How to select the purrfect for y0oh.
With more than 250 different breeds of cats to choose from ,pet owners will find it useful to get information from a variety of sources. Veterinarians are usually very willing to provide of input at that stage.
Choosing a purrsonality
When you are at the pet shelther stroll past a few cats, and you'll notice that some of the cats meow for attention and some simply lie back and let them gaze ar them with an air of superiority. There are many different types of personalities of cats as there are cats in the whole shelter. What kind of personality is best for you ? You have to decide.
But regardless of the cats personality, look for a cat who is playful, active, alert, and comfortable while being held and stroked. When at the shelter, ask a adoption counselor for some assistance when you wish to spend some time with the individual cats. Keep in mind that, because some cats don't know you or are in an unfamiliar environmeny, some cats who are usually quite social might get frightened or scared at the shelter.
A Kitten or A Cat?
As a rule, kittens are very curious, playful, and full of energy, while adult cats are more relaxed at less mischievous. Kittens also require time and feeding. Cats are only kittens for a couple of months, though, so at that age you adopt should really look at the level of maturity that you are looking for in a cat. Young children usually don't have the maturity to handle a kittens responsibility, so a cat who is at least it is four months old and is probably the best choice for homes with young kids.
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Cats make wonderful pets and most will 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.
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, availability, and your willingness to devote time to
regular grooming. You'll see more short-haired cats at the shelter since
they're the most popular and common cats. Keep in mind that long-haired cats
require frequent grooming to be mat-free. Felines with short coats also
require brushing, though less frequently. 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. You can do this effectively by isolating your new feline in a room of his own for a while—something that's a good idea for a new cat anyway.
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
Finally, 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.
