EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HOW TO CARE FOR A CAT OR KITTEN

Index of Articles on Care of Cats and Kittens.

COLLARS

BATHING

GROWTH

BEDS

FEEDERS

FLEAS

GROOMING

HAIRBALLS

HEALTH

SCRATCHING

ALLERGIES IN CATS

VACCINATIONS

FEEDING

LITTER BOX

MORE THAN ONE

NEUTERING

TRAINING

BREEDS OF CATS

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Complete Cat Training

CAT HEALTH BOOK

Everything you need to know about getting a cat.

So, now you've decided that you really want to have a pet cat. Well, before you shop for your next, or first, cat or kitten, you may need to consider a few important things. After all, finding out that a cat is just not for you after you've already grown attached to it can be heart breaking for you, and can result in a sad outcome for the cat as well.

Cats and Allegries

A quick note: You may have arrived at this page because you were seeking information on allergies in cats. If so, please click here for that information.

The main reason that most people have to find a new home for their cat is that they find they, or other family members, are allergic to cats. If you have never previously spent much time around cats, be sure that you can spend several hours in a home with cats without developing an allergy attack. Also, check friends and family to be sure none of them are highly allergic.

Next, you may want to take a look at your lifestyle and that of other family members. Although most cats will usually need less interaction than dogs, your cat can still become lonely and bored if left alone all day. A bored cat is often a bad cat...or a loud one. If you work long hours and are up to the task, you might consider getting two kittens so that they can keep each other company.

Don't forget to take a look around your home and be sure you can fit in a cat and all of his accessories. Cats need litter boxes, food dishes, toys, and a scratching post is a good idea if you value your furniture. Ask me to show you a picture of my father's chair. Oh well, we learned.

One more thing you should think about is that if you have small children, the litter box will need to be placed somewhere that your children can't get to, but that your cat can access easily.

Once you have decided that a cat definitely will fit into your household, you will then need to decide whether you want a kitten or an older cat. Most people will take one look at that cute, fluffy kitten and fall in love. Since kittens have not developed bad habits, a kitten is the perfect choice for people who have time to litter box train their new pet. Most kittens have not yet been altered or declawed and should receive a series of immunizations to protect them from infectious cat diseases. Older cats are a good choice for people who want a slightly less energetic pet and do not have time to train their cats to use the litter box. Many older pet cats have already been altered and will only need to take booster vaccinations.

Now that you know for sure that you want a cat or a kitten, you will need to find out where to acquire your new cat. If you just want a great pet and aren't concerned with owning a specific breed, the best place to look is your local humane society, SPCA, or other animal rescue. These organizations are usually overrun with healthy, sweet cats and kittens which will eventually be euthanized if not adopted. If, however, you are looking for a specific cat breed instead, a cat show can be a wonderful resource. Many exhibitors bring along a few kittens that are for sale. Even if you can't find kittens of the breed you are looking for at the show, you can ask exhibitors to place you on a waiting list for one of their kittens or perhaps thay can recommend another breeder or pet store.

Once you bring your new pet home, don't be surprised if your cat takes several days to settle in. To help your cat adjust quickly, be sure you have a bed, litter box, and food dishes set up in a permanent spot.

Being owned by a cat does have its responsibilities. Keep up with the latest information about your cat or kitten. Get a subscription to your favorite cat magazine and see what's going on in the cat world.

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