It also means that there are fewer cases of your cat coughing of hairballs. It is not just an invitation for breeding, but very dangerous for the animal. Cats can contract a number of parasites or diseases outdoors. Additionally, the cat might be attacked by other animals that are larger. Establish a Routine of Trips to the Vet.
You want to keep your cat healthy and one of the best ways is to catch problems before they become a crisis. Seeing to it that your cat has at least an annual checkup is a good way to maintain proper health. You can get a cat at any number of shelters and make sure that a veterinarian sees the animal right away. Your new cat may have some internal parasites or other problems which require immediate attention.
When you have a cat at home, you should give it some time to get used to the new surroundings. Cats like to explore and you should let your new pet do exactly that. If you have other pets be sure that the cat is safely introduced to each one.
What is true about food is also true with certain indoor plants : they can be toxic to a cat. Find out which ones are dangerous and move them from the house before the animal is brought in for the first time. Felines are fun and they can provide a lot of entertainment and companionship for you. If you think about the lifestyle of a cat which has access outdoors you will realise that being outdoors brings a huge variety to its life and allows it to use all of its hunting behaviours if it wants to.
Of course, there are risks outside for cats, but you need to balance these with the very positive aspects of physical and mental stimulation and an outlet for natural behaviour.
Indoors versus outdoors. There is no reason not to have a cat or kitten if you have children. It is up to parents to teach their children from the very beginning how to approach, stroke and handle cats and to treat them kindly. Many children have fantastic relationships with their cats and learn about respecting other creatures and being gentle — it is done successfully all the time, but it is up to parents to lay down the rules. Perhaps taking on a new kitten when you have a new baby or a toddler might be a lot to handle at once, so ensuring you have time for all the parties is part of a successful relationship.
Likewise, if you are pregnant there is no need to get rid of the cat. Simple and basic hygiene precautions and common sense management of the cat, while the baby is small, can ensure all cohabit happily and safely.
A kitten gives you the opportunity to take on an animal right from the beginning and treat it and care for it so that it gets the best start in life. You will also be able to get some idea of its character. However, kittens require a lot of attention and some forethought to prevent them from getting into trouble. If you leave them alone you have to make sure they will be safe while you are away. You may also have to organise neutering, initial vaccinations and so on, depending on where you get your kitten from.
Where to get a cat or kitten and what to ask. With adult cats, it is at least clear if they are long or short haired. A confident adult cat is likely to move in and settle down quite quickly; a nervous one may take more time.
It will be much easier to leave an older cat alone in the knowledge that it is not going to get itself into trouble, and it will generally be much less hard work and worry than a kitten. An adult cat will probably already be neutered and vaccinated. Choosing an adult cat and where to get one. Un-neutered cats may exhibit unwelcome reproductive behaviours.
For example, un-neutered male cats will mark their territory with strong smelling urine while un-neutered female cats can come into season every two weeks if they do not become pregnant. Equally, if you want two kittens and you are getting two from the same litter, the sex of either cat is probably not important. However, if you have a resident cat and are getting just one kitten or another cat, it may be worth considering going for one of the opposite sex to try and remove some of the competition factor.
Neutering also removes the need for so much competition and makes the choice of sex much less important. How to tell what sex a kitten is. The majority of cats kept as pets are what we call moggies or domestic short or long haired cats — that is they are a random mixture of lots of different cats, we have often have little idea about their parentage well the father anyway. This means we have no control over the colour, body shape, coat length or anything else that the kittens can inherit from their parents.
So, for example, if your kitten is from a moggie mum but its father is unknown, it may develop a longer coat than you desire if the father was indeed longhaired. There are also health issues which you need to check with the breeder and things you need to ask. Good breeders aim to breed healthy, people-friendly cats and avoid or seek to deal with inherited disorders which arise.
Pedigree cats — things to consider. There are many different breeds, some of which will require extra care and attention, for example if they have a very long coat or even no coat at all. See our A-Z of cat breeds. Some pedigree cats are more people orientated and may not like to be left alone for long periods. If you are out all day at work it may be worth getting two kittens together for company — do your research about the breed you are interested in.
How to choose a kitten. If you have other pets there should not be a problem in getting a cat, but you just need to make sure that you take everything into consideration. If you have a dog you just need to make sure that you make introductions carefully so that your new cat is not chased or injured while the dog gets used to it.
Not all dog types make good companions for cats. How to introduce a new cat or kitten to a resident dog. If you have two cats living together very successfully then think very carefully before you add more. Pet Finder. College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University. Best Cats for Kids — 14 breeds that get along well with kids. Animal Path. Owning a Cat Good for the Heart? This holiday season alone, millions of people will turn to HelpGuide for free mental health guidance and support.
So many people rely on us in their most difficult moments. Can we rely on you? All gifts made before December 31 will be doubled.
Cookie Policy. Having a feline friend can also help to relieve stress and improve your heart health. Why cats make great pets The versatility of cat ownership is one reason why so many people enjoy feline companionship.
Cats are also perfect for apartments or city living. They keep your house pest-free. You probably already know that cats like to hunt rodents. They have long life spans. The most difficult stage of pet ownership is parting with your beloved companion.
The health benefits of cats While owning any pet can provide a myriad of health benefits , there are some benefits that are specific to cats. They can: Lower stress and anxiety. Cat owners know how one session of petting or playing with their cat can turn a bad day into a good one. Improve your cardiovascular health. Cat owners have been reported to carry a lower risk for heart disease and stroke. Prevent allergies. You always hear about cat hair being one of the most common allergens.
However, if a child is exposed to cats within the first few years of life, they are more likely to develop an immune system that combats not only cat allergies but other kinds of allergens as well. Reduce feelings of loneliness. Cats make great companion animals. They offer an unconditional love that can be equal to or sometimes even greater than many human friends and confidants. Play hide and seek.
Just hide a toy or an object that interests them under a blanket, and watch your cat scavenge. Blow bubbles. One of the greatest joys of cat ownership is their never waning interest in the ordinary.
Blowing bubbles might seem like an activity you left back in the schoolyard, but your cat will be so taken with the floating balls of mystery, it could reignite your interest. Set up a food treasure hunt. Cats love the excitement of a challenge that keeps their minds sharp—and their stomachs full! Place treats in hard-to-reach spots in your home and watch as your cat works to retrieve them.
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