Don't be fooled by the dainty, mellow cat lounging in the chair on the cat food commercials.
Taking on a cat in your life is truly a responsibility that should be well considered before doing it.
Typically cats will live over a dozen years and healthy, well taken care of cats will live to be 20 years old even.
So don't make your choice lightly, for your sake and the sake of the feline.
The most important aspect of choosing a cat is going to be compatibility! This is not only that you and the cat get along, but that the cat also suits your lifestyle and situation.
Despite the fact that cats are in a large way independent and self-sufficient, that does not keep them from desiring affection and interaction with their 'people' in the home.
A cat (or any pet) that is not given the proper attention will not thrive.
With this in mind, consider that the following things should factor into your choice of a cat: Age Young kittens love to play! They will be in the middle of everything and find ways into small places you never thought of.
They will nip at your heels and nibble your fingers so you must be able to be patient with a kitten much more than a more mature cat.
Would a mature, more settled animal fit in your home better? Usually between 1 and 2 years, a cat will get beyond the more 'skittish kitten' stage of things.
After that, it will matter what breed you have chosen if they are a very 'sociable' cat or a more laid back and mellow type.
Gender Unless you are looking to have quite a few more cats around, it is always best to have your pet cat spayed/neutered to prevent unwanted kittens.
Female cats will periodically go into heat, at which times some of them can become quite annoying.
Males cats will begin spraying their extremely pungent scent on things and so that is another advantage to having them 'fixed'.
Either way, your pet will need vet visits and annual shots to keep them healthy.
All cats are subject to health issues such as worms, feline leukemia and urinary tract blockages.
It is wise to start early and have a vet you can depend on.
Breed The breed of cat is going to determine that compatibility I mentioned.
Some, such as Siamese or the Russian blue are quite attached to their humans.
They will interact with you and follow you around wherever you go.
Other house cats will happily lay in the sun by the window while you go about your daily life only to curl up next to you at bedtime.
Persians, for example, will require almost daily grooming because they have so much long, thick hair that mats easily.
Short haired breeds, like Siamese, need much less.
Do not choose a cat that needs more tending than you can give.
Research the various personalities of the breeds and find one that 'fits' with your life.
These are a few of the things you should take into consideration before you take on a pet cat.
Cats are also going to let you know if they approve of you, so be sure to spend time with one before you make that final decision.
A good choice will mean a great many years of loyal companionship from your cat.
Knowing what to expect will help you make the best choice.
Taking on a cat in your life is truly a responsibility that should be well considered before doing it.
Typically cats will live over a dozen years and healthy, well taken care of cats will live to be 20 years old even.
So don't make your choice lightly, for your sake and the sake of the feline.
The most important aspect of choosing a cat is going to be compatibility! This is not only that you and the cat get along, but that the cat also suits your lifestyle and situation.
Despite the fact that cats are in a large way independent and self-sufficient, that does not keep them from desiring affection and interaction with their 'people' in the home.
A cat (or any pet) that is not given the proper attention will not thrive.
With this in mind, consider that the following things should factor into your choice of a cat: Age Young kittens love to play! They will be in the middle of everything and find ways into small places you never thought of.
They will nip at your heels and nibble your fingers so you must be able to be patient with a kitten much more than a more mature cat.
Would a mature, more settled animal fit in your home better? Usually between 1 and 2 years, a cat will get beyond the more 'skittish kitten' stage of things.
After that, it will matter what breed you have chosen if they are a very 'sociable' cat or a more laid back and mellow type.
Gender Unless you are looking to have quite a few more cats around, it is always best to have your pet cat spayed/neutered to prevent unwanted kittens.
Female cats will periodically go into heat, at which times some of them can become quite annoying.
Males cats will begin spraying their extremely pungent scent on things and so that is another advantage to having them 'fixed'.
Either way, your pet will need vet visits and annual shots to keep them healthy.
All cats are subject to health issues such as worms, feline leukemia and urinary tract blockages.
It is wise to start early and have a vet you can depend on.
Breed The breed of cat is going to determine that compatibility I mentioned.
Some, such as Siamese or the Russian blue are quite attached to their humans.
They will interact with you and follow you around wherever you go.
Other house cats will happily lay in the sun by the window while you go about your daily life only to curl up next to you at bedtime.
Persians, for example, will require almost daily grooming because they have so much long, thick hair that mats easily.
Short haired breeds, like Siamese, need much less.
Do not choose a cat that needs more tending than you can give.
Research the various personalities of the breeds and find one that 'fits' with your life.
These are a few of the things you should take into consideration before you take on a pet cat.
Cats are also going to let you know if they approve of you, so be sure to spend time with one before you make that final decision.
A good choice will mean a great many years of loyal companionship from your cat.
Knowing what to expect will help you make the best choice.