Pets Information


Finding the Perfect Cat or Kitten for You and Your Family


Some people say they are exclusively "cat people," meaning they only want to have a cat as a pet. That doesn't mean that just any cat will be the right companion. When choosing a cat to be your companion, be certain to make the choice that will work best for both you and the animal.

An athletic, highly energetic cat is fun to watch, but a cat can be a challenge to care for. A shy, sensitive cat probably wouldn't thrive in a home with lots of hullabaloo. The first step to choosing a cat is evaluating your lifestyle so you can find a cat with similar needs.

Some people only want a purebred, while others take great delight in their basic domestic crossbreed. Hair length is another decision to be made; long-haired cats require daily brushing and combing, but tend to shed less than short-haired cats. Do you have the time needed to raise a well-behaved kitten, or would a mature, mellow adult be a better companion? Once you have decided on what the right cat for you will be like, it's time to start the search.

Where Can You Find a Cat?

* Breeders: you should spend time researching to find a reputable breeder with years of experience

* Animal charities: these are usually a great source for a first time pet owner. The experienced and dedicated staff will be able to give you advice and knowledge

* Friends or neighbours: this can sometimes be a good source, as you will know where your pet has come from.

* Never buy through personal advertisements in papers - you don't know what you are getting

Whether you look for your feline friend at a local animal shelter or from a breeder, take your time and ask plenty of questions. When you find a cat that catches your attention, spend some time watching her, and watching her watch you. Does she vocalize to get your attention or act aloof? These behaviors can give you insight to a cat's personality.

Ask for the opportunity to interact with the cat. Is she shy around strangers such as yourself, but confident with her caretakers? Or is she skittish with everyone? Remember that a cat acts differently when a stranger is present, and that cats in shelters often act very different than they usually would because of the stressful environment. Most humane societies and animal rescue groups gather a history on each animal they take in. This can tell you what the cat's likes and dislikes are, whether it is comfortable around children or other cats, etc.

If you have other cats or dogs at home, consider their personalities when choosing a cat. If your existing cat is older than 10 years and used to being the only cat in the house, she might not welcome a newcomer. A dog with a high prey drive will be provoked by a high-energy kitten. If you have no pets at home, consider adopting two cats. Many animal shelters have special pricing for "two-for-ones," and the cats make great companions for on another when you are not home.

When you bring a cat into your home, you make a commitment to always meet her needs. Advances in cat nutrition and veterinary medicine mean that many cats live 15-20 years. If you buy a kitten for children remember the cat will be part of the family long after your kids have left home! Before you get a pet, be sure you can take care of it for life.

Pet Medication Supplies http://www.pet-medication-supplies.net can help you get the best possible pet health supplies. Advantix, Arthramine, Cosequin, Frontline, Heartgard - find the best deals in pet medication for flea and tick control, arthritis and lyme disease. Up to 50% discount everyday on brand names.


MORE RESOURCES:

msnbc.com

New York Fashion Week: It's on, pets
Boston Globe
It's Anna Wintour, "Gossip Girl" Blake Lively in a graphic, beaded, and appropriate dress (T-4 days until the season premiere: ooh-la-la! ...
Game Plan: Your Dallas FNO ItineraryNBC Dallas-Fort Worth

all 642 news articles »


VCA Animal Hospitals Offers Free Boarding for Pets Affected by Colorado Wildfires
MarketWatch (press release)
"VCA wants everyone affected to know that during this difficult time, they can keep their pets safe and comfortable with VCA's free boarding offer. ...

and more »


StarNewsOnline.com (blog)

The Haven sponsors National Pet Adoption Weekend Sept. 11- 12
Gulf Coast Newspapers
You can help a homeless pet find love during the PetSmart Charities Second Chance for Love National Adoption Weekend this Sept. 11-12. ...
PetSmart teams with TAL for national adoption weekendTexarkana Gazette
PetSmart of Midland Hosting Adoption Clinic This WeekendNewsWest9.com
Adoptable animalsThe Coloradoan

all 6 news articles »


Buckle up the whole family, including your pets
Chicago Sun-Times
Eighty-five percent of people don't use safety restraints or crates for their pets in the car. Allie Henning, of the Orland Hills PetSmart, secures a safety ...



RacinePost

Colorado Residents Urged to Take Pets with Them If Evacuating
Media Newswire (press release)
The Humane Society of the United States reminds residents of the Boulder area to take their pets with them if they evacuate. An uncontained wildfire burning ...
Humane Society to Offer 'Name Your Own Price'WSET
Fourmile Fire: Left-behind pets rescued from SugarloafDaily Camera
'They suggested specific people be 'hunted' and 'euthanized' ...'The Jersey Journal - NJ.com
9NEWS.com -Asheville Citizen-Times -KKTV 11 News
all 25 news articles »


Jed and Billy, Southern Pines Pets of the week for 9-09
WDAM-TV
HATTIESBURG, MS (WDAM) - Two adorable three month old kittens, Jed and Billy, are this weeks Pets of the week at the Southern Pines ...

and more »


Pet Amnesty Day in Orange: Free rabies shots
Orlando Sentinel (blog)
Pet Amnesty Day will take place from 9 am to noon Saturday, Sept. 11, at Cypress Grove Park, 290 Holden Ave., Orlando. During the outreach and education ...



Tbo.com

Keep your pets safe with these critter contraptions
Tbo.com
As Americans, we often treat our pets as if they're children. When you compare what we do for our pets with what we do for our children, ...

and more »


MSN Money UK

'Quarter ready to borrow for pets'
The Press Association
One in four people would be prepared to take on debt in order to pay for veterinary treatment for their pet, a survey has suggested. ...
Pet insurance bigger priority than health insurance for BritsFair Investment Company
Britons put pet's health ahead of their own, survey findsMyFinances.co.uk
Pet owners put health of animals before their ownEasier (press release)

all 32 news articles »


Black Pug Darby Stolen from Pets, Inc. in West Columbia, SC
WLTX.com
West Columbia, SC (WLTX) -- Organizers at the Pets, Inc. Adoption Center in West Columbia say someone took a four-year-old black pug named Darby on Sept. 8. ...

and more »

Google News

home | site map
© 2007