Cat guide

Cat guide for beginners

The cats we enjoy as pets today are all domesticated, and like many other pets, have been categorized into a variety of breeds. As a ‘cat-newbie’ getting your first cat, or kitten can be a huge undertaking.
Before getting your first cat think seriously about the important step you are about to take. Like entering into any relationship, bringing a cat into your family comes with responsibilities attached. Do not jump into this blindly, and consider all the aspects of owning a cat. If you do not, you may regret it in the end.
There really isn't a lot of difference between male and female cat behavior once they are neutered. Unneutered males will fight for territory when they are outside, and indoors will also liberally spray their strong scent to mark their territory. Un-spayed females are less aggressive then unneutered males, but will make your life miserable, with loud yowls and bizarre body gyrations, each time they go into season. Once spayed or neutered, a cat’s personalities will improve, and you will not notice a lot of difference between a male or female companion.
Now that you have made up your mind on the gender of your feline, you will have to decide if you want a purebred or a domestic cat. Most cats are domestic shorthairs or longhairs and come in a spectacular assortment of sizes, colors, patterns, coat lengths, and personalities. They usually are less expensive to adopt then the purebreds, but have traits that are less predictable, which may not be so attractive around children.
A Turkish Angora is a small to medium sized slender cat with a very graceful appearance. The longhaired Maine Coon is active and non-vocal, and has an amiable disposition. We all know purebreds like the sleek blue-eyed Siamese or the elegant, long-haired Persian, breeds exhibiting typical behaviors. Human attitudes toward cats vary widely. Some people like cats, while others prefer dogs. The oldest feline-human association dates back 9,500 years, and was found during an excavation in Cyprus. The grave contained the skeletons, of both a human and a cat, lying closely together.
There are several places one can find a cat for adoption. If your cat-friends do not have a perfect kitten for you, visit animal rescue organizations or find a reputable breeder. Pet stores are also a way to obtain a cat, even though this option does not come highly recommended by cat-lovers, because of the prevalence of kitten-mills.
Impulse shopping may be alright if you come home with a new pair of shoes or an interesting book. If you do not like it, you can return it. That may be a bit more challenging when it comes to an adopted, living, sentient creature such as a cat or kitten. Therefore, better decide wisely. Think about the fact that, given proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary visits, an indoor cat can live as long as 21 years, or more. Are you willing to accommodate your friend that long?