| |
Do you have the time? Cats need two or
three playtimes
daily, each lasting 15 to 20 minutes. Kittens need more
playtimes of shorter duration. Besides fostering a bond
between you and your cat, playtimes teach her what's
acceptable and what isn't (scratch the post, not the couch;
climb trees, not curtains).
Can your children or other pets adjust?
Most children
love cats, but a cat won't necessarily love your children.
Kids generally play rough. A 4-year-old won't understand
why Kitty doesn't want to be shoved into a stroller and
forced to wear a baby bonnet. Cats tend to run from such
experiences; children tend to try to force them to play. The
cat has teeth and claws to protect herself - a dangerous
situation for the child, at least until he's old enough to
respect the cat's independence. Another animal in your
home, happy to be the only pet, may not want a new cat
around. Consider the adjustments that household members
will have to make.
Is your lifestyle stable? Will your career
require frequent
moves, as stressful for your cat as for you? Will you travel,
leaving your cat alone for days? Are you thinking of moving
in with someone or moving to an apartment that doesn't
allow pets? Cats have long lives. Few people know where
they'll be in 15 years, but you can evaluate where you are
now and in what direction you hope to go, considering how
a cat will fit in. Bringing a cat into your life only to give
her
away a few years later will hurt you both.
Can you make a commitment? Not long ago,
the average
cat's life span was less than 10 years. With owners'
increased awareness of behavior and health issues, a house
cat may easily live 15 to 18 years. These days a
20-year-old cat isn't rare. Are you prepared to share your
life for that long and to cope with an older cat's medical
needs?
Can you afford it?Medical problems cause
physical pain for
your cat and emotional pain for both of you. They hurt your
pocketbook, too. Cats are cheap to acquire, but cat
ownership involves many expenses.
Supplies: You'll need a litter box, food
and water
bowls, scratching posts, climbing poles, a special cat
bed, cat toys, and, if you plan to leash-train your cat,
a leash and collar or harness. Figure on $300 to $400
annually.
Medical care: Your cat will need yearly
exams, with
vaccinations, $50 to $75. Unless you plan to breed
specialty purebreds, your cat should be spayed or
neutered, a onetime expense of $100 to $150. The big
question mark is medical emergencies, which can cost
hundreds to thousands of dollars. To keep your cat
healthy and happy, plan to spend about $500
annually.
Licensing: The ongoing cat overpopulation
problem
has prompted many communities to include cats in
licensing ordinances. Costs vary; they're usually lower
for spayed and neutered cats. City hall is a good place
to learn about local licensing regulations. Or check
with a local vet or the nearest humane society.
The First Steps
Congratulations! You're almost ready to
head for the animal
shelter. But first take time to read all you can about types
of cats
and how to care for them. At the same time, look around your
home.
What changes will you need to
make? Will your new friend be an indoor cat, or will you let
her go
outside? Remember, a cat is like a small child -- curious, lively,
constantly getting into trouble. You'll need to do some
cat-proofing, and you'll need the right supplies. Make sure your
cat will be safe in her new home. With other members of your
household, select the best time to bring her home -- those first
days are critical. Your cat will need quiet and attention.
Okay, now you can start searching for the
perfect feline friend.
Ask other cat people where they found their pets. Tap their
knowledge and experience. Make finding that special individual
an
event to remember. You and your pet will be together a long,
long
time, so pull out the camera, create an album, and record your
family's reactions as well as hers. Preserve the memories.
When she's planned for, carefully chosen,
and happily settled, a
cat can be one of life's greatest joys. She doesn't require a
big
house or an enormous yard to be content. A small apartment will
do just fine. She won't ask you to get up and walk her at 5 a.m.
in
the dead of winter. She can amuse herself with a few simple toys
and accessories. In exchange, she'll offer you love and even,
as
studies are proving, a longer, less stressful life. Always remember
that a cat -- a loving, deeply emotional creature -- is a longtime
commitment. When you give her care, nurturing, and love, a cat
will be one of the best friends you can imagine.
Information from
Petopia.com
|