I'm going to get a cat soon!?

Question

Please help me, this is the first time i've ever had anything furry. Please include any must-haves, better 2 have 2 kats or one? I'm at school from 7:45 A.M. 2 at least 3:30 P.M. sometimes 4:30 or even 5:30
I need help
im looking forward to having this cat a lot
male or female
what type of food? is dry food okay? canned is too expensive.
what are the best toys
anything else for a person who is about to own a cat for the first time.
Oh, i almost forgot.
What breed? I want a tonkinese or a siamese are those good
No contests, so are mixed breeds okay?
I don't have time so a longhair would be bad, right?
and give me any names that you might have thought of. Im stuck when it comes to thinking of names.
Thanks. -Meow-

Answer 1

A mixed breed is fine if you aren't going to show it. You probably can get one from a local animal shelter. If you do it probably will be spayed or neutered already and have its shots.

Siamese cats aren't very cuddly and they tend to be aloof. I wouldn't recommend them for someone who wants a lap cat.

Get the youngest one you can find. Hold a few in your arms to see which one seems to like you the best. And while you're holding them, gently turn them on their back. If they kick and wriggle a lot, they may turn out to be difficult to handle and less affectionate.

The sex doesn't matter much. Once they're "fixed," males and females are both pretty easy to get along with.

Also, if the cat will be spending a lot of the day by itself, it might be better to get two. That way, they'll have company.

Wherever you get your kitten, check to make sure it has been spayed or neutered, what shots it will need next, and when it will need them. If the kitten needs to be "fixed," it'll be with the vet for about a day. They usually heal up just fine a few days after surgery... males need less time to recover than females.

Other things you'll need:

-- A litter box. Kittens are easy to litter train. All I've had to do is put them in the box once to show them where it is. After that, they're fine. (But there will be accidents, so get some carpet cleaning spray.)

-- A litter box scoop to clean out the solid stuff. Cats don't like using dirty litter boxes. If they mess on the floor, that's probably the reason.

-- Dishes/bowls for food and water. If you get two cats, get two dishes for food so they won't push each other out of the way when they're eating. Usually, one water bowl will be fine for two cats.

-- Cat food. If they're very young, canned may be best because it's easier to chew. Start them off with kitten food for about the first six months. After that, it won't matter whether it's dry or canned. Be prepared to try a few different brands, though. Cats can be picky eaters. Once you and your cat have picked a food it likes, it's okay to feed it the same thing every day. Cats like routines.

-- Get some toys for the cat to play with. You'll have fun and the cat will get exercise playing with them.

Answer 2

Once they're spayed/neutered (Since it's your first time keeping a cat, I doubt you're breeding. Spay or neuter your pet, no questions asked. There are too many animals out there dying already.), males and females are really similar. A lot of my females have been very vocal, though, I don't know if it's me or what! Get the best food you can afford. Do some research on the nutrients cats need, and make sure your food has it. Avoid foods with a lot of ash or dyes--I just don't like them. The best toys are paper bags and cardboard boxes from my experience. They're cheap and cats love them. Don't even bother buying a bed, because your cat will probably prefer a towel thrown beside the toilet over an expensive bed. They also like little foam balls and wands with feathers on them, but every cat is different.
Siamese and Tonkinese cats tend to be attention-seeking and vocal, so I wouldn't get one unless you can live up to their standards (Cats have high standards, but some breeds are a step above) :) Mixed breeds and strays are the only cats I've ever had, and they've always been excellent. It's great to save a life from a shelter, so I would go there for a new friend (yes, I'm a bit biased, haha). That's a good idea not to get a longhair if you can't brush him/her. They get bad mats, especially if you let them outside. Uhmmm...get a spray bottle for discipline because it's humane and effective. If you adopt a declawed cat/declaw a cat, don't let him/her outside for even a second. Two cats are great, but one is okay too. If you're really busy, two is best so they can play together. Also, get a fully-grown cat. Without supervision, kittens are destructive and can develop behavior problems if they don't get the attention they require. Older cats can get into some big messes, but kittens are little tornadoes on four legs.
As for naming, I think a person should look deep into their animal's eyes and really get to know them. Watch them and learn about his/her personality, and a great name will come to you. That's really the only way I think there is to do it.
Good luck with your new cat! You'll have a ton of fun with him/her!

Answer 3

Dry food is better for your situation. Siamese cars are OK (I personally like them) but they can yowl very loudly, and the neighbors might get annoyed.
As to long hair or not, it's not that big a deal. Shorthairs can shed just as much as longhairs.
The best thing is to get a cat from the pound. That way, you're saving a life. Also, get to know the cats in their cages, and then ask if you can hold them. At that point it's simply a matter of which cat you bond with. First impressions are important.
That's basically it. If you like the cat, and it likes you, that's a good sign.

Answer 4

When it comes to male or female, that's up to you. If you get a male, make sure that you get him fixed, cause once you let him out, he'll go in search of females, and you might not see him again. I prefer females because they are less aggressive. I feed my cats a mixture of dry and wet. I like the dry food because it's cheaper, the cats like the wet food becasue it tastes better. My cats are just as happy playing with the $30 scratching box, as playing with a plastic bag. I usually get them those mice that are muliti-colored and come in packs of 12 or $2, they love playing with those. I like siamease cats, they have really interesting personallities. I think my favoritve cat look wise is the absynian* they look like mountain lions, but are very tame and good cats. If you dont have a lot of time stay away from long haired cats. They need lots of time for grooming and bathing.
For nameing, think of something that you're really into, then name the cat accordingly
For example- My dad likes motorcycles so we have a cat names Sturgis ( The town that hold the black hills motorcycle rally) and Dakota (becasue Sturgis is in North Dakota)
Also, my boyfriend Chews (gross) So we have a dog named Kodiak (the brand he chews) and two kittens named Dip and Spit

