A new family member: the Cat!

Cats are adorable animals and fantastic companions! They have a temperament that is at the same time independent and affectionate and they are also amongst the pets who better adapt themselves to the life indoors. They are the ideal pets for an apartment because they do not need daily “walkies” and although they appreciate being cuddled and stroked, they do not mind being alone during the day. If you live in the country, your home will be mice-free, for cats are, and will always be, innate hunters. Presently, however, most people decide on having a cat not because of his ability to hunt mice and other vermin but essentially because cats are endearing fellows.

Male or female?

Prior to decide on the sex of your cat you must take into consideration the differences in temperament and behaviour between males and females. Females are generally more docile and affectionate that the males. Male cats are naturally more independent and prone to fight for their territory. During the mating period males and females will also display different behaviours. Male cats will try to go outside and if they succeed they will roam through a great distance in search of a female. Most probably they will fail to come home for a few nights and will get involved in catfights. They also gave great disposition to spray all around him, furniture included, their spraying having a characteristic strong smell. Females become restless, meowing all the time and giving loud screams. And, of course, owners can be surprised with an unwelcome litter if they manage to escape outside. Prospective owners should consider having their cats neutered/spayed, unless they purchase a pedigreed cat for breeding. With castration both males and females become generally quieter and, often, establish a better relation with their human family.

A kitten or an adult cat?
 
Kittens need more care and attention than an adult cat. Extremely playful and curious, the kittens will have to be supervised all the time to avoid little accidents while they tear round the house, leaping, scratching and climbing. Kittens also require more time to litter box training and feeding and to learn out to use the cat flap to leave the house and return. On the other hand, it’s easier to train a kitten and introduce him to other household pets than an older cat that hasn’t been properly trained and socialized. However you must remember that either you decide for a kitten or for a cat you must provide them with a quiet place where they can adjust to their new home.

Short hair or long hair?

Short-haired coats are more common both in wild and domestic cats. Short-haired cats do not need  regular grooming, though requiring occasional brushing —  which, by the way, they enjoy — and are much easier to be taken care of. Their wounds can be easily treated and parasites, such as fleas, ticks and mosquitoes find a less agreeable environment. Also short-haired cats are generally more independent and active, hence more appropriate for families with very dynamic lives. On the other hand, the striking beauty of the long-haired cats, coupled with their docile personality, more than makes up for the effort of carrying out the daily grooming. Being extremely gentle, they simply adore being cuddled. Generally speaking long-haired cats are more suitable to live indoors than the majority of the short-hairs. Abyssinians and Somalis enjoy living outdoors and do not adapt very easily to apartment life.

A purebred or a non-pedigreed cat?

If your intention is to take your cat to cat shows, than you have to purchase a purebred animal. Again, think hard and choose wisely. Purebred cats are expensive. If you are buying a kitten, it isn’t only the price you will pay for the animal. You will have to put out quite a bit of money in the first few months with shots and checkups. Vet checkups will also be required throughout the animal’s life since Purebreds are often more sensitive to diseases and stress. Besides, they have to be fed a special diet to keep their coat in good conditions and grooming has sometimes to be done by a professional.
Other important aspects have to be taken into account like the need for the cat to possess the right genetic qualities and the fact that purebreds are attractive and easy items to steal.

If you are only looking for a pet you should decide for a non-purebred. They come in a large huge of varieties and make as excellent companions as pedigreed cats.