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Important Things You Should Know Before Bringing a Cat Home

Cats make great companions. Not only do they look good, they also keep mice away and have built-in motors. That's pretty cool.

But there's more to owning a cat than having a cute, soft, purring companion. Before you get one, there are a few things you should think about, and a few things that are just plain good to know.

PetMD shares 10 tips for cat owners:

1. Cats are indeed independent by nature, but they're not quite able to take care of themselves. Before you adopt, make sure that your lifestyle can make room for a feline. How busy you are and the amount of time you spend at home will dictate the kind of cat you should get -- very busy people may find it difficult to find the time for a cat that needs a lot of grooming and attention, especially the highly intelligent and active cats. But, there are cats that are ideal for the working lifestyle. Do your research.

2. What if your circumstances change after the adoption? Or if you work long hours and still want a friendly face to greet you at the door at the end of the day? Adopting a buddy for the cat to play with can be an excellent solution.

3. Do you have any allergies? If you do suffer from severe allergic reactions, consider testing yourself for feline allergies before bringing a cat home. Then again, some people with allergies might adapt to their own pet, but still be allergic to other cats. A safe bet is to choose a cat with low allergens. Consult your vet, books, or animal shelter employees for suggestions.

4. Before you bring your cat home, take it for a checkup and immunizations. Also, schedule it in to be neutered as soon as age permits. This can mean the difference between a healthy and happy cat, and a miserable cat trying to claw its way through the windows or spraying your furniture.

5. Get a good litter box and quality cat litter. An enclosed litter box can allow you and your cat more privacy, and clumping litter is easier to maintain. Keep the box clean, for the comfort of your cat and your nose. Also, make sure you buy well-balanced, age-appropriate food for your cat. Ask your vet, the representatives at your local pet store, or take a look at " Smart Shopping for Cat Food" for some advice.

6. Cats love to play. Toy mice, string, feathers, and even empty boxes make for great amusement. Playthings needn't be expensive (they can even be homemade), just make sure there's enough to keep your cat happy, active, and mentally occupied.

7. If you don't want your sofa shredded, or your new Louis Vuitton bag ruined, invest in a scratching post.

8. Catnip, and those little freeze-dried cat treats are excellent tools for cat bribery and training.

9. Get pet insurance. We hope you won't need it, but like they always say, "It's better to be safe than sorry."

10. If it's a kitten you're bringing home, make sure you start a grooming routine early. Bathing, brushing, and trimming claws will be an event to look forward to, rather than something to dread.

And there you have it. These are just a few of the things to keep in mind when you get yourself a new companion. Another important consideration: Cats often live for around 20 years, so you and your furry feline friend will be together for a long time.

See Also

Image: Stas Kulesh / via Flickr

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Cats make great companions. Not only do they look good, they also keep mice away and have built-in motors. That's pretty cool. But there's more to owning a cat than having a cute, soft, purring companion. Before you get one, there are a few things you should think about, and a few things that are just plain good to know.

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How often do you take your cat to the veterinarian? In observance of National Cat Health Month, we want to remind you that even if your cat does not appear to be sick, preventative care is important.

Between visits to your cat's veterinarian, here are 10 ways to keep your cat healthy.

1. Groom your cat regularly.

Whether your cat has short or long fur, he will benefit greatly from regular brushing or combing. This helps remove the dead hair from his coat so he doesn't ingest it while self-grooming. It also gives you the chance to notice any changes to his body. Irregularities such as lumps, bumps or sore spots can then be investigated right away by your veterinarian.

2. Provide fresh water daily.

Clean, fresh water is essential for your cat's good health. If your cat doesn't seem to drink from a bowl, consider providing her with a tall glass (some cats don't like to bend down to drink) or a cat fountain. Be sure to replenish the water with a fresh supply every day.

3. Make sure you have enough litter boxes.

A general rule of thumb for litter boxes is one for each cat plus one more. So if you have 2 cats, you should have 3 litter boxes. To encourage good litter box habits, keep the litter boxes clean. This may mean scooping more than once per day. Regular cleaning will also help you notice any changes in your cat's urine or stool, which could indicate a health issue.

4. Notice if your cat starts urinating outside its litter box.

Sometimes a cat will urinate outside his litter box if the box is dirty. But before you blame the accident on the state of the litter box or your cat's naughty behavior, schedule a visit to the veterinarian. A change in litter box habits sometimes means that a cat has a urinary tract infection or other medical issue.

5. Train your cat to use a scratching post.

Not only will this help prevent damage to your furniture, it will help your cat stretch her muscles and keep her claws in top condition. Regular scratching on an appropriate surface such as carpet, sisal, or cardboard helps remove the old layers from your cat's claws.

6. Use a cat carrier in the car.

Does your cat need to visit the vet? Or are you moving to a new home? Transport your cat in an appropriate carrier designed for pets. Allowing your cat to roam freely in the car can distract you from driving safely, which can lead to accidents that may harm both you and your cat.

7. Keep your cat's teeth clean.

Like humans, cats can develop tartar on their teeth, which can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. The bacteria that collect on your cat's teeth also can enter her bloodstream, contributing to other feline diseases. Unlike humans, however, cats can't brush their teeth. And many cats won't let their owners brush their teeth for them. To keep your cat's teeth in top condition, schedule a cleaning with your veterinarian at least once every year.

8. Choose a cat-friendly vet.

It seems to go without saying that cats are not smaller versions of dogs. That said, it follows that cats have different veterinary requirements than dogs do. A veterinarian specializing in feline health and anatomy can be a valuable ally in keeping your cat in her best possible health. You can find a feline vet in your area by visiting the American Association of Feline Practitioners.

9. Schedule regular veterinary visits.

Annual visits give the vet a chance to catch any potential feline diseases in their early stages, administer vaccines, and clean the cat's teeth. Your vet can also tell you if your cat is at a healthy weight.

10. Spay or neuter your cat.

Reproductive diseases can affect cats of both genders, both male and female. Spaying prevents uterine infections, ovarian cancers and breast tumors in female cats, while neutering prevents testicular cancer and some prostate problems in males. The surgeries also reduce a male cat's urge to roam and if done soon enough in his life, may eliminate his urge to spray to mark territory. The best benefit? Your cat won't contribute to the pet overpopulation situation.

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Cats 101: Basic Health & Care Tips to Keep Your Cat Healthy

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How often do you take your cat to the veterinarian? In observance of National Cat Health Month, we want to remind you that even if your cat does not appear to be sick, preventative care is important. Between visits to your cat's veterinarian, here are 10 ways to keep your cat healthy.

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What they don't tell you when you adopt!

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What they don't tell you when you adopt!

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Adopting a kitten or just thinking it over? Even if you've had a kitten before, it's wise to review the basics.

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Answer:

If you're expecting a baby and want to help your cat be as comfortable as possible, here are some tips that really work.
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Complete Guide to Caring for Cats | Cat Breed Information, Cat Training, Cat Grooming

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Answer: If you're expecting a baby and want to help your cat be as comfortable as possible, here are some tips that really work. Full answer › More From Dr. Roark: 15 Outrageous Pet Owner Requests of Vets I asked veterinary professionals to tell me some of the most bizarre requests they've gotten from pet owners.

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