You are on the threshold of a new and rewarding experience! You are going
to add a cat to your household - really a most wonderful creature. A cat is
intelligent, beautiful, and graceful. He is also somewhat independent but will
give you lots of love if you provide him with complete and balanced nutrition,
proper veterinary care and love in return.
You will find that your cat is relatively simple to care for, but there are
certain basics you should know before you bring him home. There are
preparations to make so that he will be comfortable with his new family.
Obtaining a cat is like adopting a child. You have a responsibility to
fulfill, to help him learn the rules of your household. The more you know
about your cat, the easier it will be to establish a deep and loving
relationship which hopefully will last many years.
The Cat's Role
Cats have shared the home of man for many thousands of years. No one is
sure just when cats came to live with people but evidence points to 1600 B.C.
as a probable date. Through the years, they have always been much valued for
their skill as hunters and have done a lot to control rodent populations.
The ancient Egyptians were the first to keep cats in their homes. To them,
cats were not only friends, but also objects of worship. They were
immortalized in many ways, were depicted in artwork and hieroglyphics on
pyramid walls, and usually embalmed and buried with their masters in tombs.
Despite Egyptian laws forbidding the exportation of cats, sailors smuggled
cats aboard their ships and brought them to the other countries throughout the
Mediterranean Sea area. They were very much sought after as killers of
disease-transmitting rats in the 11th Century when the Black Plague struck the
European continent.
The ancestors of today's American cats probably sailed to New World ports
in the 1600's. They later accompanied the pioneers on their journey West and
kept the rodent population in the fields down, where the settlers staked their
claims.
Through good times and bad times, our "tigers of the hearth" have managed
to survive in great numbers. They have retained their keen hunting instincts
and self-reliance, make the same purring sounds, and display the same
aloofness and the same affection.
Present day doctors and psychologists have proven that having a cat is good
therapy and actually relieves stress. Cats make ideal companions for older
people who are living alone.
You may have decided to adopt a cat because you want a friend to share your
life, to curl up on your lap, and to rub against your ankles when you get
home. You may want to raise exotic purebreds, as a hobby or as a moneymaking
proposition. Or you may desire an aristocratic show cat that will make you
proud when he becomes a champion. No matter what the reason, you have a whole
wonderful world awaiting you.
The New Cat in Your Life
Characteristics
If your eyes were proportionately as big as a cat's, they would be about
eight inches in diameter! That's why sight is one of a cat's strongest sense.
A cat cannot see in total darkness, but even in extremely dark situations, he
sees an image and is quick to distinguish even the slightest movement.
However, he is usually considered color-blind.
The cat's whiskers are extremely sensitive and help guide him when there is
complete absence of light. They alert the cat to anything he might brush
against. They are sensitive to the wind and work in concert with the olfactory
system to alert the cat of changes in his environment and the approach of
strangers.
The cat's tail usually serves as an indicator to his mood. Carried high -
he's proud and contented; extended straight, he's stalking; and thrusting from
side to side - he may be angry.
A cat's hind legs are longer and stronger than his front legs, enabling him
to jump with great skill. He calculates distance before jumping.
An adult cat can weigh as much as 20 pounds or as little as five, with
males generally growing larger than females. A cat can have very long, medium,
or very short hair, and some shed more than others. This might be a fact to
consider in choosing a cat.
Male vs. Female
Almost all kittens are cute, curious and cuddly, whatever their sex. But,
after a year they'll be full-fledged cats (and, in fact, will take on some
adult characteristics before a year is up), and that's when gender does make a
difference. Let's first take a look at the pros and cons of male cats, then
females.
Male cats are usually very cozy and friendly, and exhibit trust at an early
age. The main problem with male cats is that many of them are given to
urinating - "spraying" - around the house. And the odor of cat urine is strong
and offensive. In most cases, this annoying habit may be prevented by
neutering while the cat is young. Neutering lessens the male cats urge to
wander, too. Many shelters require neutering before the cat can be adopted.
While female cats are more cautious in approaching you, they are very
affectionate once you have earned their trust. However, they can become
mothers at a relatively early age (before their first birthday), and can have
2 or 3 litters a year for most of their adult lives. To prevent this, most
veterinarians recommend spaying. Ask your veterinarian about the approximate
age to neuter or spay your kitten.
