It’s a proven fact that homes that own pets have happier and calmer humans that live with them. Cats especially have a therapeutic and soothing effect that can’t be mimicked by many domestic pets. The decision is easy for some; while others may still be on the fence as to if they would like a cat. Whether you are deciding to bring a new kitten into your household, or deciding to add more feline friends to your home, check out these tips to help you.
1.) Do the homework about your family: Before you are at the pet store choosing a cat, ensure that all family members can be around them. Often time’s health conditions like allergies to pet dander may make family member react adversely. Ask your family if they want a cat and if so, why. Often times the idea of a cat sounds great, until the maintenance and care is thought about. You wouldn’t think to bring a human baby into your home without planning, do the same for a cat.
2.) Research how to care and enjoy a cat: It may sound silly, but everyone doesn’t know how to care for animals. Feeding, medical, and daily care should be researched before bringing a cat home. One appeal of cats is that they ‘virtually’ take care of themselves. Virtually meaning, indoor cats rarely need baths as they clean themselves. Cats don’t have to be walked daily for exercise and a clean litter box is all they need for their ‘business.’ For these reasons, it is not a hard task to enjoy a cat.
3.) Plan a space in your home: Cats ideally need a quiet, out of the way location for their food, water and litter box. Depending on your home you can choose where this is. Ensure the area is free from excessive traffic, but has the ability to be ventilated if needed. Be careful in putting food and water outside or in a warm location. Bugs and dirt can get into pet food and make your cat ill.
4.) The pros and cons of outdoor cats: You and your family can decide as to whether your cat will be an indoor or outdoor cat. PROS: For those who don’t want the responsibility of having to let in and out a cat, outdoor cats may be for you. These cats will get to roam the neighborhood and enjoy outdoor life at the same time. CONS: Outdoor cats tend to carry more diseases and are exposed to dirty conditions more often. Outdoor cats shouldn’t be de-clawed as they may need to defend themselves against other animals.
5.) The pros and cons of indoor cats: Indoor cats have their share of advantages and disadvantages. PROS: Indoor cats tend to be cleaner, and therefore can cohabitate with you and your family members inside the home. Indoor cats can have their front claws removed by a veterinarian, to prevent accidental scratches. CONS: Indoor cats can leave fur on furniture and clothing. Most short hair cats tend to shed less, while longer varieties have more fur and tend to leave more fur.
6) Selecting a kitten for your home: It is tempting to get free kittens from a friend or coworker that is giving them away. Be cautious in selecting kittens from places other than pet stores, and breeders as they could have unknown conditions that you aren’t aware. Regardless of where you get your kitten, schedule a veterinarian appointment as soon as possible to be checked for fleas, heartworm, and to get an overall physical and immunizations.
7.) Mixing cats and other pets: Cats are territorial animals. Therefore, they will mingle better with each other at a young age and increasingly become less open for the idea as they grow older. If you have other pets, especially cats consider this before bringing in a new kitten or cat into the home. Let new cats stay in a room or enclosed space for them to get used to the new house, then gradually let them explore the house when the family leaves for the day. Once cats get acclimated to your home, they will be running around and enjoying your space like they’ve always lived there.
Research shows if you pet a cat for 5-10 minutes each day, you will elongate your life. Whether you believe this to be true or not, cats can be a welcomed addition in your home. Once all family members have agreed to help with the care and maintenance, you might be surprised how much the cat will take care of on their own!
Freshome readers are you a cat owner? Why do you love them, and what tips can you give others who plan to bring a cat into their household?
- Posted in Best Of
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By RoniqueGibson
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cats are so indepentand animals…the best advice I have to give is to treat them like your roomates! let them have their space, but also be clear from the beggining for their liabilities!!!
Keep your cat inside! Scientists estimate that free-roaming cats kill hundreds of millions of birds, small mammals, reptiles and amphibians each year.
I would rather have a dog if I had a space. Cats? No way.
I have always been a cat person. It just took me 10 years to convince my husband that they’re OK. He would prefer a dog if we had the space, but I don’t think it’s fair to have a dog if they don’t have room to run. The cats find the stairs up and down all they need to run.
I actually got my second cat as a pet for the first. He was lonely when we had to leave for any time. So now he’s content when we come home.
the rug in the picture concerns me when it comes to cats, a good referance to dealing with those unpreventable urine stains, make sure you bookmark this page – you will thank me later.
http://www.modernrugs.com/rug_care.htm
And read the bottom section.
Thank you all for your comments! I think the dividing lines between cat and dog lovers will be until the end of time. I personally adore my cat and dog. Although, I love that cats are independent, and the best companions! Sometimes when I’m up at 2:00am writing, Meow Meow (my cat) is right there beside me keeping me company!
Thanks again Freshome Reader’s – you all are the best.
DON’T buy cats from a pet store or from a breeder. Rescue a homeless cat or a cat from a shelter.
But they don’t sleep to the areas I designate them too! But that’s okay; they are, like, warm blankets on your bed
I had an awful 1st exp. with cats – one we got from streets that was extremely violent with us. Years later (more than a decade), two black cats (almost out of the kitten phase) began using our doorstep as home, and tried to get inside all the time. after two weeks, we decided to let them in, and they were very caring and trusting on us. Sure there were some problems with setting, but now I regret none of this – they’re family! Later on we guessed what happened: someone had those kittens and couldn’t sell them – when they were not kittens anymore, they simply threw them away.
Anyway, never I would have guessed cats were good pets before all this!
CATS SHOULD NEVER HAVE THEIR CLAWS REMOVED!!!! Cat’s “nails” have nerve endings, that’s why you have to be very careful if you choose to trim them. It’s amazing how some vets decide to help spread ignorance when it comes to these unnecessary and cruel practices, just to make a few bucks.
Accept your pets as they are, nature knows better.
“Research shows if you pet a cat for 5-10 minutes each day, you will elongate your life.”
Hmm, how many people out there know what an elongated life is?