Pet Topics

In some ways cats are easier to care for than dogs. Obviously they don’t need to be taken for walks or let outside during the day, since they use a litter box.

If you have a dog and want to go away for the weekend you need to get someone to come over to give him food and water. With a cat, you simply leave enough food and water for the cat and he will do fine for 2-3 days.

Are You Allergic to Cats

If you have decided to get a kitten, there are a few things you need to consider before brining one home. First, be sure you are not allergic to cats. The main reason that people have to find their cats new homes is that they are allergic to cats.

If you’ve never spent much time around cats, be sure you can spend a few hours in a home with cats without developing an allergy attack.

It is also important to check with friends and family to be sure none of them are highly allergic. It would be sad to get a cat and then find out that you have friends or relatives who will no longer be able to come over to visit you because they cannot be around any cat.

Do You Have the Time for a Cat

Next, you may want to consider your lifestyle. Although most cats need less interaction than dogs, your cat can still become lonely and bored if left alone all day.

A bored cat is often a bad cat. If you work long hours, consider getting two kittens so that they can keep each other company. We took in a brother and his two sisters, and they have a great time together.

Don’t forget to take a look at your home and be sure you can fit in a cat and all of his accessories. Cats need litter boxes, food dishes, toys, and a scratching post. If you have little children, the litter box will need to be placed in a place that your children can’t get to but that your cat can access easily.

Should You Get a Kitten or Cat

Once you decide that a cat will fit into your household, you will need to decide whether you want a kitten or an older cat. Most people take one look at that cute, fluffy kitten and fall in love. But sometimes it’s better to get an older cat.

Since kittens have not developed bad habits, a kitten is the perfect choice for people who have time to litter box train their new pet. Most kittens have not yet been altered or declawed and must receive a series of immunizations to protect them from infectious cat diseases.

Older cats are a good choice for people who want a slightly less energetic pet and do not have time to train their cats to use the litter box. Most older pet cats have already been altered, and some have already been declawed.

Where to Get a Kitten or Cat

Now that you know whether you want a cat or a kitten, you will need to find out where to buy your new cat. If you just want a great pet and aren’t concerned with owning a specific breed, the best place to look is your local humane society or animal rescue. These organizations are usually overrun with healthy, sweet cats and kittens.

If you are looking for a specific cat breed instead, a cat show can be a wonderful resource. Many exhibitors bring along a few kittens that are for sale. Even if you can’t find kittens of the breed you are looking for at the show, you can ask exhibitors to place you on a waiting list for one of their kittens.

Once you bring your new pet home, don’t be surprised if your cat takes several days to settle in. To help your cat adjust quickly, be sure you have a bed, litter box, food and water dishes set up in permanent spots.

Let your new cat or kitten have time to get used to the family and any other pets. They are curious creatures and will eventually inspect every inch of their new home. They will quickly fit in and feel like one of the family.

Here’s a great video about kittens. Lots of great pictures as well as some basic things about kitten care and where to get a kitten or cat. If you belong to YouTube, please vote five stars for it with this link (to help get more people to watch it).