Anyone wanting a new kitten
should be a cat lover. Let’s face it, folks, cats are just
different from dogs. Cats do not usually perform any special
tricks, and they certainly do not guard your possessions while
you are away. In fact, the only thing you can be guaranteed of
by having a cat is that a mouse won’t last long if they
creep into your home.
Cats are loved by many because
of their independence. Cats have a life, so to speak. Most cats
do not follow you around the home with their tongues hanging
out of their mouths waiting on your attention. While they do
love their owners fiercely, cats will not grovel like a dog and
worship and fawn over their owners. Cats are perfectly content
simply being themselves--and they do not seem to need constant
reassurance, unlike canines.
This does not mean cats do
not need love and affection, it simply means cats are not “fragile”
characters. In fact, cats exude a self assurance which can often
be misunderstood as aloofness or coldness. Yet, cats are far
from aloof or unfeeling. They feel deeply and love deeply. If
a cat comes to sit on your lap, you know you are truly loved.
Anytime the family thinks about
bringing a new pet into the home, it is exciting. Cats are a
favorite of many because as kittens they are so entertaining
to watch. Cats have a mind all of their own and only a true cat
lover can even claim to understand the psyche of a feline. Cats
are mysterious animals, which is part of the draw to them. While
cats have been brought into the home, their instincts still remain.
Cats adopt their owners and will even go out and provide “dinner.”
Many cat owners have stepped out on the stoop to find a dead
mouse, opossum, or mole waiting for them. Now, that is love and
loyalty!
If you are planning to bring
a cat into your home, you should look at it as a life long commitment.
Cats can live fifteen years and beyond. You should also understand
that as cats mature, they will often sleep and laze around the
home. If you are wanting a cat to entertain you throughout her
life, you should seriously think about whether a cat is the pet
for you. Kittens are very entertaining and young cats are always
curious and open for a challenge. However, older cats aren’t
easily excitable and usually prefer to watch the antics in the
home from a distance.
When you have made the decision
to bring a new cat into your home, you will have to decide between
a domestic or purebred cat. If you choose to go with a purebred
cat, you can be guaranteed of size and appearance, and possibly
temperament. There are more than 40 breeds to choose from, so
do your homework. You will want to research the grooming requirements
of the breed you are considering, along with the general disposition
of the breed.
Domestic cats come in all colors
and shapes. When you look at any cat, there are some things you
should consider. For instance, while all cats are fairly in proportion
to each other, there are some cats which are more lanky and lean
than others. These cats will be the ones who may be more interested
in running and exploration. The chunkier, heavier cat will probably
be more laid back and not get into too big a hurry about anything.
You have a choice between a domestic long hair or domestic short
hair cat.
When picking out your kitten,
you should understand that kittens should not have an odor. While
puppies do tend to have a smell about them, kittens do not. You
should observe the entire litter of kittens. Do any of them have
crusty eyes or a runny nose? If so, you may want to reconsider
choosing a kitten from that litter. You certainly shouldn’t
take one home simply because you feel sorry for it, either. Especially
if you have other pets in your home. All of the kittens should
have bright and clear eyes and be very alert.
You should handle the kittens.
Their fur should be soft and silky, and never stiff or dry. Likewise,
their coat should not feel oily or greasy. When you are petting
the kitten, you should run your hands along her skin to ensure
she has no sores. When you are holding each kitten, place them
up to your face and nuzzle them. Listen for any breathing noises.
You should not hear any raspy or breathy breathing. If you do,
this is possibly a signal that the kitten has a respitory infection.
After visiting with the kittens,
instinct will usually dictate to you which kitten is your match.
You may feel the rowdy, rambunctious kitten will fit the best
into your lively home. Or, you may decide the laid back kitten
is more your speed, especially if you have a quiet home. Once
you have made your decision and chosen your kitten, you should
have a kennel waiting for travel. You should never try to ride
in a car with a cat unless they are restrained or in a kennel.
While most dogs love car rides, cats tend to scare. They can
cower under your feet and this can lead to a wreck.
When you bring your new kitten
into your home, you should immediately show her where the litter
box, food and water are located. You should also have a supply
of cat toys on hand to distract the cat from missing her mom
and litter mates. While this cannot entirely be avoided, lavishing
attention on a new kitten will do wonders in the transition to
her new family.
You should expect your new
kitten to explore every nook and cranny in the home. This is
a necessary part of a kitten’s disposition. (Even older
cats seem to perk up when a new piece of furniture is brought
into a home they have lived in for years.) You will want to kitten
proof your home. You should keep the lids down on the toilet,
and you may want to remove potted plants and the like until your
cat learns the rules.
Cats are social creatures,
and they can learn the rules of their new environment with consistency.
While you may think they do not understand what you are saying,
this is not true. If you have a new kitten who wants to walk
across the kitchen counter or dining room table, simply rattling
a newspaper at her and saying “down” will teach her
to stay off. With time you will be able to put the newspaper
away and simply speak the command.
Kittens can add joy to any
home. Part of the fun is knowing the kitten is oblivious to the
fact that she is the center of attention. She is not trying to
gain your attention by performing. She is simply being a cat.
You should also not be upset if your kitten is not interested
in being a lap cat. While she may be content for a few moments
on your lap, kittens have to roam, play and explore. As your
cat matures she will be more inclined to take it easy curled
up on your lap. Until then, just make her feel loved and you
will have a feline that will adore you and her new home.
Author Ian White is founder
of cat-breeders.biz This extensive online directory includes
listings by private breeders, and occasional hobby or family
breeders. Those seeking kittens can locate and match with appropriate
breeders. Cat-Breeders.biz automates the matching of kittens
for sale with kitten wanted entries, with daily email notifications
to all parties. Cat Lovers and Breeders find more information