Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning
• What you need

Many people love sharing life with animals, and cats are one of the most popular pets. Finding a new pet is an exciting experience, but keep in mind that cats are animals with many needs. To find a cat as a pet, it is important to consider the owner's responsibilities and choose the right cat for you and your lifestyle so that you can both enjoy life together!

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Consider your cat's needs

1. 

   Wondering why you want to feed a cat. It is important to understand what motivates you to want a cat in order to choose the best cat. Some of the more common reasons are:
   • Find a loyal and unconditional love
   • Fill the void because you have lost a friend or another pet.
   • Find friends for children and teach them responsibility
   • Be a companion for someone

2. 

   
   
   Think about whether you're ready for the long term commitment. When you have a pet, you take a big responsibility, and deciding to adopt a cat also means that you have to stick with that responsibility for 15 to 18 years. Understand that you will have a cat as a companion for the next ten or so years, but you will also have to keep your obligations for those years. Make sure you are willing to take care of the cat for the rest of your life before making any further decisions.

3. 

   
   
   Think if you can afford a cat. If it is in the US, besides the initial money to buy a cat - an amount that can be very high if you want to buy a cat from a breeder - you must also consider other costs. Don't forget that you'll need to buy food, go to the vet, get identification, add chips and other unexpected expenses. Such money can add up to quite a large expense. The Animal Abuse Prevention Association (ASPCA) estimates the amount of money that cat owners spend in the first year at about 1,035 USD.

4. 

   
   
   Consider any problems you may have with a cat. You would love to have a cat, and maybe you can afford it, but there are a few other requirements that you need to consider before determining if a cat is right for your current situation:
   • Do you have pets, and will they respond well to a new cat?
   • Are cats allowed in your neighborhood?
   • Does your career and social life allow you to spend enough time caring and playing with cats?
   • How would you deal with the cat while on vacation?
   • Are you or someone in your household allergic to cats, feline fur, dirt, and scales from cat skin?
   • Do you have young children in your home who need a cat with any special qualities?
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Part 2 of 4: Determining where to find the perfect cat

1. 

   Go to animal aid stations. Although the cats in these places are mostly crossbred, you can still find purebred cats. Cats at animal aid stations have also been checked by a veterinarian and have often been castrated or spayed before being adopted. This is one of the least expensive options, and adopting a cat also means giving it a second life, a compassionate job.

2. 

   Contact the animal rescue team. There are many organizations that specialize in rescuing cats and finding someone to adopt them. Some organizations accept all breeds of cats, others only specialize in the relief of certain special breeds. You can search online or contact your local animal aid society for suggestions, as they often work together. Many relief groups do not take an adoption fee but offer a "donation fee" with a small amount.

3. 

   Avoid pet stores. You need to be very careful with pet stores. Many kittens here are from the pet breeding camps, where people only focus on breeding as much as possible without regard to quality. Cats there are often born with birth defects and grow up in cramped captivity, which can lead to behavior problems. Furthermore, the prices there are also much more expensive than the animal aid foster adoption fees, often up to several hundred dollars.

4. 

   Find breeders. If you are going to buy a particular breed of cat, do your research elaborate to find reputable breeders. Purebred cats are also much more expensive (hundreds, even thousands of dollars), so it's a good idea to research the average price to make sure you get the right price.

5. 

   Adopt a wandering cat. It is first important to verify the wandering cat; Pay attention to the flyers that report finding lost cats in your neighborhood, contact animal aid centers and take the cat to the veterinarian to check for chips. If it is indeed a wandering cat, it is essential to have the cat examined and castrated / sterilized by the cat. advertisement

Part 3 of 4: Choose the best cat

1. 

   Study the characteristics of different cat breeds. Different breeds of cats have their own unique characteristics, and you should learn to decide which breed is best for your life. Although less than 10% of cats per breed are considered "purebred", a general understanding of cat breeds can help even if you just want to keep a regular cat:
   • Wild breed: Cats of this group have long, thick fur that develops in cold climates; Her body was plump, square and the most inactive of the three purebred groups. The common breeds of this group are the British and American short haired cats, the Persian cats and the Maine Coon (American long haired).
   • Exotic or Hybrids: Considered the middle group, these cats have slightly oval eyes, medium V-shaped head, thinner body and more muscularity than other breeds. They are moderately energetic, except for the highly energetic Abyssinian variety. Other popular breeds in this group are the Russian Blue and the Ocicat.
   • Oriental Breeds: This group of cats is derived from a warmer climate, so their body has very little fat, thinner coat, very long legs, tail, ears and body. This group of cats is the most active and noisy of the three purebred groups. The most common breeds of this group are the Siamese, the Burmese and the Cornish Rex.

2. 

   Consider the age of the cat that is best for you. Consider how much time you can spend training and playing with the cat, and also consider its behavior. If you work full-time or have young children, it is probably best to have an adult cat, as kittens and younger cats often require more training and supervision. If this is your first time keeping a cat, try to avoid overly demanding cats (care, space, etc.) as that can be a big challenge for beginners to keep cats.

3. 

   Find a cat with the right personality for you. Even though you have done your research to decide which breed of cat is best suited to your life, you must understand that it is only the "best ability." It takes several attempts and interactions with the cat of your choice before making any decisions. In addition, an animal shelter will also have helpful tips to help you find a cat with the right personality for you.

4. 

   
   
   Talk to your breeder or animal aid provider about familiarizing your cat with a new home. It is also very important that the cat you choose to feel comfortable interacting with with other people and pets in the house. When you go to see cats, be sure to bring your kids, spouse, or someone who will be in regular contact with the cat. If you have a pet, talk to the counselor there about introducing your cat to other pets to anticipate possible problems.