Facts to Consider
To make sure you are acquiring a healthy animal, it is important to get
your cat from a reputable source and have it examined by a veterinarian. This
could be a breeder, pet shop, or humane society. (The latter requires that you
neuter or spay your cat to make sure no unwanted kittens come into the world).
You may be given a cat by a friend or neighbor who is moving out of town. Or
you may have one already, not being able to resist the friendly stray who
turned up at your back door begging to be taken in. Just be sure that your
budget and your time can stretch to adequately include a new family member.
When you select your cat or kitten, a good guideline
is to look for these signs of good health.
1. Clear eyes, free or irritation, tears, or other discharge.
2. Clean ears, free of wax and other foreign material.
3. Nose, free of discharges.
4. Firm, pink gums, free of sores.
5. Glossy coat of good thickness and without bare patches.
6. Firm and muscular body. (A kitten should feel heavy when you hold him in
your hand).
7. Skin free from lumps, redness, or rashes.
8. The anus should not be red or swollen.
The physically sound kitten is active, bright and responsive. He is curious
about what is going on around him. Call the kitten in which you are interested
and see if he reacts - even if he looks the other way. This assures you that
he is not deaf. Be sure his environment is clean and tidy, and that his
littermates appear equally as healthy. It would be a good idea to take the cat
to a veterinarian before making your final decision and before you have formed
an attachment to him. By doing this, you can at least make sure that there are
no serious problems or abnormalities.
Your Cat's Needs
Selecting a Veterinarian-
This is one of the most important decisions you will make. If you don't
know a veterinarian, ask the person who sells or gives you the cat to
recommend one. Or ask other cat owners in your neighborhood, local pet shops,
or the humane society for the name of a local veterinarian. Try to choose one
convenient to where you live. In case of an emergency, you don't want to have
to travel far with a hurt or sick pet.
If possible, go to meet the veterinarian before your cat comes home. It is
important to establish a good rapport with him or her and his or her staff.
Check out the facilities to see whether they are clean and orderly and make an
appointment for your cat's first visit.
Petproofing for Your Cat's Safety-
It is practically impossible to cat-proof your house against potential
accidents, but for your pet's safety, here are a few suggestions.
Cleaning supplies, laundry detergents, bleach, paint and paint thinner,
pesticides, fertilizer, anti-freeze (very dangerous because cats are attracted
to its sweet taste), disinfectants, mothballs, roach, ant and rat poisons, and
medications can be deadly to your cat. Store them securely in tightly closed
areas to which your cat can't gain access.
Poisonous house plants should be removed or placed in hanging baskets out
of your cat's reach. Some plants which pose a threat if eaten by your cat are
amaryllis, English ivy, mistletoe, narcissus, deiffenbachia (dumb cane),
poinsettia, and philodendron. Ask your veterinarian or university extension
service to give you a complete list of dangerous plants and get rid of them or
put them where your cat can't get to them.
Keep sewing supplies out of your cat's reach. Buttons, needles, pins and
thread can hurt his mouth or internal organs if swallowed. The same goes for
nails, staples, screws, brads, and aluminum can tabs.
Don't leave a turned-on stove unattended. Electric blankets should not be
used to line your cat's bed. He could be electrocuted if he chews on the
wires. And for the same reason, keep electrical wiring under rugs and carpets
or tacked down, so that your cat will not be attracted to playing with it.
Never, never give your cat any medication before consulting your
veterinarian. Aspirin, as well as acetaminophen, for example, can be poisonous
to your cat, even in small doses.
And if your cat is allowed outdoors, be sure to blow your horn and bang on
the hood of your car before starting your engine, particularly in cold
weather.
Where, When, and How Much to Feed-
Place your cat's food and water dishes away from foot traffic and noise,
but in a place which is comfortable and easy for him to reach. Once you have
chosen a suitable place, don't change the location unless it is absolutely
necessary. Newspapers or a plastic mat under the dishes will make cleanup
easier.
Establish a routine so that your cat is fed at the same time every day. If
you are feeding him a dry cat food, you can put out a whole day's supply in
the morning (very convenient if you are a working person) or feed him half in
the morning and half at night. Another advantage of dry cat food is that it
can help keep your cat's teeth clean and his gums healthy.
For a proper feeding program, follow the feeding instructions on the cat
care package. If a cat becomes overweight, lower its caloric intake. You might
also consult your veterinarian and get his or her advice on quantity,
depending on your cat's particular needs. Above all, always keep clean, fresh
water available at all times.