Answer 5

any kind of cat is ok.. long haired dont shed anymore than short haired. Just go tot he pound and look at all the kitties.. get one that is cuddly. Breed doesnt really matter. If you are going to be gone alot a cat is perfect because all they need is food and water and a litter box. dry food is fine, maybe give moist food every now and then for a treat. They like any kind of dangly toys and fake mice. they also like catnip as an occasional treat. name it by what ever come to your head when you first see it. I have a calico cat named Callie and my other cats are Tubby (hes fat), snuffy and Kissie (she was a stray that I took in). they all have there own personaliltes.. You will love having a cat. they are so cuddly and sweet to have around.. good luck

Answer 6

I'm happy for you that you're getting a cat but when you said that canned food is too expensive.......... If you're tight on $, maybe it's an idea to adopt a cat from a shelter. That way the animal is already spayed or neutered and is up to date with it's shots which will save you lots of money on vet bills and you'll help a cat who needs a loving home.
Often shelters have many kittens, especially this time of year.
Good luck.
btw besides the fact that it's less expensive, dry food is indeed better for your cat. (if it's a good brand that is)

Answer 7

Firstly, the problem with buying a pedigree kitten is that they do not live as long as a mixed cat, particularly, Siamese have problems.

If u r not going to show it then a mixed cat will make u just as happy as a pedigree.

If u r buying a Kitten, make sure that u buy it from a repital dealer, ensure that the pet store or breeder u have brought the cat from has a good record

When buying ur kitten, remember, the following

1. Litter Tray
2. Kitten Food ( The dry Complete food is good), but be sure if it is a kitten that u buy only kitten food.
3. A scratch post is good 2 buy as it will save ur furniture

Any cat toy u can buy from a Pet Store is good, but cats, and especially kittens love to chase things.

Remember to get it to the vet for checks as soon as u get it, and ensure it gets its injections. a flea injection may be a good idea 2

When u first get ur kitten make sure u integrate with it as much as possible, especially picking it up, as the more u integrate with it the friendlier it will be as an adult

Don't forget to get Pet insurance, as soon as possible as vet bills can be scary

Names

Boy = Simba
Girl = Cleo

Enjoy ur time with ur cat

Answer 8

Please get a cat from the humane society, or look in your newspaper or free advertiser for free kittens. A short-haired breed would be ideal since you don't have time to brush the cat. Females are more expensive to get spayed. Males are cheaper to get neutered, but are prone to getting crystals in their urinary tracts, which can be fatal. We lost a couple of male cats to that when we were growing up so we usually got females.

Of course, you need a litterbox, litter, food, and water bowls. But other than a couple of toys, that's it. The best toy to get (and the only one my cats ever played with) is a plastic pole which looks like a fishing pole and has a toy dangling from the string on the end. Make sure you get one with a thick handle, though, because YOU may be holding it for a long time! Old-fashioned paper grocery bags are great toys and don't cost anything. Just ask for one next time you pick up a few groceries with your parents.

You should take the cat to the vet for a basic exam and shots. Also, sometimes when you get cats from private owners ("free kittens" ads) they have fleas. It's best to get a cat carrier, but the vets have cardboard ones you can use. Go to the vet and ask for one before the cat's appointment so you can take the cat TO the vet.

Despite the stereotypes, cats can be very social and playful and they do need attention. Make sure to make time to play with your cat each day, to hold and pet her and just be with her. Cats, like children, develop their personalities depending on how they are raised. My cat stretches out on the floor when there are 30 people here for a party. He does not hide. He is very sociable.

Canned cat food is not as expensive as you may think. For example, my local supermarket offers a store brand comparable to "Fancy Feast" but lower in price. I give him a spoonful in the morning and dry food the rest of the day. Keep a bowl available all day since cats are nibblers. I feel canned food offers the cat a little treat each day and helps keep his fur soft and keep his fur and skin from drying out. I use Purina One for the dry food. Don't let vets sell you on overpriced specialty foods such as Hill's Science Diet.

The poet T.S. Eliot says cats have 3 names - their given or formal name, the name everyone calls them (such as "Honey" or "Kitty" and a name only the cat himself knows. Go to the library and get the book "Old Possums Book of Practical Cats". It's full of great cat poems and was the inspiration for the musical "Cats". Frankly, I don't think cats respond to names. I call my cat by clicking 7 times in 4 sets. If he doesn't come right then, he comes shortly thereafter.

Good luck and enjoy your kitty. Remember, cats can live to be nearly 20, and living into their late teens is not rare, so make sure you plan to be around a LONG time for this creature.

Answer 9

1. female, spayed!!!
2. dry food is fine
3. toys: string, and basically anything that drags or has noise
4. mixed breeds: BETTER AND HEALTHIER!!! GET ONE!
5.yes, no longhairs
6. Midnight, Kitty, Holly, Chip, Pounce, Terrance, Christina, Anya, Mikey, Buster, Emma, Tatiana, Vicky, Halle, Max

The best breed of cat to get is a bombay.... i have one and TOTALLY LOOOVE him, besides the fact that he is acting jerky right now. Get some cat books somewhere, and surf the web. After you get your cat, make an account at catster.com

HOPE THAT HELPED!!!!

Answer 10

Dry food, because then their breath wont smell as much.
I say get one cat and if you enjoy your cat get another one, or you see it is lonely.
Siamese cats are cute and nice.
Long hair cats shed a lot, so if you dont want to deal with cat hairs being around your house i'd suggest no hairy cats.
Cats like balls to play with, and you should play with your cat too.
Names.... anything that the cat reminds you of.

<3 Good Luck