Nibble On This

Last  week I went to Sears to buy a battery.  After sitting in the service bay, I left with a new battery and a new CAT!   It was a flashy calico cat.  We have always wanted a calico cat that was orange, black and white.  There she was, walking around the service area, rubbing on everything.  I ask why they had a cat.  This cat had hitchhiked there via a car.  When the car hood was opened out jumped this calico cat.  The car owner was not the cat owner, and he had just driven 80 miles.  Can you visualize the look on the cats face under the hood.

Well, I really wanted that cat.  I asked and I was given the calico cat.  Now I had to be a responsible cat owner.  It had been over a year since I had owned a cat.

Responsible cat ownership means that you are reliable and trustworthy in caring for your cat.  There are privileges, responsibilities and rewards that one can expect from owning a cat.  Pet ownership means that one accepted the responsibility of owning and caring for a cat. The family must agree to provide proper housing, nutritious food and adequate health care in exchange for the pleasure the animal brings into your life.  Being a pet owner also means that you are aware of your surroundings and are a good neighbor.

If you do not already have a cat, you decide what kids of cat to get.  Do you want a male or female, purebred or mixed breed, longhair or short hair, kitten or adult cat?  Each cat has its own personality and not all cat will be right for you and your family.  The more though you give to selecting the cat that is right for you, the better your cat will be suited to you and your family and the happier you both will be with each other.

Kitten or Older Cat?

Kittens are playful and fun to watch.  They are easy to train and adjust to a new home and family quickly.  Older cats will be quieter than kittens and already trained, but need more time to become used to their new home.

Long or Short Hair?

Longhaired cats tend to be quiet, say-at-home pets.  Their fur needs almost daily brushing and combing.  Shorthaired cats require brushing less often.  Generally shorthaired cats are active and playful.  They are easier to groom than longhaired cats.  Also question yourself about whether the cat will be a house cat or not.  Do you want long hair all over your clothes, carpet and furniture?

Male or Female?

Male cats are usually more cozy and friendly, while females are generally more cautious.  Males tend to be a little larger than females.  Unless you are planning on breeding, you should sterilize your pet.  Neutering males cats is generally less expensive than spaying females.  Sterilizing usually produces a mellower, healthier animal.

Spayed/Neutered or Intact?

If you adopt a cat that has already been spayed or neutered, you will not have to pay to have those procedures done.  With a spayed female, you will not have to worry about a female coming in heat and getting pregnant.  Some types of cancer are much less common in spayed cats.  With a neutered male, you will not have to worry about a male spraying urine to mark his territory.  Neutered males do not develop the unsightly jowls, thick skin and “stud tail” typical of tomcats.

Naming Your Cat?

Since my new cat is a calico, I named her “Cali.”  The name you choose says as much about you as it does about your dog. It shows how you view your pet and your relationship with it. Some names can cause people to judge a pet and react positively or negatively/fearfully when meeting it. I once had a cat called “Psyco Bob.”  Yes, he was psyco!  Depending on whether the cat is a pet, or is used for pet therapy or a business cat, it is important to use a name that conveys the proper image. Happy searching!
Consider the following important naming tips:

• Make a short-list of preferred names.
• Keep it simple, as possible.
• A couple of syllable names are best.
• Try to choose a name that is easily recognized.
• Is the name easy to call out?
• Base the name on how your pet acts!
• Try it out. When you find a name you like, give it a test run for a few day.
• If it feels natural, keep it! Otherwise, try the next name on your list.
• If your darling is adopted, try and keep the name your pet already owns.

The rewards of cat ownership is to enjoy the companionship of a pet. Remember to hold a family meeting to discuss the rules everyone feels the cat should follow. Outline a plan for teaching your cat to follow the rules discussed. (Resource:  4-HCCS BU-08148)

Filed under: Cats

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