Pregnant Cats-
Purina Kitten Chow or Purina Cat Chow can be recommended as a complete and
balanced diet for the pregnant or lactating cat. During the final two or three
weeks of gestation, she may eat up to double the amount she usually eats.
Consult your veterinarian to make sure she is getting everything she needs for
her "delicate condition". Remember that she has to provide enough milk to feed
all her kittens.
Older Cats-
Cats are living longer and longer lives these days, due in part to
completely balanced, high quality foods and proper veterinary care. It is not
unusual for the normal healthy cat to live to 15 or 17 years of age and for
some to live several more years than that. Cats should not be allowed to
become obese. A general slowing-down process will accompany old age (cats
aren't that different from people), but a healthy cat should remain active
unless he has serious medical problems. Don't forget to take him for regular
veterinary checkups even if he seems in the best of health.
Feeding Don'ts-
Never feed your cat dog food; it is not nutritionally complete and balanced
for his needs. Do not feed him chicken, pork, or fish bones. These can
splinter and lodge in his throat or pierce the stomach walls and intestinal
tract. Avoid feeding him table scraps; these are usually high in calories and
can create a finicky eater. Don't feed him milk as a part of his diet. He
doesn't need it and it may cause diarrhea.
Keeping Your Cat Healthy-
Your cat deserves regular and reliable veterinary care, and there are
certain precautions you should take to keep him healthy. All cats should be
vaccinated, even indoor pets.
This section is included only as a guide. The final word on your cat's
health and his immunization schedule should be your veterinarian. He or she
should decide what vaccinations your cat needs and when.
Your veterinarian will provide routine vaccinations for panleukemia (feline
distemper) and upper respiratory disease (rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and
pneumonitis). In addition, ask your veterinarian if your cat should be
vaccinated against Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Infectious
Peritonitis (FIP).
The initial rabies vaccination is also essential and should be given at 3
months of age.
Remember, most vaccines must be given over a period of time and require
multiple veterinary visits.
Through various tests and vaccines, modern veterinary science can provide
your cat with a degree of protection from many feline diseases.
Symptoms of a Sick Cat · A dull, patchy coat which sheds heavily.
· Loss of appetite for several days in a row.
· Lies or crouches listlessly.
· Severe diarrhea.
· Persistent vomiting.
· Red, watery eyes or nasal discharge.
· Fails to wash itself.
· Acute swelling or small body lumps which gradually increase in size.
· Hides in dark places.
· Strains to urinate.
· Blood in urine.
· Fails to use litter box.
· Resents or resists handling.
Grooming Your Cat-
Most cats do not like baths. They don't really need them unless they have
managed to get into some sort of trouble or are seriously infested.
Brushing and Combing-
Grooming is an essential part of your cat's life. He may resist at first,
but he will soon come to enjoy the extra holding and petting you give him at
grooming time. If you have fun, chances are that he will too!
Cats usually do an excellent job of keeping clean. But your cat needs
regular grooming by you to help prevent him from swallowing loose hairs which
can cause troublesome hairballs. A cat sheds to a certain degree all year
long, with heavy shedding in spring and fall. Grooming is especially important
during these seasons to help rid your cat's coat of dead hair. A sleek and
lustrous coat reflects the good nutrition and careful care you give him.
Hairballs-
If you don't groom your cat regularly, you may one day see him vomit a
long, dark mass commonly called a hairball, made up of hair ingested by the
cat. Both long and short haired cats can have hairballs and the best solution
is prevention. They can be virtually eliminated by careful, regular combing
and brushing of your cat. There are also hairball remedies which you can get
from your veterinarian and at most pet shops.
Claws-
Never use scissors to clip your cat's claws. Use special cat clippers and
ask your veterinarian to show you how to handle them correctly, or you may
injure your cat by cutting the vein in his claws. If you have any doubts, let
your veterinarian do it.
The question of whether or not to declaw your cat is a very difficult one
and one you should discuss with your veterinarian.
Even with good
care, on your part and that of the veterinarian, your cat may not always be in
the best of health. He may have a flurry of sneezes, or a coughing spell, or
vomit occasionally, without anything being seriously wrong. But if these
symptoms persist, don't ignore them. Take him to the veterinarian right away.
Other signs to watch for, which indicate you have a sick cat on your hands,
are-