Getting A Cats For Lifetime....

[sayangku81]

So You Want A Cat?

Although cats can be difficult at times, they do make devoted and loving companions. Their personalities are as varied as the personalities of people. Choosing a cat whose personality is compatible with your lifestyle will help ensure a happy relationship. While it can be hard to determine a cat's personality in the few minutes you have with them before you decide, you can determine a lot about the cat if you know the cat's breed.

People choose cats as pets for many reasons. They have a natural beauty and grace that is breathtaking, and, although they may appear aloof, cats make affectionate lifelong companions.

Furthermore, they do not need to be taken out for walks, and they are relatively clean, inexpensive to feed, and usually quiet. You will have to devote some time to your cat, especially as a kitten, but your cat's independent spirit keeps your life together from becoming a demanding chore.

[sayangku81]

Preparing for a New Cat:
Getting the House Ready

Everybody's heard that curiosity killed the cat, and rightly so. Your home can be dangerous to a new cat, with hazards lurking in almost every room.

To safeguard your home, take the following precautions:

1) Keep oven, washers, and dryer doors closed.

2) Heavy and sharp objects on shelves where your cat may climb pose a threat to both you and your cat.

3) Avoid falling objects by placing them where Tabby can't wander.

4) Install safety locks on cupboards where cleaning supplies are kept.

5) Line the access route to unsafe places with double-sided tape. This safe, nontoxic deterrent will help to keep your cat off stoves and shelves. Once the cat loses interest, you can remove the tape.

6) Install safety screens on open windows and maintain a consistent vigil, as you would for a toddler.

7) Keep wiring tacked to furniture so your teething kitten can't chew. Supervise her at all times when she's roaming free.

8) Put away string, wool and other items that cats could chew and ingest. String is a particular hazard when it is caught in the cat's intestinal track. Make sure toys are safe and free of loose string.

Plants and Your Cat
* Cats may also chew on plants that you have in your home.
*To be on the safe side, before bringing a cat into your household ensure that all of your houseplants are not poisonous and that they are well out of reach.
*Try using hanging plants to prevent accidental poisoning.
*For more information on which plants are safe and which are toxic see the Plants and Cats article.

The Truth About Cats and Dogs
* Cats and dogs complement each other well as pets, but families should take action to ensure smooth cohabitation.

* Supervise cats and dogs until you know they will get along. Some adult dogs will carry kittens around, and young kittens will accept this attention, but it's probably best to gently take the kitten away from the dog to avoid injury.

* If you have more than one dog, don't allow them to gang up on the cat. Introduce the cat to one dog at a time so that each dog understands that the cat is part of the family, not an object of play or prey.

* Make sure the dog does not have access to the cat's litter box. Sooner or later, the dog may attempt to eat its contents.

* Separate cats and dogs at mealtime. As complete carnivores, cats need a diet that includes the amino acid taurine. If the dog eats the cat's food, the cat might develop a dietary deficiency. In addition, a dog that guards his food could attack the cat or gulp his meals too quickly and develop digestive problems.

* Don't leave food or scraps where a cat can get them. Not only will the cat jump on the table or counter to investigate, but she may drop food onto the floor for the waiting dog.

* If your dog has a high prey drive, make sure to teach the command "leave it" so you can control his chase impulse. Better yet, prevent the pursuit, for once the chase sequence starts, the dog will likely be deaf to instructions.

*Make sure the cat gets plenty of opportunity to stalk and pounce on things other than the dog's tail.

* Pay attention to both pets as often as possible. Often the attitude and attention of the owner is enough to prevent serious rivalries or hostilities from developing.

Cats and People
* Stubbornly independent, your cat needs her own space to be herself.
* Allow new cats to become accustomed to your home on their own before you introduce them to the rest of your family.
* Respect the time it takes a cat to become familiar with you.
* Your cat will form a closer bond with you if you take the time to earn her trust.

Bonds among kids and cats develop faster than you could imagine, but adults must establish boundaries for both the children and the cat and limit their time together. Too much time could suffocate your cat's need to be alone, causing your cat to separate herself from your family with every opportunity.

Teach children and visitors who are unaccustomed to cats that they have limited tolerance for petting and will soon want to scamper away. Holding the cat against her will is likely to result in scratches and a cat in hiding. Never allow children to tease their pets or compromise their freedom with force.

