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Are you thinking of making an addition to the family? If a feline friend is pulling at your heartstrings, there are some things you should consider before jumping in, especially if you’re a first-time pet owner. Do some much-needed preparation to ensure you and your household are ready.
When selecting a cat, you should choose one who will fit well with your household. Think through what your home is like and what will work well. Do you have enough room for a cat? While cats are usually content in relatively small areas, you still need space for feeding, litter boxes, toys, beds, scratching posts, and play areas. Is your setup safe, or do you need to make changes to accommodate a cat? You may need to do some pet-proofing before you can bring home your new addition. For instance, if you have a prized collection of houseplants, you may need to determine if some of those are poisonous to cats. Cats are also notorious for knocking things off shelves, so consider where you store your breakables. Also, does anyone in your household have allergies? While there are some hypoallergenic cat breeds, they are a little more difficult to locate in your local shelter.
Consider the various aspects of cats and cat ownership. While there are basics that apply to all cats -- like emptying litter boxes, feeding, and veterinary care -- there are some facets that belong to particular breeds, ages, and backgrounds. For instance, as Merck Veterinary Manual explains, male cats who are neutered at an older stage in life may still spray urine, which is a territorial behavior normally associated with unneutered males. Kittens are adorable, but they may get into things more than older cats, due to their curious nature. Adult cats are typically less active, less destructive, and are less challenging to tend to.
Another advantage of adopting an adult cat is the animal’s behavioral traits and personalities are established. You can talk with the individual caring for the animal to find out if a particular cat will be a good match for your lifestyle. There is substantial variance in how cats behave; some cats are playful, some quiet and cuddly, some “talk” a lot, some are standoffish, and everything in between. You can use a cat breed selector to give you an idea of how purebred animals differ. Cats aren’t like dogs, and personality characteristics tend to be much more individualized.
Buy all the basic cat necessities before bringing your pet home. You should have a cat carrier, litter, a litter box, food, bowls, cat beds, a scratching post, toys, a collar, and an identification tag. Be prepared to clean up after your new pet and have your supplies ready. For example, purchasing a quality vacuum cleaner can help you get rid of pet hair and dander efficiently. If someone in your home is allergic to cats, a good vacuum can also reduce allergens. Check out reviews to identify the best vacuum for your home and your pets, and remember that certain vacuums were designed specifically to handle pet hair. Also, you should have on hand an appropriate cleanser for vomit and potty accidents, just in case.
Once you select your new feline friend, you’ll be excited to bring them home and become acquainted. It’s important to understand that your cat may need time to adjust to their new surroundings, and rescue pets can be particularly afraid or anxious at first. As Petfinderexplains, your cat can feel very vulnerable being in a whole new place and may hide. Some cats virtually disappear for a while, especially if they haven’t been socialized properly. You might offer your cat a cardboard box turned upside-down to hide in, especially during the period of adjustment. Be patient with your new friend, and let them come to you.
Cats can be wonderful companion animals. If you’ve never had a pet before, adding a cat to your life is a big decision. Be sure to choose the right cat for you and prepare properly. You and your cat will be fast friends in no time!
By Jessica Brody, Kitty Kasa guest blogger:
Jessica is a dog lover and creator of OurBestFriends.pet. She created the site to offer a place for animal lovers to share their favorite pet photos and stories about their furry pals. Jessica believes dogs are the best creatures on earth. She enjoys writing about and sharing photos of dogs (and other pets!) on her website.