If you are considering obtaining a
new pet, there are some things to consider.
Especially if you are a first time pet owner or a new feline fanatic!
Where do you
start and what can you expect? This is just a short window into the topic
to get
you thinking about a few things related to obtaining your new companion.
Kittens are little bundles of energy. They also are full of mischief! If
you are not
around much or don’t want to deal with kitten proofing your home or
dealing with
being climbed as if you were live surrogate tree, you might want to
consider
adopting an older animal or kitten.
A LIFETIME COMPANION
Cats can live beyond twenty years of age. So, when considering a pet you
must
keep in mind that this is a lifelong commitment. The animal should be
brought into
your home to be part of the family for life. There are thousands of
animals that end
up in animal shelters, control agencies, or worse due to this lack of
pre-planning.
SELECTION
When searching for a kitten, or a cat, look for personality rather than
appearance.
There are long haired, medium haired and short haired animals in a variety
of colors
and temperaments. A beautiful animal with a horrid disposition will not
make you
happy!
Animals with long coats will require grooming. If you neglect this simple
task you will
find yourself with a matted mess and skin irritations or problems. Some
cat breeds
are more vocal than others, while others have a reputation to being active
and curious
--getting into everything! There are a few that are more on the quiet
side. Finding the
right cat will take some research.
RESOURCES
Finding out about pet parenthood can include trips to the library,
research into
breeds from some of the cat associations, and humane or rescue
organizations.
Use caution in your search and consider the source carefully. Some people
will
have an interest in selling you an animal rather than the right pet for
your home.
Good sources will help you make a proper selection for your lifestyle and
needs.
Often, top breeders will ask you more questions about you than you do
about the
breed!
WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME?
Check your schedule so you can plan to have time to spend with your new
pet
and helping them in the transition to your home and family. Most kittens
ideally
will be placed once they are completely weaned and around seven to eight
weeks
of age. Oriental breeds, from a behavioral perspective, are better off
going to a new
home later--around ten weeks of age.
PET NEEDS
Your pet will need more than just food and water. Your critter will need
quality
attention and concentrated activity. Make sure you have bowls for food and
water,
a bed (or rather your bed!), toys, more toys, and more toys, grooming
combs, a
scratching post or two, climbing trees, litterbox, litter, and assorted
tools, and
lots of love!
KITTEN PROOFING
Kittens will get into everything and anything! Curtains, furniture, your
pants legs,
and a variety of other items are fine amusement for your kitten! Remember
to
redirect their activity into appropriate play and climbing instead! The
sooner you
do this, the easier your life will be!
Care should be used with appliances
(washers, dryers, refrigerators) so your kitten
doesn’t get trapped in them. Window screens should be secure, and
electrical cords,
plants and various related items should be either moved out of reach, or
the should be
kitten closely monitored when having the run of the house. In many cases,
a kitten
can have their own playroom to keep them out of trouble while you are
away.
Removing risk items when you are not around and then teaching a kitten the
human
definition of "right" from "wrong" while you are
monitoring them is recommended.
NEUTERING
Neutering your cat is important. Cats can come into "heat"
several times a year.
They will yowl and carry on quite loudly. Often, marking and other
types of
territorial behavior will occur in animals who are intact....and their
visitors. By
neutering your pet, the loss of hormonal surges related to heat and
breeding and
related behavior will be eliminated. Also, your prevent the contribution
to the pet
overpopulation problem--it only takes one accident. Remember that
thousands
of animals die in shelters every year because of unspayed and unneutered
animals.
INSIDE OR OUT
Please read my article on this topic. I cannot stress the importance of
having an
animal kept in a safe home rather than roaming the streets. Disease
transmission,
predators, risk and a variety of other considerations prompt me to urge
you to keep
your pet indoors. Cat condos and aviaries are nice, safe alternatives.
HEALTH CARE
Proper diet and health care are important for your pet. I urge you to
consider a natural
diet and go through the training to feed it. It may be nice to find a
veterinarian who is a
cat specialist or deals with a large number of felines. Doing these things
will give you
piece of mind and a happy healthy companion.
ENJOY!!! There is nothing that can compare to having a wonderful animal
companion. If you
take the time to select and choose carefully you will have a lifetime of
fun and love
with your furry friend!