Relationships with cats are much like they are with people: Time and patience are important catalysts.

[sayangku81]

Now that you've cat-proofed your house and chosen your cat, you'll need to get cat supplies. While it may be cheapest to run to your local discount store and buy the plastic bowl on sale for 35 cents, it may not be the best choice. The bowl may cause a series of health problems for your cats. So while you may save a few dollars on that plastic bowl, you ended up with hundreds of dollars in veterinary bills. Don't skimp on quality when it comes to your cat supplies or food; if you do you could regret the decision later.

Below is a list of things you will need to get for your new cat.

Food and water bowls: Some cats develop an allergy to plastics. If your cat is eating and/or drinking from plastic bowls and you notice an acne-like rash on your cat's chin, try switching to ceramic or stainless steel bowls.

Treats: A good way to reward your cat for good behavior. Treats can also be used to supplement your cat's diet.

High quality food: Designed for the age group of your cat: Speak with your veterinarian about what is an appropriate diet for your cat or kitten.

Litter box, Scoop, and Cat Litter: The selection of the right box and the right litter warrants some study and consideration on your part. Try to appeal to your cat's preferences...not necessarily your own.

Many cats seem to prefer the feel of a clumping litter that is non-scented, but educate yourself on the options and experiment to see what your cat prefers. If the litter is non-scented you can always use an odor-eliminating spray. Some cats won't share their litter box and so you should provide each cat with their own box, and place them in locations that appeal to your cat's sense of privacy.

You should have one more litter box than you have cats. So if you have two cats, you should have three litter boxes around the house.

Grooming tools: Brush, flea comb, nail trimmer, toothbrush, cat shampoo, and finger-brush or gauze squares.

Scratching Post: This will keep your cat from tearing away at your furniture. For some cats, a simple wooden post will be just fine.

Flea control: Especially if your cat lives outside or is an indoor/outdoor cat and you live in an area where there are fleas. Flea control drops are long-lasting and the easiest way to flea-proof your cat.

A collar and identification tag: Even if your cat lives indoors only, it can still escape and become a stray. A collar and ID tags should be one of your first purchases. You may even consider having your cat microchipped.

A cat carrier: You will need a carrier for transportation to and from the vet and for moving time. For extended drives or trips by air/sea, purchase a carrier approved by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

A harness and leash: Your cat might enjoy going for walks. Or at least, if you choose to take your cat outside, he/she will be safe.

A bed and blanket: For those times when your cat doesn't want to sleep with you or on your furniture, it'd be nice for your cat to have a little place to call his own. This may be especially important for shorthair cats in colder environments.

Toys: Naturally, you provide quality toys and amusements for your child. The same should apply for your cat. Structured playtime is a great idea and will help with socialization and bonding...and it's just plain fun to watch your cat stalk and jump and chase.

A veterinarian: Check around for a recommended veterinarian in your area.

The Indoors/Outdoors Dilemma
No doubt about it, cats are safest indoors. An indoor cat can live 15 years or more, while the average life expectancy of an outdoor cat is only 3 to 5 years.

Cats that roam freely outdoors fall victim to fighting, pregnancy and infectious diseases. They bring home fleas, lice, ticks, and mites and may be killed or injured by cars, dogs, or other animals. Some cats get lost and starve to death. Others may become feral, living a life of fear in a constant struggle for survival.

Life indoors can be satisfying for cats if they are provided with a companion, toys, scratching posts, window shelves for sunbathing and surveying the outdoors, and loving attention from you, their owner. Some cats can even be trained to walk on a harness and leash so that you can provide them with outside exercise and fresh air.

If you choose to have your cat live outside, remember to provide some sort of protective cover that is easily accessible. A doghouse works perfectly in such situations. You may also want to install a pet door for an indoor/outdoor cat.

[sayangku81]

Ever notice your cat as he walks around with head and tail held high, silently regarding you with intense eyes? He might then open his mouth and emit a small "meow." Upon hearing his call, other cats in the area soon follow suit and pretty soon, the neighborhood is a cacophony of screeching, wailing, and meowing cats.

