Since there are so many different kinds of cats with such widely varying personalities, doing plenty of quality research before choosing will be time well spent.
Some questions you might want to ask yourself are -
Do you prefer:
- a certain color?
- a particular breed?
- male or female?
- a certain age range?
- a certain personality type?
After answering these questions, I suggest starting your search at your local animal shelter. Most of the animals there have merely had some sort of bad luck and just want to have a happy, warm, and loving home to live in. Ask the shelter personnel questions about the animal's past and their recent behavior. Often the perfect match can be found and the search will be over.
If you are looking for a particular breed, I suggest that you find a reputable breeder in your area and deal directly with them. I recommend avoiding pet stores since often the animals sold there are taken from their mothers at too young an age, which can result in psychological and immunity problems.
Fortunately there are many books that give comprehensive details on the personality types of the various different breeds and while they are a generalization they are also quite accurate in most cases and can help you make the right decision more often than not. Here are some books that you might want to check out.
Some breeds require a lot more attention than others, and you also need to look at your stage of life and determine how much time you will have to devote to your cat.
When choosing your cat, see how it interacts with you right from the outset. When I held one of my current cats for the first time, he immediately and lovingly rubbed his head against my chin as if we had known each other for a long time. I was instantly sold and he has turned out to be one of the sweetest personalities I've ever known.
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All domestic cats develop behavioral problems as their predecessors. They encounter both physical and behavioral changes. Cats are creatures of habit. They do what they need to do as their ancestors did from climbing to hunting to marking their territory. What is amusing to a cat can be an enigma for us. Some behavioral problems may be perfectly natural for a cat. Prevention is easier than cure; there are simple remedies. As a previous feline owner I have experienced most of these behavioral problems. My favorite defense was my infamous water pistol.
Cats will climb as this is one of their instincts. As a cat owner utilize implied corrections such as making a loud noise or use a water pistol. Cats will soon associate this activity with consequences. Satisfy your cats desire to climb by providing a location for this natural activity. Some cats explore certain locations out of curiosity.
Cats claw our personal items to mark their territory and to leave their original scent. Provide your cat with a scratching post to prevent damage to your furniture. Always reward them with treats as a reward for utilizing their post instead of your favorite chair or couch. Another simple remedy is to massage catnip on the post to encourage further use of it. To discourage your cat from returning to an already defaced area you can cover the area with two way tape or plastic.
Cats will stalk and can ambush your ankles from a concealed place. This can be painful! Unfortunately this is a natural predatory activity. Direct your cats need by providing proper toys that will stimulate stalking and capturing their prey. If this is unsuccessful either revert to the water pistol or throw a toy.
I recall my cats had a habit of digging in my plant pots. Attempt to keep your cat away from your plants or cover the soil with marbles or gravel. Cats hate to dig in gravel or marbles. Cats also find satisfaction with chewing on items as the actual house plant. Some house plants are poisonous and can be potentially fatal such as Lily of the Valley, Mistletoe, any flower bulb, Ivy, Rhododendron....just to name a few.
If you want to prevent a cats natural instinct to explore you must implement options. Jumping on counters or tables can be hindered by applying two sided tape or revert back to the water pistol. Offer your pet a diversion.
Outdoors offer multiple interests to a curious feline. When you open a door a cat can dash before you realize what happened. A male that is not neutered will bolt to satisfy his mating needs or they can just exit to satisfy their curiosity with all those distractions. Give them food or a toy. Distract them as you depart. With a male not neutered there is only one option....take him to the vet and get him fixed.
If your attempts at resolving your cats behavioral problems are unsuccessful, consult your vet. Maintain regular checkups to ensure there is not an underlying medical problem associated with their specific behavior. Make your vet your friend as they can refer you to a qualified cat trainer as needed. For clawing and climbing your other option is to have your feline declawed by your vet. Give the title good cat to your cat and enjoy those humerous, mischievous moments.
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This article on cat flea treatment is written for all cat owners and lovers who desire to get rid of fleas on their cats. This task is without argument the most daunting of all the work that pet owners have to contend with . The reason is because it is tough to get rid of these unwanted invitees on your cats. But the good news is that there are various cat flea treatments out there that you can use nowadays and unravel the difficulty.
The first thing I advocate you to do before going out to pay money for any of the cat flea treatment in the market and the ones you will be exposed to here is the need to go to see your veterinary doctor. I hope you will not be like numerous folks out there. They don't think that seeing a vet is compulsory. This is wrong. You know why? Your cat is special and so, you must be extremely wary of whatsoever you are going to put on his body. A good and reliable veterinary doctor will help you ascertain the best flea treatment for your cat. At this instant, let us look at some of the treatments you can use to do away with these unwanted invitees from your cats and house.
The best cat flea treatment for your cat should be determined by three factors. These are the general physical condition, age and weight of your cat. Thus, have this at the back of your mind when buying products to employ.
The use of cat flea shampoos and dips is highly suggested as a method of getting rid of fleas from your pet. But this is easier said than done as you and I are aware that it is demanding to give a cat a bath. Make certain that you employ a decent and dependable medicated flea shampoo. Nevertheless I must let you know that this is not a lasting solution to the difficulty. On the other hand, a flea dip is a strong chemical rinse that you can use to eliminate fleas, mites and ticks. You are informed to only take advantage of this means if your cat is plagued with mites. This way can last for about two weeks when administered rightly.
Another short-term solution is powders and sprays. This treatment lasts for about 7 days and they are easier to avail yourself of. You can take a crack at this out today and see the outcome.
Not many human beings are conversant in the usefulness of flea collars in getting rid of fleas from cats and residences. It works by emitting a toxic gas that kills fleas. This toxic gas works in the head and neck of your cat. But this method is not recommended for outdoor cats.
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