Wanting unconditional love and constant companionship To fill a void created by the loss of another pet or companion Wanting a friend for your child while also teaching them about responsibility Wanting to take care of someone every day
Do you have any other pets and will they react well to a new cat? Are you allowed to have cats at your current residence? Will your work and social life allow time to care for, and interact with, a new cat? What would you do with your cat if you went on vacation? Do you, or anyone else that would commonly interact with the cat, have allergies to cats, cat hair, dirt, or dander? Do you have children who may need a cat with a particular type of temperament?
Natural breeds: These cats have long, thick coats developed in cold climates; heavy, square bodies; and are the most sedentary group of the three purebred groupings. Common breeds within this group are American and British shorthairs, Persians, and Maine coon cats. Semi-foreign or Hybrids: Considered an in-between group, these cats have slightly oval eyes; moderately wedge-shaped heads; and a leaner, more muscular body than the other breeds. They have a moderate energy level in comparison, except for the Abyssinian breed, which is high energy. Other common breeds within this group are the Russian blues and Ocicats. The Orientals: These cats originated in warmer climates and so they have very little body fat, lighter coats, and very long legs, tails, ears, and bodies. This group is the most active and talkative of the three purebred groupings. Common breeds within this group are Siamese, Burmese, and Cornish rexes.
Changes in water intake (both drinking more and drinking less) can indicate that the cat has diabetes or kidney disease. Unexpected weight loss or weight gain despite normal eating habits can indicate diabetes or hyperthyroidism. Bad breath can mean tooth decay, dental disease, or a digestive disorder, while sweet or fruity-smelling breath can be a sign of diabetes. Pay attention to the cat’s grooming habits. If a once well-groomed cat starts to appear unkempt, this is a sure sign of potential illness. Alternatively, over-grooming can indicate that the cat is very stressed out, anxious, in pain, or has allergies.
Find a small space for the cat to call home for the first few days or weeks, ideally with enough room for the cat’s water, food, and litter box, as well as a space for you to sit and interact (slowly at first) with your new pet. Fill a litter box with a few inches (about 6 cm) of litter and put it somewhere within the small space that will provide some privacy for the cat to use it undisturbed (for example, drape a cloth over the edge of a counter, like a curtain). Keep the food and water bowls separate from the litter box area. Provide the cat with something to scratch, like a post or a mat you can purchase at pet stores, and keep one in each room. If you need to, encourage the cat to scratch those (instead of your couch!) by putting some catnip on the scratching surfaces.
Signs that your cat isn’t adjusting so well can include going to the bathroom outside of the litter box, not eating, and changes in bowel movements. If your cat is showing any of these symptoms, talk to a vet since they could be a sign that something is wrong. [17] X Expert Source Brian Bourquin, DVMVeterinarian Expert Interview. 31 January 2020.