Even if the above scenario doesn't sound familiar, you may still be wondering why your cat behaves in certain ways. Questions such as: "Why doesn't my cat eat any of the birds or mice he catches?" or "Why does my cat knead me with his paws in the middle of the night?" may come to mind.

Cats exhibit eccentric behavior for good reason. While the reasons may not seem the least bit logical to us humans, understanding why your cat does certain things may strengthen the bond between you and your cat.

[sayangku81]

Though your cat may seem aloof, this often-reclusive creature is really quite the chatterbox, if you know what to look for.

Your cat uses body language almost exclusively to communicate. Watching how your cat carries himself will help you understand how he's feeling. As you learn, you'll be able to predict his behavior as well.

Aromatic markers called pheromones help establish and maintain a cat's territory. These powerful scents are critical elements in communications among cats, and are emitted by different glands located strategically throughout the cat's body. When your cat rubs her cheeks against you or another cat, she does so to pick up or leave scent markers and to create a relationship based on physical contact.

Cats also use contact to communicate urgency, from gentle reminders of feeding time to a demanding, insistent rub. Rubbing or butting may also be a signal of social rank.

Tricks of the Tail
A cat's tail acts as an extension of its thoughts, an indicator of its mood and a warning of intention.

Broad swishing of the tail indicates annoyance. For example, a cat who decides she's had enough petting will swish its tail in impatience. If you continue, your cat may "bat" you with her paw or growl softly. Though usually good-humored, the batting is an act of aggression indicating your cat's agitation.

Severely agitated cats move their tails rapidly back and forth from the base, a clear threatening signal. Generally, the larger and more rapid the swish, the more upset the cat. Exhibiting a visible warning to other cats (and to you) is her way of avoiding direct conflict. Cats involved in a conflict may extend their fully bristled tail straight into the air and turn their body sideways to appear larger.

With prey, though, the tails of hunting cats show more subtle movements, explaining to other cats their intention while not warning their victims.

When a cat is afraid or is trying to avoid a confrontation with a dominant cat, his tail will "puff up" or become bristled. He will then lower his tail or tuck it betweens his legs as a sign of submission.

Unlike switches, twitches of the tail display excitement and curiosity. A raised tail — as long as the fur isn't bristled — indicates that the cat is being friendly. If the cat is excited, as when you come home after a long day at work or when you open a can of cat food, the upraised tail might twitch in anticipation. The cat will probably vocalize or rub against her owner.

Body Talk
Body language is not just restricted to a cat's tail. Her stance and the position of her ears usually indicate what she's feeling.

Bent forelegs, for example, show that your cat would prefer to avoid a fight, but she will defend herself if the need arises. When your cat expands her body by fluffing up her fur, she is showing both confidence and aggression. When a cat's legs are fully stretched, she is self-assured and prepared to attack. A bend in the hind legs, however, shows indecision or even timidity. When a cat shrinks her body size, legs tucked underneath, she's showing submission, as well as readiness for action.

When a cat's ears are back and his posture is steady, he is unsure of what move to make and is considering his options. If his ears are back and his body is low to the ground, this is a display of shame or remorse.

The cat's pricked ears show his interest in what's going on around him. When a cat raises its head directly, this is an attempt to display dominance. A lowered head indicates submission or a feeling of inferiority. When his head is completely tucked in, your cat is probably bored. If he's sneaking around low to the ground at a crawl, he is probably stalking prey. Be aware that the cat is about to mount a full speed assault.

Kitty-Cat Chitchat
Purring is not in every cat's repertoire of social communication, but it is quite common. Not a great deal is known about the mechanics of purring, but purring is associated with contentment and happiness in cats.

Interestingly, though, purring is sometimes heard in cats that are severely ill or anxious, perhaps as a self-comforting vocalization.

Vocal cats utilize vowel sounds to indicate their desires. The classic "meow" is an example. The subtle differences in sound communicate commands as well as requests and complaints.

In the wild, vowel sounds are restricted to kittens, but the process of domestication has extended this method of communication well into adulthood.

Adult cats emit high intensity sounds by changing the shape of their mouths. Hisses and grumbling are the most common examples, used primarily to communicate aggressive or defensive intentions. Cats in heat and feral strays also use this form of communication.

[Leoric]

Wow! So much useful information here. ;D ;D