Having a cat can mean different things to each and every individual. Some may want a cat to cuddle, snuggle and sit on their laps, while others may be happy enough to live with a very independent cat which spends most of its time outside and of less human interaction.
It is important is that one does research prior and tries to find a cat that will interact with their lifestyle. Keep always in mind that all cats are not the same and how each individual cat behaves with you can depend on its inherent personality and early experiences or also lack of experiences, which can make it fearful or confident with people and life in general.
The environment in which you keep a cat is very significant. An example; if it lives with many other cats which do not get on, then it will be stressed and will react differently than if it was on its own.
While there is no guaranteed way to choose the perfect cat for you and your lifestyle, understanding your expectations as well as what makes cats tick will help you to bring home a cat that should be able to cope with its new environment and be the pet that you want too.
How much care and attention does a cat need?
Cats are relatively low maintenance compared to other pets however, like any pet, they do need care, and some cats need more care than others. Do you have limited time or have ample time to spend with your cat? Cats can fit into busy lifestyles more easily as they are pretty independent, can be left independently much more easily and are more suitable for smaller houses or apartments. Cats are often chosen by those individuals who have busy and stressful lifestyles and who want some companionship when they go home to relax.
What do you want from your relationship with a cat? If you’re the kind of person who really needs to have a close relationship with your cat and to be able to handle it and have it interact with you, then you’ll be disappointed if you take on a nervous cat that hides every time you come into the room. You may want to think about one of the pedigree breeds which can be more interactive and perhaps more needy of human company than some moggies. This may however become a problem for the cat if you are out at work all day and only available to give attention on evenings or weekends.
Some cats need to know exactly what’s going to happen when, in order to feel relaxed. Such cats would be quite happy living with someone who rarely has visitors and leads a very quiet life, but would probably find it quite stressful living in a home full of kids and other animals with lots of visitors and activity. Other cats, however, might thrive on different interactions with lots of people and fit in perfectly well in a busy household.
If you’re not likely to have the time or inclination to groom a cat on a daily basis, don’t go for a cat with a long coat. Any pedigreed cat with a long coat, aside from a Persian, is called semi-longhaired because the coat is not as full as the Persian’s and does not have such a thick undercoat; however, it is still long and requires grooming.
A shorthaired cat is a much easier option for people who do not have time, as most cats are fanatical about their coats and keep them in immaculate condition.
Care for a cat you will need :
Provide with plenty of human companionship
Provide with constant supply of fresh water and regular, suitable meals
Provide with a clean and comfortable bed
Provide the cat with outdoor access or a clean litter tray, on a daily basis
Provide it with a safe and stimulating environment
Groom regularly; Special attention with longhaired cats, who require daily grooming
Have it neutered between 4 and 6 months old
Vaccinate against the major feline diseases regularly
Worm regularly and provide treatment for fleas
Take the cat to the vet when it shows any sign of illness
Insure your cat or make sure you can afford the cost of any veterinary treatment it may need