A cat is an extraordinary pet. It's great as a companion, shows a surprising affection and self-confidence. A cat can live inside a house, doesn't need to be taken for a ride daily, and that's why it's the ideal pet to live in a city. These animals are especially appreciated by children and by the elderly.
Here are some tips that you should consider to select your pet:
Male or female?
A female is usually more affectionate and docile than a male. A male is usually larger and more independent, and therefore more likely to wander, being territorial, fighting for females in his territory. But if the male is sterilized, he becomes more docile and more like females.
After being sterilized there is no major behavioral differences between males and females.
Kitten or a cat?
A little cat requires more care and attention than an adult cat. The kitten's curiosity may lead him to go into trouble. So he should be monitored more frequently. He must also be taught to make his needs inside the box. However, a kitten gets used to people more easily, and can easily be educated with good habits. An adult cat can bring with him good habits, but also rooted less desirable habits, which will be harder to get rid of, so the cat has to be more looked after.
If you are not willing to teach a kitten, you may choose an older cat that can be found for example in a kennel. If you choose a kitten please remember that the kitten should only be separated from its mother when completely weaned, which is about when he reaches his eight weeks of life.
Long-haired or short-haired cat?
A short-haired cat will take you much less time to take care of. The cat is able to do it by his own, almost none of your intervention is necessary. In addition it will be easier to treat wounds and make the cat free from parasites such as fleas.
A long-haired cat has the advantage of a spectacular fur. But you must brush the cat on a daily basis. If not done every day a cat can accumulate balls of hair inside the stomach causing digestion problems. But for those who have time and appreciate the task of brushing, it will be worth to admire the spectacular coat of this type of cats.
Purebred or not?
You should choose a particular breed of cat especially if you intent breeding or exhibitions. You should look for advise from a cat breeder, to achieve a good candidate for winning contests. There are over 100 breeds of cats. The major disadvantage of these cats is their price.
If you just want a feline companion, then choose an animal not purebred. They are not inferior to the other ones, many are as beautiful as purebred cats. There is also a huge variety of appearances. And beyond that, they are cheap, or even free.
Where to buy/acquire?
If you are interested in a specific breed of cat you should look for a breeder.
Animal protection societies are a good place to look for abandoned and lost cats.
Cats can also be bought in animals' stores.
Examine your cat
Be selective when you choose your kitty. Observe the litter and look for some characteristics that identify each kitten's personality. One is alive, one is more funky, one is fearful, another playful, another sleepy, ...
To find out the sex of the kitten you should lift the tail and observe the distance between the anus and the sex organ. The female's vulva is situated near the anus, while the male's penis is not so near the anus.
A cat lives about 15 years. Buying a kitten that is healthy can be the difference that will allow significant savings with the veterinarian:
- The back of the cat should be clean. Lift the tail and see if there are traces of discharge or diarrhea.
- Watch the ears of the kitten. Must be clean and dry. If there is dark wax or the cat is scratching, it can be a sign of mites inside the ears.
- Eyes bright and without secretions are a sign of health. Make sure the third eyelid is not in sight.
- No secretions from the nose is also desirable. The nose should be slightly moist and velvety.
- The gums should be pink, without inflammation. Teeth white, and odorless breath.
- The cat must have a rounded belly but not paunchy.
- Fur should be smooth, soft and shiny. See if there are traces of fleas or other parasites.
Registration in a Veterinary
When you acquire a cat you should register him in a veterinarian. If you do not know any veterinarian ask your neighbors who certainly will let you know some with good references.
Vaccination is a very important step. There are two basic vaccines. A vaccine against enteritis virus and against feline influenza virus. These two viruses can be fatal to your cat, you should not facilitate. The vaccine is applied, in general, when the cat is nine weeks old. If the cat is already mature make sure he was vaccinated when he was little and has a certificate of vaccines updated. After the first vaccination, the cat will need reinforcements, usually three to four weeks after the first applications.
The veterinarian does a check-up to the kitty and gives you a health certificate.
Is your cat a purebred?
If your cat is purebred make the registration in the appropriate authority for this purpose. Normally the registration is done when the kitty is five weeks of life. It records the name of the cat, details of hair, color and parents. This is especially important if you have plans to present the cat at exhibitions. If you do not know what to do, ask your veterinarian for help. He will give you information on what you have to do. If the cat is already registered, inform the authority to change the owner name.
Sterilization
If you do not want your cat to breed, then you should sterilize your cat. Sterilization avoids the unpleasant sexual behavior of a male, as it marks its territory spreading urine everywhere. If he is out, he will wander around fighting with other males. In the case of a female, if she has some freedom to the outdoors, she will be in heat two or three times a year and then she will want to mate, resulting undesirable litters. If the female is closed in an apartment you can prevent unwanted litters, but it can develop an uninterrupted heat.
- Sterilization of a female
Should be sterilized between 4 and 5 months. Never during the heat. The uterus and ovaries are removed. - Sterilization of a male
The male should be castrated at six months age. The testicles are removed. This operation should not be done before the penis is fully developed.
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