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.

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MORE RESOURCES:

China Daily

Pet stores struggle to cope with dogs abandoned after holidays
China Daily
By Zhou Wenting (China Daily) SHANGHAI-A 3-year-old Doberman Pinscher has been waiting for its owner for three weeks in a pet shop here, where it was taken for a bath in mid-January, to be claimed on the following day. Li Haigang, shopkeeper of Little ...

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Pets rescued from burning clinic
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Several pets were rescued from a veterinarian clinic in Logan after a fire broke out there early Sunday morning. Firefighters were called to Knowles Animal Hospital, 615 Stratton St., around 2 am, Lt. Hatfield of the Logan Fire Department said.

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Bogue: Don't let your pet swallow small objects
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The moral of the story is: Keep your home free of small things that can harm your pets. That also includes golf balls and bigger dogs that can swallow them. a good idea to keep those objects hidden out of its reach. Particular problem objects include: ...

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Bryan College Station Eagle

Expecting parents can help pets adapt
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Experts say the countdown should include prep time for pets too. A baby changes everything for a pet — from how its home looks, smells and sounds to what the rules are. Low energy, friendly, social dogs are the most adaptable pets, while independent, ...
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Cleveland News - Fox 8

Obesity epidemic strikes US pets
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The majority of adult dogs and cats in US homes are overweight or obese, and the problem has gotten worse over the past year, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Fifty-three percent of adult dogs and 55% of cats were classified as ...
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Are We Feeding Our Pets to Death?Gawker
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BigPond News

Ohio bill would ban new ownership of exotic pets
Seattle Post Intelligencer
ANN SANNER, AP COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Proposed legislation in Ohio would ban the purchase of lions, bears and other exotic animals, but current owners of the dangerous wildlife would be allowed to keep them as pets if they meet strict new requirements.
State bill would ban new ownership of exotic petsFox News

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Good News For Pet Lovers Can Get Better
KXO Radio
The percentage of dogs and cats in homes adopted from shelters and rescue groups has risen from 27 to 29 percent in the last few years, while the number of healthy and treatable pets losing their lives for lack of a home has dropped from 3 million to ...
Homeless Pet ClubsPatch.com

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Hunterdon County Democrat - NJ.com

More pet owners take advantage of free rabies clinics in Hunterdon County
Hunterdon County Democrat - NJ.com
Twelve free rabies vaccination clinics were held over the past month in Hunterdon County, timed so that people registering their pets can show proof of current rabies vaccination. The next clinic is scheduled at the High Bridge rescue squad building on ...

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New York Daily News

Courtney Love 'to sue over leaked testimony in which daughter Frances Bean ...
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In the explosive files, Frances Bean accused her mother of causing the death of their family pets. She filed the restraining order against Love in LA superior court in December 2009 after they got into a physical fight. Backed by evidence from her male ...
Courtney Love's accused of killing family pets by daughter?Gather Celebs News Channel
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Frances Bean Cobain: Courtney Love 'killed the family pets'New York Daily News
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Orsini Looking for More Than a Blind Date
Patch.com
They are very nice people with friendly pets who I get along with just fine. I am happy for the love and warmth they have shown toward me, even when I have been shy and hesitant around them. Now that I have been here for a while, I am much more relaxed ...

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