Cats Make Great Pets If You Understand Them
Anyone wanting a new kitten should be a cat lover. Let’s face it,
folks, cats are just different from dogs. Cats do not usually perform
any special tricks, and they certainly do not guard your possessions
while you are away. In fact, the only thing you can be guaranteed of
by having a cat is that a mouse won’t last long if they creep into
your home.
Cats are loved by many because of their independence. Cats have a
life, so to speak. Most cats do not follow you around the home with
their tongues hanging out of their mouths waiting on your attention.
While they do love their owners fiercely, cats will not grovel like a
dog and worship and fawn over their owners. Cats are perfectly content
simply being themselves--and they do not seem to need constant
reassurance, unlike canines.
This does not mean cats do not need love and affection, it simply
means cats are not “fragile” characters. In fact, cats exude a self
assurance which can often be misunderstood as aloofness or coldness.
Yet, cats are far from aloof or unfeeling. They feel deeply and love
deeply. If a cat comes to sit on your lap, you know you are truly
loved.
Anytime the family thinks about bringing a new pet into the home, it
is exciting. Cats are a favorite of many because as kittens they are
so entertaining to watch. Cats have a mind all of their own and only a
true cat lover can even claim to understand the psyche of a feline.
Cats are mysterious animals, which is part of the draw to them. While
cats have been brought into the home, their instincts still remain.
Cats adopt their owners and will even go out and provide “dinner.”
Many cat owners have stepped out on the stoop to find a dead mouse,
opossum, or mole waiting for them. Now, that is love and loyalty!
If you are planning to bring a cat into your home, you should look at
it as a life long commitment. Cats can live fifteen years and beyond.
You should also understand that as cats mature, they will often sleep
and laze around the home. If you are wanting a cat to entertain you
throughout her life, you should seriously think about whether a cat is
the pet for you. Kittens are very entertaining and young cats are
always curious and open for a challenge. However, older cats aren’t
easily excitable and usually prefer to watch the antics in the home
from a distance.
When you have made the decision to bring a new cat into your home, you
will have to decide between a domestic or purebred cat. If you choose
to go with a purebred cat, you can be guaranteed of size and
appearance, and possibly temperament. There are more than 40 breeds to
choose from, so do your homework. You will want to research the
grooming requirements of the breed you are considering, along with the
general disposition of the breed.
Domestic cats come in all colors and shapes. When you look at any cat,
there are some things you should consider. For instance, while all
cats are fairly in proportion to each other, there are some cats which
are more lanky and lean than others. These cats will be the ones who
may be more interested in running and exploration. The chunkier,
heavier cat will probably be more laid back and not get into too big a
hurry about anything. You have a choice between a domestic long hair
or domestic short hair cat.
When picking out your kitten, you should understand that kittens
should not have an odor. While puppies do tend to have a smell about
them, kittens do not. You should observe the entire litter of kittens.
Do any of them have crusty eyes or a runny nose? If so, you may want
to reconsider choosing a kitten from that litter. You certainly
shouldn’t take one home simply because you feel sorry for it, either.
Especially if you have other pets in your home. All of the kittens
should have bright and clear eyes and be very alert.
You should handle the kittens. Their fur should be soft and silky, and
never stiff or dry. Likewise, their coat should not feel oily or
greasy. When you are petting the kitten, you should run your hands
along her skin to ensure she has no sores. When you are holding each
kitten, place them up to your face and nuzzle them. Listen for any
breathing noises. You should not hear any raspy or breathy breathing.
If you do, this is possibly a signal that the kitten has a respitory
infection.
After visiting with the kittens, instinct will usually dictate to you
which kitten is your match. You may feel the rowdy, rambunctious
kitten will fit the best into your lively home. Or, you may decide the
laid back kitten is more your speed, especially if you have a quiet
home. Once you have made your decision and chosen your kitten, you
should have a kennel waiting for travel. You should never try to ride
in a car with a cat unless they are restrained or in a kennel. While
most dogs love car rides, cats tend to scare. They can cower under
your feet and this can lead to a wreck.
When you bring your new kitten into your home, you should immediately
show her where the litter box, food and water are located. You should
also have a supply of cat toys on hand to distract the cat from
missing her mom and litter mates. While this cannot entirely be
avoided, lavishing attention on a new kitten will do wonders in the
transition to her new family.
You should expect your new kitten to explore every nook and cranny in
the home. This is a necessary part of a kitten’s disposition. (Even
older cats seem to perk up when a new piece of furniture is brought
into a home they have lived in for years.) You will want to kitten
proof your home. You should keep the lids down on the toilet, and you
may want to remove potted plants and the like until your cat learns
the rules.
Cats are social creatures, and they can learn the rules of their new
environment with consistency. While you may think they do not
understand what you are saying, this is not true. If you have a new
kitten who wants to walk across the kitchen counter or dining room
table, simply rattling a newspaper at her and saying “down” will teach
her to stay off. With time you will be able to put the newspaper away
and simply speak the command.
Kittens can add joy to any home. Part of the fun is knowing the kitten
is oblivious to the fact that she is the center of attention. She is
not trying to gain your attention by performing. She is simply being a
cat. You should also not be upset if your kitten is not interested in
being a lap cat. While she may be content for a few moments on your
lap, kittens have to roam, play and explore. As your cat matures she
will be more inclined to take it easy curled up on your lap. Until
then, just make her feel loved and you will have a feline that will
adore you and her new home.
Copyright © 2005, Ian White
About the Author: Author
Ian White is founder of cat-breeders.biz Those seeking kittens can
locate and match with appropriate breeders. Cat-Breeders.biz automates
the matching of kittens for sale with kitten wanted entries, with
daily email notifications to all parties.
http://www.cat-breeders.biz
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