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