Should 2018 be the year to adopt or buy a cat there are lots of options to choose from. Let’s discuss a few of these options and see what fits your life style. It is necessary to mention that when you bring a kitty into your home it then becomes a family member. They deserve all the necessities of life including food, shelter and health care. How long is Cat Care? It’s forever and with that the decision should be a family decision and what a perfect time to teach children respect for animals and nature.
The Cat For You In 2018
The cat for you if you have never owned a cat before is the one that picks you. Of my seven cats 4 have been rescued from outside as kittens. My big ginger boy Tenzin came from a shelter. Lacy came from a friend and Grandma Lexi came free from Kijiji.
Lexi has picked my son as her boy. She goes to him to sit and be groomed. That is how a cat picks you. When you go to the shelter you will find a cat that will be attracted to you. This is a good candidate for your home.
Kittens will adjust well to a new environment and new people. Some older cats need time to adjust and will need their space until they are ready to be comfortable in their new home.
Preparing your home for a new cat is not that much different that preparing for a baby human. I would like to direct you to my Maintaing Your Cat page for more information. A good read is my post Toxic Plants For Cats. This is required reading as a toxic plant can kill your cat in 24 hours.
Required Equipment
Before you bring your new kitty home a few required items will make your transition easier. You will need a litter box. I recommend an open box so that you will monitor the box and clean it frequently. We are using both clay and pine litter. Both are good options. The pine has a lot less product dragged outside the box, however not all the cats like it. I have never had to litter train any of my seven cats. They all used the box immediately. The only thing I did was put them in it once so the would know where it was.
A cat bed is a good idea and maybe one with a top on it so the new kitty can hide if necessary. A cat tree is a necessary part of having a cat. It will give your cat a place to scratch, play and sleep. It will save your furniture. My Cat Care Products page has lots of cat care ideas for you.
This Armarkat Cat tree is the item I have. It is a great product and has lasted very well.
Please click on the picture to shop the Amazon catalogue and to view this item.
If You Have Owned A Cat Before
This discussion opens a lot of possibilities for an experienced cat owner. I also think that first time cat owners can benefit from this, its just might not be the right fit for the unsuspecting potential cat owner.
Senior Cats
This demographic can easily get overlooked when people are cat browsing. Senior cats can through no fault of their own can be in need of a loving and secure home. The shelter can be a terrifying place when a kitty has been used to a safe and secure home. The older cats may need a lot of time to socialize in a new home and may not have much patience for other cats or rough handling.
I really believe that senior cats need a chance to retire in comfort and peace. They will eventually socialize and can be as loving as any other cat. It is just necessary to be patient and give them space.
Handicapped Cats
This groups of cats include the kitties with missing legs, eyes or some medical issue. These kitties get left behind and are not likely to leave some shelters. Please give these cats a chance. The handicapped capped cat does not know their are handicapped. They will play, cuddle and be as much a part of the family as any other cat.
FIV Cats
Feline FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) cats are fine to adopt and will live out their lives as long as any other cats. FIV cats are not a threat to humans and there is minimal chance of transmission to other cats unless there are open wounds or blood. It can not be transmitted through water or food bowls. I have a friend that has a rescue FIV cat and is living peacefully with several other cats. I encourage you to read my post on Feline FIV.
Bonded Pairs
I have seen recently where bonded pairs where separated at the shelter. The happy part of the story is that the new owner went back to get the other pair as the first kitty was lost without their soul mate. Yes, cats have feelings and form bonds. What greater privilege than one cat is to have two! My two kittens Ariel and Esther where rescued and raised together. They would definitely miss each other.
Rescue Your Own Cat
My friend Janet just rescued a feral female and within the week the mummy cat had four fabulous kittens. The mum had to be live trapped and is now in isolation until the vet visit. The kittens will be raised and at the appropriate time have their vaccinations, spay or neutering and then be put up for adoption. The mum will be spayed and that will be her last litter of kittens. She will then live out her life as a house cat.
I have been promoting cat rescues. There is nothing greater than saving a life and giving a cat a home. I have rescued cats of every age from kittens to seniors. I have never had the opportunity to rescue a FIV or handicapped cat, but I would if necessary. This does not mean that buying an expensive purebred cat is wrong. I would love to own a Maine Coon, American Bobtail or Ragdoll. These cats are wonderful and if they have a good home that’s just fine. Watch the shelters web pages for your desired breed of cat.
There Is No Such Thing As Just A Cat
What magnificence is the cat! All cats are special and deserve good homes. It’s people that are irresponsible and don’t provide the care and thought necessary to control cat populations. Animal abuse is a result of considering things more important that the living things of the earth. Some people should not have pets to look after especially if they are considered a disposable item to be dumped in the country to fend for themselves.
I am grateful to the veterinarians, rescuers, shelters that look to find homes and everyone that will take the time out of their lives to rescue a cat.
It is not just about cats, dogs, horses, birds and reptiles have all been dumped and abused. How long is animal care? It’s FOREVER.
Remember your pets in your will. Be sure that your family members have options should they ever be left alone. It’s heart breaking when your cat ends up in the shelter because there was no one to take them over.
That’s my story for today. Please check my Cat Care Products page for all your cat care needs. Now hug a kitty and do something green for the environment.
Trevor
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