Cats Make Great Pets If You Understand Them

Pets If You Understand Them
By: Ian White

Anyone wanting a new kitten should be a cat lover. Lets face it, folks,
cats are just different from dogs. Cats do not usually perform any special tricks, and they certainly do not guard your possessions while you are away. In fact, the only thing you can be guaranteed of by having a cat is that a mouse wont last long if they creep into your home.

Cats are loved by many because of their independence. Cats have a life, so to
speak. Most cats do not follow you around the home with their tongues hanging
out of their mouths waiting on your attention. While they do love their owners
fiercely, cats will not grovel like a dog and worship and fawn over their
owners. Cats are perfectly content simply being themselves and they do not
seem to need constant reassurance, unlike canines.

This does not mean cats do not need love and affection, it simply means cats
are not fragile characters. In fact, cats exude a self assurance which can
often be misunderstood as aloofness or coldness. Yet, cats are far from aloof
or unfeeling. They feel deeply and love deeply. If a cat comes to sit on your
lap, you know you are truly loved.

Anytime the family thinks about bringing a new pet into the home, it is
exciting. Cats are a favorite of many because as kittens they are so
entertaining to watch. Cats have a mind all of their own and only a true cat
lover can even claim to understand the psyche of a feline. Cats are mysterious
animals, which is part of the draw to them. While cats have been brought into
the home, their instincts still remain. Cats adopt their owners and will even
go out and provide dinner. Many cat owners have stepped out on the stoop to
find a dead mouse, opossum, or mole waiting for them. Now, that is love and
loyalty!

If you are planning to bring a cat into your home, you should look at it as a
life long commitment. Cats can live fifteen years and beyond. You should also
understand that as cats mature, they will often sleep and laze around the home.
If you are wanting a cat to entertain you throughout her life, you should
seriously think about whether a cat is the pet for you. Kittens are very
entertaining and young cats are always curious and open for a challenge.
However, older cats arent easily excitable and usually prefer to watch the
antics in the home from a distance.

When you have made the decision to bring a new cat into your home, you will
have to decide between a domestic or purebred cat. If you choose to go with a
purebred cat, you can be guaranteed of size and appearance, and possibly
temperament. There are more than 40 breeds to choose from, so do your homework.
You will want to research the grooming requirements of the breed you are
considering, along with the general disposition of the breed.

Domestic cats come in all colors and shapes. When you look at any cat, there
are some things you should consider. For instance, while all cats are fairly in
proportion to each other, there are some cats which are more lanky and lean
than others. These cats will be the ones who may be more interested in running
and exploration. The chunkier, heavier cat will probably be more laid back and
not get into too big a hurry about anything. You have a choice between a
domestic long hair or domestic short hair cat.

When picking out your kitten, you should understand that kittens should not
have an odor. While puppies do tend to have a smell about them, kittens do not.
You should observe the entire litter of kittens. Do any of them have crusty
eyes or a runny nose? If so, you may want to reconsider choosing a kitten from
that litter. You certainly shouldnt take one home simply because you feel
sorry for it, either. Especially if you have other pets in your home. All of
the kittens should have bright and clear eyes and be very alert.

You should handle the kittens. Their fur should be soft and silky, and never
stiff or dry. Likewise, their coat should not feel oily or greasy. When you are
petting the kitten, you should run your hands along her skin to ensure she has
no sores. When you are holding each kitten, place them up to your face and
nuzzle them. Listen for any breathing noises. You should not hear any raspy or
breathy breathing. If you do, this is possibly a signal that the kitten has a
respitory infection.

After visiting with the kittens, instinct will usually dictate to you which
kitten is your match. You may feel the rowdy, rambunctious kitten will fit the
best into your lively home. Or, you may decide the laid back kitten is more
your speed, especially if you have a quiet home. Once you have made your
decision and chosen your kitten, you should have a kennel waiting for travel.
You should never try to ride in a car with a cat unless they are restrained or
in a kennel. While most dogs love car rides, cats tend to scare. They can cower
under your feet and this can lead to a wreck.

When you bring your new kitten into your home, you should immediately show her
where the litter box, food and water are located. You should also have a supply
of cat toys on hand to distract the cat from missing her mom and litter mates.
While this cannot entirely be avoided, lavishing attention on a new kitten will
do wonders in the transition to her new family.

You should expect your new kitten to explore every nook and cranny in the home.
This is a necessary part of a kittens disposition. Even older cats seem to
perk up when a new piece of furniture is brought into a home they have lived in
for years. You will want to kitten proof your home. You should keep the lids
down on the toilet, and you may want to remove potted plants and the like until
your cat learns the rules.

Cats are social creatures, and they can learn the rules of their new
environment with consistency. While you may think they do not understand what
you are saying, this is not true. If you have a new kitten who wants to walk
across the kitchen counter or dining room table, simply rattling a newspaper at
her and saying down will teach her to stay off. With time you will be able to
put the newspaper away and simply speak the command.

Kittens can add joy to any home. Part of the fun is knowing the kitten is
oblivious to the fact that she is the center of attention. She is not trying to
gain your attention by performing. She is simply being a cat. You should also
not be upset if your kitten is not interested in being a lap cat. While she may
be content for a few moments on your lap, kittens have to roam, play and
explore. As your cat matures she will be more inclined to take it easy curled
up on your lap. Until then, just make her feel loved and you will have a feline
that will adore you and her new home.



Copyright © 2005, Ian White

About the Author

Author Ian White is founder of cat-breeders.biz Those seeking
kittens can locate and match with appropriate breeders. Cat-Breeders.biz
automates the matching of kittens for sale with kitten wanted entries, with
daily email notifications to all parties. http://www.cat-breeders.biz