What Should I Consider When Looking For A Pet Cat?

So, you are considering getting a pet cat. Join the millions of other cat-loving humans worldwide who adore and cherish their wonderful feline companions. Domestic cats all have their own distinct, different personalities and can be a constant source of delight and amusement. While caring for cats as companion animals can be traced back as far as 4,000 years ago to Ancient Egypt.

Adopting Or Buying?

Have you considered adopting a cat rather than buying one? Many have been very pleasantly surprised at how fulfilling and comfortable this process can be, providing you adopt from a responsible animal shelter or a pet adoption organization. You may even be able to pick up an abandoned pedigree cat, such as a Persian or Siamese.

Unfortunately, for various reasons, some owners decide they can no longer look after their pets and their animals get surrendered to animal shelters. You can even pick up stray cats from the streets, scared, underfed, and frightened.

If you can find a pedigree cat, adopting is usually considerably cheaper than buying from a pet store or a private breeder or owner. Once your adopted cat has gotten used to you and is over their shyness and scaredness, your new feline buddy will be forever grateful to you for rescuing them. Try to find out as much about the cat’s background as possible before you take them home.

Be Cautious With Cat Breeders

If you decide to buy a cat, ensure it comes from an ethical, reputable breeder. Do your research, and see if the breeder you have chosen has recommendations and references or maybe a website. A registered breeder would be preferable.

Avoid “bedroom breeders” who wish to make money out of breeding pedigree cats and tend to ignore the mother cat’s welfare. You should not remove a kitten from its mom until it is around 8 to 10 weeks of age.

Before you buy from a breeder, make sure you see the kittens interacting with the mother and the type of setup the breeder has. What is their attitude towards cats? How are the cats housed and treated?

Which Cat Breed?

It is advisable to investigate different breeds of cats before taking one home. For example, Siamese are known for their talkativeness, while British Shorthairs are highly independent and don’t always enjoy cuddles.

Long-haired cats require more regular grooming than short-haired ones do. Ragdolls are known for being hugely affectionate and will follow their owner around, begging for attention.

How about a black cat? In many countries, black cats are lucky charms. In Asia and Europe, especially black cats are considered to bring good fortune to their owners. Despite having a black-coloured coat, black cats need as much love and attention as any other domestic feline.

An Adult Cat Or A Kitten?

Older cats can be a boon for those who don’t need the liveliness of a kitten to keep them on their toes. Maybe you have to go out to work every day and can’t spend that much time with a cat? Adopting or buying an adult cat could be for you since grown-up cats are relatively low maintenance and usually very independent, as long as they have their food, a clean litter tray, and freshwater.

Adult cats may be more suitable for families with older children since young adults or teenagers may not always have the time, energy, or patience to deal with kittens.

A sweet-natured, stable older cat may be ideal for an older person or someone who lives alone. They will provide company, a friendly face to talk to, a lovely soft, fluffy bundle to stroke, and will meow back at you. They will often be happy to cuddle up to you on the sofa or chair, depending on their personality. It is well-known that cat owners suffer less hypertension (high blood pressure) and stress than non-cat owners and are even one-third less prone to heart attacks and strokes!

Female cats are usually spayed (neutered) in the shelter. If you adopt a male cat, you should check if somebody previously neutered them. Un-neutered males can have complicated behaviour patterns, such as excessive yowling and aggression. Neutering cats reduces the risk of infection and disease.

Are you considering adopting or buying a kitten? Kittens are cute, for sure. However, adopting or buying a kitten comes with its challenges. For example, kittens will climb up or onto anything they can. They can scratch furniture, rugs, and mattresses, and chew on anything they fancy (such as headphones, paper bags, and iPhone charging leads!). They also tend to need more attention than adult cats and are more vocal.

What Equipment Is Required?

Cats don’t need such a lot of equipment. By the time you take your new cat home, you will need to have already purchased essential equipment such as a litter tray (one per cat is advisable), toys, water bowl, food (suitable for your cat’s age group and your budget) and a bed to sleep.

Though, any location with a soft blanket or cushions that the cat can regard as their territory is suitable

Cat scratch posts can be useful, but not all cats will use them. Another good idea is a high cat perch as cats love to be up there, watching activity.

Cats are relatively easy and cheap to feed. Cat kibble costs from approximately $0.75 for supermarket-type food up to $6 for luxury brands per day. Most cats don’t tend to be that fussy regarding flavours, but they may prefer specific brands or tastes.

Suitable toys include anything with feathers or soft textiles which they can chase on a stick or string and battery-operated toys they can catch (for example, a mouse that goes round and round in a plastic frame). Also, most cats and kittens enjoy laser lights, which they can chase.

Indoors Or Outdoors? Your Cat’s New Environment

Most vets recommend keeping your cat inside the house. Being outside exposes your kitty to germs and disease, as well as other marauding cats, dogs, or animals. Keep your cat inside as much as possible. Don’t worry; they’ll find things to amuse themselves. You don’t need to buy expensive toys for your cat.

Your cat should get used to their litter tray almost immediately upon arrival in your home, without training. The best form of litter to use is clumping litter, which makes a tray easier to clean. Trays should be kept as clean as possible as cats are sensitive to smells and may avoid a dirty litter tray. Also, keep the tray away from their food.

Some cats use scratching posts; if they do, that’s great. A cat’s claws may need to be trimmed regularly. However, they may well use your furniture or carpet as scratching materials. Something to keep in mind if you have beautiful antique rugs or a luxury leather sofa. Keep-off sprays could help, but they are not guaranteed to be 100 per cent effective at keeping your cat away from where you don’t want them to go.

All cat owners understand very quickly; once you let a cat into your home and your life, they are in charge, not you!

A Lifetime Commitment

Are you at a relatively stable point in your life? The average life expectancy for an indoor cat is between 10 to 15 years.

You may have an imminent, significant change of circumstances, such as moving abroad, a change in cohabitation circumstances, or another major upheaval. Is it fair to get a cat? Cats value and appreciate stability and routine.

If you move to a different country, you will have to make careful plans to ensure that the new country will accept your cat and what is necessary for your cat’s relocation.

Conclusion

What should you consider when looking for a pet cat? There are pros and cons to accepting a cat into your home and your life. It would be best to decide whether or not to take on a cat arbitrarily or lightly.

It’s a long-term commitment, even if cats do not live as long as some other animals. Talk to other cat owners, see how they manage their moggie. Do your research. Many websites and videos are available to help you decide what to consider when looking for a pet cat.

Taking in a cat requires a change in habit, a new responsibility, expense, and effort. You must remain calm even when your new kitten is chewing up your slippers, climbing furniture, or even your ankles.

However, the rewards of having a feline companion in your life are unsurpassable. Cats can bring immeasurable joy and unconditional love to any household, providing great affection, love, and endless amusing antics for their human buddies.