1.Do I really want to have a cat?
Cats are different from dogs. While you can train them, they don’t behave like dogs. They need attention too. Even though they’re often seen as independent, cats love attention. This includes playing with them, grooming them, and talking to them using their name. They do recognize their names, even if they just flick their ears in response.
If you’re new to having a cat, it’s good to learn about their behavior. You can find helpful information on websites like this one and from experts like Amy Shojai and Pam Johnson Bennett.
2.Should I pick a cat from a shelter or a fancy breed?
If you’re thinking about getting a cat from a shelter, spend some time meeting different cats to see which one you connect with. Hang out in the area where the cats are kept and see how they act around you. If you’re away from home a lot, think about adopting a pair of cats that are already bonded.
If you’re interested in a specific breed of cat, be careful when looking online. Some ads, like the ones on Craigslist, might not be trustworthy. Facebook has groups for different cat breeds, but there can still be scammers. Make sure you get to know the breeders and their cats before you ask about getting one.
Good breeders usually have waiting lists and are careful about who they sell their kittens to. They also provide health certificates and might have already spayed or neutered the kittens before you take them home.
3.Do I want a grown-up cat or a baby kitten?
How old a cat is when it learns to socialize affects its personality a lot. The key time is between 2 to 10 weeks old. If a kitten spends more time with its litter, it’s more likely to be good at interacting with others. They learn things like how to play nicely and not to bite too hard from their littermates. But, every cat is different, so it’s important to get to know each cat individually.
4.Am I allergic to cats?
The thing in cats that causes allergies, mainly Fel d 1, comes from their saliva. If you think you or someone in your family might be allergic, spend some time around cats first, like at a shelter or a friend’s place, before getting one.
If you start having symptoms, like sneezing or itching, wash your hands after touching the cat and try not to touch your face. You might want to have an area in your home where the cat isn’t allowed, like your bedroom. Also, brushing your cat often and getting her used to baths might help.
Some types of cats, like Russian Blues or Siberians, are said to be less likely to cause allergies, but there’s no guarantee you won’t have symptoms around them.
5.How do I get my home ready for a cat?
Before letting your new cat explore your whole home, it’s good to have a quiet room ready just for her. Cats like to relax in their own way before they feel comfortable exploring.
Make sure this room has:
A cozy bed for sleeping
Boxes or places for hiding
A litter box
Scratching posts of different sizes
Toys to play with
Bowls for food and water
6.Am I ready to spend time getting to know my new cat?
Every cat is unique, and it takes some time and patience to understand your own cat. How they act often depends on how they were socialized when they were young.
Some cats are shy and get scared easily by loud noises, like a vacuum cleaner. Others are very friendly and love cuddles. You’ll need to figure out what your cat likes, such as if they prefer being scratched on the neck and chin rather than being picked up and held.
7.Am I ready to take care of my cat’s health needs, like going to the vet?
Don’t wait until your cat is really sick or there’s an emergency before finding a vet. Make an appointment for a check-up shortly after bringing your cat home to establish their health baseline. Talk to the vet about which vaccines your cat needs based on their lifestyle. The American Animal Hospital Association recommends core vaccines like FHV-1, FCV, FPV, rabies, and FeLV for cats younger than 1 year old, along with optional non-core vaccines.
If your cat is older, blood tests can help catch potential issues like kidney problems early. Check if the vet handles emergencies 24/7 or if they have a nearby facility they work with
8.Am I going to buy insurance for my cat?
Getting insurance for your cat could be really helpful if they get a serious illness. Make sure you read the policies carefully to understand what’s covered, like regular checkups and vaccines, pre-existing conditions, deductibles, and limits on how much you can spend.
If you don’t want insurance, you could set up a special savings account just for your cat’s vet bills instead.
9.Do I know how to look for signs of problems in my cat?
Regularly check your cat for any lumps, bumps, or sores by gently feeling their body with your hands. You can do this while brushing them, which many cats like and it helps you bond with them. It’s also a good idea to clip their claws and brush their teeth regularly.
Introduce these routines slowly so your cat gets used to them and doesn’t get stressed. Remember, every cat reacts differently, so be patient and gentle.
10.Do I understand what’s normal for a cat, both in how they look and how they act?
Any changes in your cat’s behavior like being tired all the time, hiding a lot, or acting aggressively could mean they’re sick. If you catch problems early, it can save you money and keep your cat healthy and happy. Watch your cat closely to catch any issues before they get worse.
Here are some extra tips for welcoming your new cat:
1.Talk to Them and Use Their Name: Talking to your cat helps them feel safe and loved. They might respond with purring, kneading, or giving you “eye kisses.”
2.Schedule Playtime: Cats love toys like fishing pole toys, catnip stuffed toys, and crinkle balls. Find out what your cat likes best!
3.Feed Them Good Food: Invest in high-quality food for your cat’s health. Canned food, pre-made raw diets, or homemade food are good options. Try to feed them at the same times every day.
Remember, cats are natural hunters, so they enjoy playtime and eating on a regular schedule
