What you should know about selecting a cat?

What is special about cats?
Cats make wonderful companions. Their entertaining antics and affectionate behaviors have endeared these animals to millions of owners for thousands of years. Easily house trained and relatively low maintenance, cats make good indoor pets and most will readily adapt to a variety of environments.

What choices do you have in cats?
Purebred and mixed breed cats come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, personalities and hair coats. Pure bred cats have been selectively bred to enhance certain characteristics that some owners find desirable. Cat fancy magazine, cat shows and veterinarians are good sources of information regarding the physical characteristics, personalities and needs of breeds.

What are the special needs of cats?
Feeding, exercise, play and elimination are daily needs that must be met if you want a healthy, happy cat. Some pure bred and mixed breed cats have long hair that requires daily grooming to prevent matting and skin irritation. If you are not prepared to provide daily grooming consider a short haired cat that can take care of its own grooming needs. To reduce the risk of injury and disease cats should be kept indoors. A cat’s litter box must be kept very clean so that the cat continues to use it. If there is multiple cats in the household then multiple litter boxes should be available in several locations

Should you get a kitten or an adult cat?
Kittens require additional time for litter box training and socialization, as well as frequent feedings and supervision. If you can’t make this commitment, consider purchasing or adopting an adult cat that is most likely litter trained and will adapt well to a new home.

Where can you get a cat?
Purebred kittens and cats can be purchased from reputable breeders. Both mixed breed and pure bred kittens and cat’s can be adopted from shelters and rescue organizations. If you obtain your cat from a shelter, discuss with the shelter personnel what they have observed about the cats personality and try to learn why the cat was given up. Some kitten and cats are in shelters because of family lifestyle changes (e.g. moving, new baby), but others are given up due to chronic health or behavioral conditions that you might not want to manage.

What should you look for in a healthy cat?
A healthy kitten or cat has clear, bright eyes and a clean, shiny hair coat. It should not appear thin, overly fat, or show signs of illness, such as nasal discharge or diarrhea.

When choosing a cat, pick one that is active, inquisitive and seeks affection and attention from people. Sometimes cats are uncomfortable in noisy or unfamiliar environments, so keep that in mind during your evaluation.  An adult cat should allow handling and petting without hissing or scratching. A kitten should purr and be relaxed when picked up and handled. The best age to obtain a kitten is between 9-10 weeks of age. Your veterinarian can also provide information about the health conditions and behaviors that may be common in a particular breed you are considering.

What must you do to prepare for your cat?
Before bringing your new cat home, prepare places for it to eat, sleep and eliminate. Purchase necessary accessories such as toys, litter box, litter, food and water bowls. Pet proof your home by keeping toxic chemicals and plants out of reach and make sure the windows are securely screened when opened so that your cat cannot escape. Be sure to provide appropriate scratching materials such as a scratching post, so your cat can stretch and sharpen its claws without damaging your furniture.

To ensure they live long, healthy lives, cats require regular veterinary medical check ups. Ask your veterinarian about a vaccination program and preventive medical care appropriate for your cat’s lifestyle and to protect against disease risks in your area. Your veterinarian can also help you to learn how to detect subtle signs of illness, since cats are good at concealing when they do not feel well.

When you acquire a pet, you are making a promise to accept responsibility for the health and welfare of another living creature for its lifetime. You also agree to be responsible for your pets impact on your family, friends and community. Choose your pet wisely, keep your promise, and enjoy one of life’s most rewarding experiences!

If you have additional questions about acquiring a cat as a pet, contact Ark and we will be happy to provide additional guidance.

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