5. 

   
   
   Check for obvious signs of the cat's illness. The breeder will have a better understanding of the cat's history and trends, but the animal rescue team will only be able to guess the cat's past illnesses and give details about its current condition. Although the animal relief facility will not give the sick cat to the adopter, it is essential to learn about the signs of the cat's illness so that you can ask and observe:
   • A change in water intake (drinking more or less) may indicate that your cat has diabetes or kidney disease.
   • Sudden weight gain or weight loss despite eating normally can be a sign of diabetes or hyperthyroidism.
   • Bad breath can be caused by tooth decay, tooth disease or digestive disorder, while the sweet or fruity breath is a sign of diabetes.
   • Pay attention to your cat's "grooming" habits. If a cat that used to be careful licking its fur suddenly begins to get messy, this is a sign that the cat has an underlying medical condition. Conversely, if your cat is constantly licking the fur, it could be because he is under stress, anxiety, pain, or allergies.

6. 

   
   
   Prepare your cat to go home. Before you take your cat home, choose a vet near your home and make an appointment to see the cat once during the first few days of your cat's arrival. Be sure to check with animal relief and breeders for your cat's health record! Organize your house and buy everything you need for your cat. You can find a checklist in the “What You Need” section below. advertisement

Part 4 of 4: Taking your cat home

1. 

   Set up a shelter for your cat. Because cats are territorial, your cat can be very stressed when entering a house full of strange smells and dark spaces. To make it easier for your cat to adapt, you need to create a territory for your cat:
   • Choose a small space to house your cat for the first few days or weeks, preferably with enough room for water, food, and her litter box. You also need a place to sit and interact (slowly at first) with your new cat.
   • Fill a tray about 6 cm full of litter and place it in a narrow place to allow space for your cat to defecate without disturbances (cover, like curtains, for example).
   • Keep the water and food bowls out of your cat's litter box.
   • Give your cat something to scratch, like a pole or a pet-store carpet, and put it in each room. If necessary, encourage your cat to scratch (rather than the couch!) By placing some cat mint on the surface of the nail mat.

2. 

   Introduce the cat to a new home in a controlled environment. Close doors, allowing your cat to smell and listen around; Keep your cat in your carry-on cage during home exploration if you have other pets or children in your home. Show the cat where you have dedicated it, where the litter box, food, and bed are located.

3. 

   Gradually introduce your cat to other pets in the house. Cats are territorial creatures, so getting used to must be done slowly. Keep cats apart in a room, and initially let them smell each other by rubbing each other with a towel and wrapping them. Feed your pet across the closed door, and slowly open it at different times of the day. Remember that it can take weeks or months for them to feel comfortable together!

4. 

   Expect your stress level for the first few days. Don't be surprised to find that your cat is always hiding and not eating a lot for the first few days, even weeks. If you have other pets in the house, plan ahead that it will take a month or so for them to get used to a new pet. Don't force the cat to come near you; For the first time, some cats will hide and will not show up while you are still there. Give your cat some time to get acquainted!

5. 

   Provide cat food. Even if your cat is avoiding you, you will still need to feed your cat twice a day and always have clean water available. It is extremely important to stay hydrated if your cat is too shy and refuses to eat during acclimation.

6. 

   Take your cat to the vet for a checkup during the first week. Take your cat to the vet for a vaccination and deworming if necessary. Be sure to bring the cat's health records provided by the animal aid and breeder. You should also have an identity chip implanted in your cat in case your cat has surgery or gets lost.

7. 

   Look for signs that your cat is adjusting. Notice as the cat begins to explore outside of the comfort zone you create for it, gradually open doors and other spaces for the cat to explore. Remember not to scare or startle your cat during this time! If your cat is ready to play, you can entertain the cat with a toy and play with it. Cats always love to play!

8. 

   Enjoy the feeling of having a pet cat! After finding out what kind of cat you want to adopt, finding a cat and buying it, preparing a home for the cat and waiting patiently for the cat to adapt, you can now mate and enjoy your new cat ! The feelings shared between the two sides will be a lasting and lasting bond. advertisement

Advice

• You can try the following test to identify the right pet you want to keep: http://www.aspca.org/adopt/adoption-tips/right-pet-you
• Keeping a cat can be expensive, especially if it is sick, so consider buying pet insurance. The humanitarian organization has additional resources to pay your medical expenses if you get in trouble: http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html
• Cats need at least an hour's care each day, including training, grooming, play or cuddling.
• Long-haired cats need at least 20 minutes of brushing each day to prevent the hair from getting stuck together

Warning

• If you want to buy your cat as a gift, make sure the recipient is involved in the adoption process. Dedicating a surprise to someone is a good plan, but it doesn't get the cat and the recipient to get to know each other first, and this is a must in the process of adopting a cat.

What you need

• Water bowls and food bowls
• Cat food, wet and dry
• Sanitary cat for the cat
• Sanitary sandbox and sieve
• Necklace with identification tag with your contact phone number
• A rigid portable cage (such as a plastic cage) is better than a soft one (like a bag) when moving as many animals can be injured in an accident.
• Comb or brush (depending on the length of the fur)
• Nail clippers
• Toothbrush and toothpaste for cats
• Medicines for the prevention of fleas and ticks
• Worm remover
• Tree / shelter for cats (optional, but recommended)
• Foundation grinding post (optional, but recommended)
• Simple spray (optional, but recommended for disciplined cat training)
• Wide variety of cat toys (especially those containing cat mint)
• Cat bed (optional)
• Super absorbent paper towels, sponges and brushes, non-toxic detergent and probiotic deodorizer for trouble-free cleaning
• First aid kit