While cats make the perfect pet for some people, it’s not the best choice for others. So be sure that a cat is the right pet for you before getting one. It’s going to be a life-time experience. A cat is a not an ‘until you’re tired of‘-animal, it’s a ‘forever’-animal. Are you up for that?
Cats are dependant animals, they need you to get food, water and unconditional love and devotion. They also need medical attention, exercise, shelter and most important: Companionship.
Kitten or Adult?
A kitten is cute and hard to resist — I know! Kittens do need a lot of attention and will have to be house trained. On the other hand they adapt quickly to new things and surroundings. For many people, an adult cat would be a better choice. Especially if they work all day or don’t feel like constantly training a kitten.
Coat Length
A Persian cat needs daily brushing.
Short, long, medium, no hair? So many choices! Remember that long-haired cats need daily brushing to keep their fur from being matted. Cats with no hair needs to be bathed. You might want to start with the bathing sessions as early as possible!
Outside or Inside?
Many discussions can be held whether a cat needs to be inside or outside. In my opinion this depends on the cats and the neighborhood you live in. Do cars speed a lot in your street, or you live near a busy road? It’s better to keep them inside. If you live on the countryside, they may go outside if you like. Does your cat like going outside?
Litter Boxes
Not my favorite things in the house, but it needs to be cleaned or else Suki will poop next to it if I don’t scoop it out everyday or every other day. When you get a cat, know that you have to scoop and clean out litter boxes for at least 16 years.
Do You Want A Pet You Can Cuddle With?
Then cats would be a good option! But — I don’t want to ruin the mood — not all cats are big cuddle-monsters or lap-cats!
A Cat May Require More Space
If you don’t have a lot of space in your apartment, such as a litter box, sleeping places and a scratching post. I would try another and smaller animal.
You May Be The Perfect Owner If You…
- Believe caring for a pet for 15 to 18 years does not seem like a lifetime.
- Look forward to having your ankles rubbed by an affectionate, hairy animal.
- Don’t mind sharing your house with someone who sheds, tracks kitty litter and throws up hairballs.
- Don’t mind sharing your house with someone who will never clean up after him or herself.
- Love a housemate who will randomly and regularly entertain you with outrageous and silly antics (at his whim, not yours).
- Want to take care of someone every day.
- Like your lap warmed whenever you sit down.
- Would like to spend your extra money on pet food, toys, veterinary care, kitty litter and more kitty litter.
- Want to be welcomed with a soft purr of appreciation.
- Believe that spaying and neutering pets will help solve the pet overpopulation problem.
- Can’t imagine leaving your devoted pet behind when you move.
- Want to keep an ID tag on your pets, so they can always get back to you no matter what.
- Enjoy unconditional love and constant companionship.
- Believe that keeping your cat indoors is best for your pet’s well-being.
If you answered ‘yes’ to all of those questions: The shelter is full of cats and kittens!
Resource
americanhumane.org
Picture by fineartamerica.com.
Wat een handig artikel! Ik had op de meeste ‘ja’ hihi! (:
So when is it coming?
All my answers are “yes”, but I don’t agree with the last one. Cats love it to be outside. Yes, there can be a lot of fighting going on outside, but you can also limiting the cats until the garden, when you make a boundery. Bobo and his sister now have also a garden and I have never seen them happier before. So, “No” to the last question
I felt a bit 50/50 about the last. Decided to put it up anyway. But I think it depends on where you live and what your garden’s like.
Though I respect your opinion, I couldn’t find any good reasons to let cats outside. A safe enclosure is fine though, just no free roaming.
Though I considered explaining you why in this comment, I realize that would make for a very long. I might write a post on my own blog about this, if Dianda doesn’t beat me to it.
I think free roaming depends on where you live. Tho, I would personally keep my cats inside, if I’d live in the middle of nowhere on a countryside, why not?
Not sure, but I think I have already written about this a LONG time ago.
If you asked me if I preferred cats or dogs last year, I would have definitely said dogs! Now my answer is both! All it took was a purring kitten (or four) to change my mind.
I have two cats, but I grew up with both dogs and cats. Have to admit, I still love both!
I love dogs too, but if Dianda posted a list similar to the one above but about dogs, I’d answer many ‘no’ there. The question is to know both you and dogs to take the decision, which I did. I am a cat person.
The purr of a kitten is likely to turn any normal heart over, isn’t it?
Love the list at the end! That Persian’s face is priceless.
yea, I loved that picture!
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