We have the chance to get a 10 mth olc cat for your daughter, it has not been nutured or had any vaccinations yet, as i have never had a cat before is this normal. It is a boy cat who seems abit reserved but my daughter has fallen in love with him. We have been thinking about getting a cat for a white so its not a xmas thing.
2006-12-01 06:45:57 · 19 answers · asked by theresa 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Sure. You might want to look into the costs of vaccinations and neutering in advance, and if it hasn't been taken care of it could have feline aids or leukemia, which should also be tested for. The final question you need to ask yourself is has it been house trained, as this is something only its mother could have done. You can never housetrain a cat that hasn't been taught by its own mother.
2006-12-01 06:50:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'm all for it, cats are great companions at home...although unlike dogs, they have a mind of their own and on most occasions won't listen to commands. I've volunteered at adoption agencies and animal hospital, so I'm surprised that a 10month cat hasn't been neutered or vaccinated yet (unless they just got him). In my experience, when you adopt the cat, you'll pay a fee for him, but in the fee the shots and neuter procedure should be included. If its not, get the cat looked over by an independent vet to make sure you're not being taken advantage of.
Also, plan to have the cat around for years. This includes buying litter, food, toys, etc all the time for your cat. If the cat is sick, the medical costs may be quite a bit, so always have that in mind (My cat got really sick twice, so I know the costs...!) You also should think about whether this is an indoor/outdoor cat, as outdoor cats have more freedom, they also have a higher chance of getting fleas, ticks, or getting lost. Indoorcats are high maintenance, but sleep a lot, like to play, etc. In my instance, my indoor kitty got fleas once because of pigeons that were on our window sill all the time, so that can be a little frustrating. And speaking of windows, for indoor cats you'll have to have some kind of nets for the windows so it won't get out or fall out.
2006-12-01 15:30:45 · answer #2 · answered by Kat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Where are you getting this cat from? It's pretty neglectful for any owner not to give a cat some shots and get it neutered. Has the cat lived outside up till now or has it been in a home? Is it socialized at all? Has it been tested to eliminate the possibility of FIV or feline leukemia?
The "Cats for Dummies" book is really an excellent introduction to cat ownership. Though I don't agree with the recommendations on diet that could come later. It covers a lot of the issues you will face in your first venture into cat ownership and will be a handy reference to have around.
Initial expenses with testing, shots, vet exam, worming if needed can run around $100-$150. Neutering would be additional and you can find clinics that are low-cost. I would definitely have him neutered before bringing him into the house. His hormones are raging and he will spray if he is not fixed. You don't want to deal with that with a first cat.
I don't want you to "ditch" this young guy who obviously needs a caring home and I think you might think twice about getting him. It would be better to take your daughter for a few hours of visiting cats at a local humane society as she and you will definitely be able to find one. Many medical issues will have been addressed and most shelter do the neutering before cats can go to their new home. You will also have an "adoption counselor" to give you a lot of information about integrating the cat into your home, the things you will need etc. Many veterinarians are just not willing to take the time to give you this counseling.
I want both you and your daughter to have a positive experience in moving into the cat ownership world. It just sounds like this particular cat might present you with some pretty overwhelming challenges for your first experience.
2006-12-01 15:28:47 · answer #3 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes - but don't pay any money for it.
If it hasn't been vaccinated or neutered then it won't have been wormed either, so phone round a couple of local vets and see whos nearby and cheap.
And get him done soon!
Keep him indoors for the first 4 weeks to settle him in. Give him a cosy bed and a litter tray.
Don't ask your daughter to clean out the cat litter, its a job for adults, and wear rubber gloves while you do it.
At 10 months you have a chance to see what his character is like. As your daughter already likes him, its a nice idea - just get that vet check done.
2006-12-01 15:51:51 · answer #4 · answered by sarah c 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure! Just make sure you get the cat neutered/spayed, get the proper vaccinations, and read up on cats a little bit. I just adopted a 7 year old cat, so it has to be retrained a little. With a 10 month old cat, it hasn't had much experience in the world yet, so the cat will grow up with you and your family and bond with you.
2006-12-01 14:55:05 · answer #5 · answered by *-whitz-* 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Certainly! However, bear in mind that a cat (or any pet) is a large financial responsibility. Aside from food, litter and toys, you have vaccinations, and you must neuter. You also have annual check-ups, microchipping, and all that fun stuff.
Also, are you prepared to deal with any behavioural problems that might arrise? The Humane Society has a questionnaire that it hands out to potential adopters; you might want to ask for a copy. It will spell things out on black and white and will help you make your decision.
Anyway, good luck! Cats are wonderful pets to have. Quirky, and they can be pests, but they are just wonderful.
2006-12-01 14:52:42 · answer #6 · answered by Zoe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get the cat if your daughter is not likely to pull and be rough with the wee thing. Get it checked out, neutered and all it's jabs up to date. You don't say how old your daughter is so make sure if the cat scratches her the cat won't get the blame if she is too young to handle it! so many times people get pets and don't think it through get all the information and advice from the vet you can from health to neutrition and play. don't forget cats may scratch your furniture etc and you just can't have one for christmas as you said. I ahave 5 and love them all and they are no problem.
2006-12-02 10:49:23 · answer #7 · answered by annabell m 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From my experience cats adapt very well to good food, a nice and comfortable bed and generally a good home. It may take some time for the cat to trust you in the beginning as it is all new to him but rest assured with a little patience he will settle down to his new surroundings and a new owner. All cats have a character of their own and as you talk to yours you will also learn to understand him.
Hope you get along well together!
2006-12-01 15:48:09 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it cant hurt, all my cats r strays and one of them was 5 years old when came to us and he 19 now and is happy as anything, i also think it will be good for your daughter, all kids should have a least one animal it helps them to learn responsibility and animals do bring you a lot of pleasure and satisfaction and don't worry about the cat being reserved coz if u do get him in time the cat will realize that he is part of the family hope this helps
2006-12-01 15:06:34 · answer #9 · answered by becca14 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is a good idea once she knows that it is a cat for life rather than Christmas. You will need to get him neutered and vaccinated and it is best to do this fairly soon after you get him. Good luck
2006-12-05 06:49:49 · answer #10 · answered by traceylill 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