing, but tend to shed less than short-haired cats. Also, you should decide if you have the time to raise a kitten, or if a mature adult fits better with your lifestyle and needs. Once you’re made that decision, it’s time to start your search.
There are many places you can find cats, from local animal shelters to the classified ads in your local paper and even through the Internet. When you find a cat that catches your eye, make sure you ask lots of questions about it’s history and health. Spend some time watching her and how she reacts to you. Is she vocal and friendly or is she aloof? The way she behaves when you are a stranger will give you great insight into a cat’s personality.
To be honest, I believe that we do not choose our pets … they choose us. So it’s always a good idea to try to interact with your potential feline friend before deciding. Some cats are shy around strangers, but confident and friendly with their caretakers. Some cats are skittish and nervous around everyone. And keep in mind that a cat in a shelter environment may act completely different than they usually would because of the stress and noise they have been living with in the shelter.
The people who operate the humane society usually gather a complete history of the animal, so they should be able to give you some idea of the cat’s likes and dislikes, whether they are comfortable around children and how they interact with other cats.
If you have other pets at home, make sure you consider their personalities as well. If you currently have a cat that more than 10 years old and is used to being the only cat in the household, she might not be willing to accept a newcomer. If you have an aggressive dog with a high prey drive, bringing home a high-energy kitten may be asking for trouble.
Another thing to consider if you have no pets at home is adopting two cats. You can often get special pricing from animal shelters and the cats will make great companions for one another when nobody is home.
Remember, when you bring a cat into your home, you are making a commitment to take care of her needs. With advances in cat nutrition and veterinary services, cats can live 15-20 years. So, before you consider bringing a cat into your household, make sure you are willing and able to take care of her for life.
For cat lovers who really like to pamper their pet, visit us at at TheCompleteCat.com, and download a copy of my free ebook, Pamper Your Cat. You’ll get dozens of gourmet cat recipes that you can whip up to make your feline friend a real happy cat.
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Glenn Cutforth is a writer, eBook publisher and graphic designer.
Visit his websites at: The Complete Cat.com and HowToClassics.com
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