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 respiratory 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.
About The Author: Author Ian White is founder of cat-breeders.biz
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.
http://www.cat-breeders.biz
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