Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings

It has been proven by doctors that the cat is an excellent stress reducer and also lowers blood pressure. A cat in the house will help you to have fun, but first make sure that you have all the conditions for keeping it. It doesn't matter where you get it - from a breeder, at a pet store, or from friends - the following things should be considered in order to avoid some problems in the future.

Steps

1. 1 Before taking your pet into your home, make sure that the building you live in allows you to comfortably contain it.
2. 2 Don't pick a cat just for looks. Just like humans, cats should not be judged solely by their external beauty. The most important aspect in this case is their inner beauty.
3. 3 Almost all cat breeds are more similar to each other both in terms of temperament (they do not want to do anything) and in terms of body shape (almost all of them have almost the same shape; some of them are slightly larger, fluffier, or more colorful), in comparison with dog breeds. Some of them are a little friendlier, others are more prone to somewhat specific behavior (some are very fond of water, for example), but most people are well suited to cats of any breed, or, of course, mongrels.
4. 4 Take a close look at the length of your cat's coat. Short hair (smooth glossy coat) or medium hair (not very fluffy coat) are the best options for most people. Long-haired cats (for example, Persian) have long, flowing hair, and some do not have it at all (and are hypoallergenic). Short-haired cats usually have no problems with tangling, so they only need to be brushed once every few days. This is necessary in order to remove the fallen hairs and check for the presence of parasites. Cats with medium length coats should be brushed a little more often. Long-haired cats need cleaning every day. But at the same time, a cat with short hair on cold winter days will be less comfortable, and hairless cats can even die from the cold.
5. 5 Do not disturb the animal if he or she tries to scratch or bite you. If you have never owned a cat before, then you may not know how to properly handle them. Plus, every cat has individual likes and dislikes when it comes to touching. Also, consider the possibility that cats are sometimes playful.
6. 6 Ask to hold the animal you like. If he / she refuses, do not force. Some cats are very affectionate, but only with those they like. Make a fist and extend it in the direction of the cat. This is the human way of mimicking a feline greeting. If the cat rubs its head against your hand, it is a friendly greeting. If he / she looks away or steps back, then she may not like meeting new people. This is not a reason not to take it. The cat can also be afraid of people. If you choose one, you will need to help her get used to people.
7. 7 Check the kitten from nose to tail for signs of illness. What to see and what to look for:
   • The eyes should be shiny and free of discharge.
   • There should be no discharge from the nose, the cat should not constantly sneeze.
   • The ears should be free of dark sulfur and an unpleasant odor.
   • The coat must be clean and free from damage. Examine the underarm and abdomen for fleas.
   • It should be clean under the tail, there should be no signs of diarrhea or worms.
   • Chest - breathing should be clear, without wheezing.
8. 8 Check the cage or litter box for signs of diarrhea.
9. 9 Check your pet's veterinary records for all vaccinations and tests for your cat. This will save you money as veterinarian services can be quite expensive. If the cat is from a shelter, it must be tested for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) before entering the home.
10. 10 After you have already adopted a cat, it is still worth going to the vet with it, especially if you have other cats. Also, keep in mind that when you pay for a visit to the vet, you can choose the one that you consider a professional.
11. 11 Or... one can only guess! Follow your intuition; Research shows that people who make impulse purchases are happier with their purchases later. If you know that cute black fluffy creature in the corner is healthy, that's all you need to know! Find out if he shares your sympathy, and take him to you! You just really like him, and there is no point in looking for something else. You will not regret this purchase. (This applies exclusively to the selection process ... but before bringing it into the house, it is still better to go to a specialist).
12. 12 Make sure you can afford to have a cat. Feeding and caring for your pet is a regular process, so it is also a fixed cost. Especially expensive of all this is veterinary care! Even if you have health insurance for your pet, there may be some procedures that are not covered. Don't take cats out of shelters just to save them, but first make sure you can keep them.

Tips

• Many shelters have visiting hours. The best way to see a cat's true personality is to come early in the day. If you come in the evening, the cat may get tired, or perhaps before that it was visited by a less affectionate person like you, and she may attack you.
• If you are picking up a cat from your hands or at a shelter, check ALL entries left by the former owner, this will give you a clue as to the temperament of the cat. However, it should be borne in mind that individuals who have abandoned the animal may have their own reasons for lying about this.
• Buy accessories (bedding, food, bowls, toys, etc.) before you pick up your cat so you can bring it straight home. It would also be a good idea to arrange for a consultation with your veterinarian on the day you plan to pick up your pet. This way you can check it out on the way home.
• Be a responsible and knowledgeable owner: Buy and read several books on cat grooming before choosing a pet. Each breed has its own temperament, grooming habits and medical concerns that you should be aware of. Also find out what are the most common illnesses / problems that will require additional care.
• A cat that has already been neutered / neutered and vaccinated is a big plus. Make sure your pet has been vaccinated before purchasing. Be sure to check if your pet has a rabies vaccination tag.
• If you have the time and money to rehabilitate a sick or injured cat, then give up all the means to do it. Otherwise, you will simply make the problem worse. This is especially true for animals that were repeatedly taken away and then sent back to the shelter.
• After a cat has been neutered / neutered, usually no change in behavior is noticed, except that males mark territory more often than females, even after they have been neutered.
• Say a firm no when she scratches / bites. Or, you can carry a small water spray in your pocket and apply as needed.
• Pay attention to the breed. Although the various color schemes (orange striped, gray tabby, all black, all white, tricolor, etc.) of simple domestic cats do not indicate a specific breed.
• Ask for some litter from a former litter box. This will help the cat feel more confident in her new home and let her know where to go to the toilet. This is especially useful for small cats / kittens.

Warnings

• Once you have brought your cat home, it is only natural for her to behave a little timidly and shyly. The cat just needs some time to adjust to its new, clean and safe environment.
• Please keep in mind that a kitten's personality changes throughout the year, depending on how much or how little time you devote to it.
• Be wary of pet stores that try to push you to buy a cat, but discourage you from any of the actions described above. They obviously think their income is more important than your interests or the cats themselves. A good store should be as happy with your purchase as you are.
• Believe it or not, many people cannot tell the difference between male and female cats, so please make sure you are able to tell who is who. The cat usually marks its territory, even after it has been neutered.
• Also, make sure that neither you nor other family members are allergic to cats before you decide to buy or take a pet into your home.
• Be careful if you decide to take home a stray cat: even an apparently healthy cat can have feline leukemia, meningococcal meningitis, or other diseases that will be fatal to any cat that already lives in your home. Therefore, it is best to take her to the vet for a routine check-up before bringing her home.
• If you are picking up a cat from a shelter, make sure that none of the cats are sick (very important). It is very important to check the coat, eyes, nose, paws, as well as the excretory and reproductive systems. Also, look at the bedding to make sure the cat's feces looks normal and the animal has no diarrhea. If the cat is sick, bring him / her to a licensed veterinarian as soon as possible. Do not be discouraged if you took a sick cat. They need help and you could be the one who can help.
• You can of course pick up a kitten from the street, but you can never be sure that he is completely healthy. Therefore, it will be much safer to choose a new pet from a shelter or take it from good friends.