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> Pick Of The Litter
PICK OF THE LITTER
Like dogs, the temperament and nature of cats varies widely between breeds
and there are many things you need to consider before bringing a new cat
or kitten into your home. First of all, you will need to ask yourself
what type of area and house you live in. Would the cat be mostly indoors
or outdoors? How many hours would your cat be without human or animal
company each day? What age group will the owner of the cat be? Remember,
you are choosing a companion who is going to be with you for the next
15 to 20 years, so you need to be compatible! The length of hair you want
for your cat and its activity level are two more things to think about
when making your selection.
Sleek or fluffy?
The type of coat you want for your cat may appear to be a trivial part
of the selection process but it’s actually very important. Cats with long
hair require regular grooming to stay tidy and knot-free. If you are willing
to put in the effort, daily grooming can be a very rewarding ritual so
a cat with long hair may be a perfect choice. However, if you don’t have
a lot of time on your hands or if someone in the house is sensitive to
cat hairs then you are going to be more suited to a low-maintenance short-haired
cat. Short-haired breeds include: Cornish Rex, British Shorthair and Australian
Mist. Long-haired breeds include: Ragdoll, Birman and Persian.
Active or quiet?
If there are children in the house that are likely to give the cat a lot
of attention, an active breed is going to be more responsive and willing
to play. Active breeds are likely to want to explore and play outside,
so if you want your cat to spend a lot of time indoors, a quiet breed
is going to be more compatible with your lifestyle. Quiet breeds include:
British shorthair, Bombay and Angora. Active breeds include: Siamese,
Balinese and Abyssinian.
If you are choosing a cat from a shelter, keep in mind that they may
behave uncharacteristically because they are in an unfamiliar environment.
Be sure to have some knowledge about the general temperament of different
breeds before visiting the shelter.
Choosing a healthy cat
Remember when choosing a new cat or kitten, you are making a long-term
investment and selecting a companion that will bring you and your family
happiness for years to come. Nobody wants to go to the effort of buying
a cat only to have it become seriously ill soon after it returns home.
When you are at the pet shop or with the breeder, watch for signs of diarrhoea,
sticky eyes or runny nose. Your cat should also act playfully and enjoy
activity. Lethargic cats may be inactive due to a health problem. Also
be sure to observe the cat’s weight. An underweight kitten may have intestinal
parasites that can be easily remedied with medication, or it may be thin
due to a more serious health problem.
If you go to choose a cat and do not feel comfortable about taking one
home, it is best to continue looking until you find that special companion
for you and your family. Although it’s best not to make emotional decisions
when making your choice, sometimes when you inspect a litter you may find
that a kitten chooses you! If a cat comes and rubs up against you, it
is demonstrating its ownership. If a cat or kitten does this, check that
it appears healthy and you may have found yourself a perfect match!
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