Before adopting a cat or kitten into your household, please consider the following questions:
Is the timing right? Think about where your life is headed and how your lifestyle might effect your pet. Keep in mind, many landlords do not welcome pets, which limits your housing choices if you move to a rented home. If you travel often, you must think about who will care for your pet.
How many hours do you spend away from home? Many healthy adult cats can thrive in a busy, working household and are not terribly put out by the occasional weekend on their own, but it's not a good idea to leave any cat for twelve or more hours on a daily basis. The less companionship you provide for your cat, the less companionable it will be. When choosing a cat for a working household, keep in mind that kittens under four months of age should never be left alone for more than 4 hours at a time. Adolescent cats (6 -18 months) need more attention during the day than adult cats or else they will be more active at night when you are trying to sleep.
Do you tavel often? Most cats hate to travel, so you will have to hire a cat sitter when you plan to be away. Cats left alone for long periods of time can get lonely, and those with fastidious litter box habits may begin to eliminate elsewhere when the box becomes more soiled than usual.
Do you have children? Most cats get along well with children, especially if they are introduced to them as kittens. Some cats only accept children in their own household, while other cats are uncomfortable around any child the age of 7 or so.
Do you have other pets? Cats that have been exposed to dogs earlier in life are more likely to accept canine housemates than cats that have never lived with a dog. Smaller pets- quinea pigs, birds, rabbits, mice, fish-must be kept in a safe, enclosed enviroment. Cats are predatory by nature, so if you allow small animals to run free in your home, expect your cat to pursue them.
Can you afford a cat? Your relationship with your cat may last for 20 years - and you're the one footing the bill. After you adopt a cat, you'll need to purchase basic household equiptment, such as grooming tools, litter boxes, a cat carrier, and scratch posts. On a regular basis, you'll have to pay for food, litter, and veterinary care, including neutering/spay (a one time expense), routine examinations, vaccinations, dental care, and treatment for sickness or injury.
Are any members of your household allergic to cats? Unfortunately, some people just can't live in a home with a cat. It's unfair to the person with allergies and to the cat to initiate a relationship that will be cut short. You should make every effort before you decide to adopt a cat to be sure that no one in your household is allergic. Everyone should spend time handling the cat you have chosen in the enviroment in which it has been living.
Are you prepared for the mess? If you have a cat, you will have cat hair on your clothes and furniture. Virtually, all cats shed to some degree, although the Cornish Rex sheds relatively little and the hairless Sphinx does not shed but can leave oily spots on the furniture. Longhaired cats leave more hair about than shorthair cats. By brushing your cat regularly, you can minimize the amount of hair that ends up in your home - or that your cat spits up in hairballs. Another mess to think about is the litter box. Cats can also cause minor damage by using furniture to give themselves manicures. You can limit this by keeping their nails blunt and providing suitable scratching posts.
Inside or Out?
The hazards of the outdoors - abusive people, automobiles, rival cats, dogs ( and other wild animals), poisonous plants, infectious diseases, and fleas to name a few - are compelling reasons to keep cats exclusively indoors. It is especially important to keep delcawed cats indoors, as they are poorly equipted to defend themselves or escape danger by climbing trees. Indoor cats are unquestionably safer and healthier than outdoor cats. They don't endanger birds and other wildlife or bring home fleas or dead animals, nor do they need frequent visits to the veterinarian to treat injuries sustained with rival cats.
If you want to allow outdoor cat excursions, let your cat out only where escape is impossible and other animals cannot intrude. Cat enclosures can be built or bought. Although few cats will accompany their owners in the same way a dog would, with a little patience most young cats can be trained to at least tolerate a harness to go for an occasional stroll.
To turn an outdoor cat into an indoor cat: Confine the cat to one room ( a bathroom is fine) with no absorbent surfaces except a litter box. Interact and play with the cat often. When he/she is using the box regularly, allow the cat some time out of the room with your supervision. When you are sure she will return to the box, give her more space, eventually allowing her to explore unsupervised. Provide access to sunny windowsills, play stalk-and-pounce games before meals, and watch carefully to be sure he/she doesn't dive for the door any time it's opened. Outdoor cats usually adapt to being indoor-cats within several weeks. Note: Always take a new found outdoor-cat to the vet as soon as possible, especially if other cats are present in the household.
