I want to get a cat but i dont know how hard it is to take care of a cat .and if i do get a cat i dont know what kind of cat to get. Do you know any sites that tell how to take care of cats
2006-12-25 11:32:17 · 19 answers · asked by Jenny Bot 19 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Any pet is a lifelong commitment and you should be sure you are completely ready for that commitment in both time and money. A cat can live up to 20 years. Are you willing to dedicate 20 years of your life to your cat? Pets are EXPENSIVE. Don't let anybody tell you otherwise. You don't have to send them off to college, but they still require spay/neuter surgery, immunizations, regular vet checkups, food, litter, and toys. And what if your cat gets a serious injury or illness. Can you afford to pay about $10 a month for pet insurance? If not, could you shell out $1000 or more for a life-saving medical procedure? Also cats in particular require "cat furniture" (cat trees and scratching posts) where they can scratch without being destructive to your "human furniture". It's in a cat's nature to scratch and declawing a cat is a permanent, inhumane mutilation that is banned in several countries (unfortunately not the US). It's a permanent irreversible surgery that often leads to far worse behaviorable problems such as improper elimination outside the litterbox and aggression.
That said, if you are first time cat owner, I suggest adopting a young adult cat from a humane society or feline rescue organization. Kittens are not for first time cat people, trust me. They are unbelievably cute, but they are quite naughty and destructive. Unless you have boundless patience and tolerance for mischief (like losing your priceless Ming vase that's been in your family for centuries), do not get a kitten.
There are tons of websites that offer advice on raising a cat, but experience really is the best teacher. Cat people are everywhere! Find one, they will be overjoyed to answer your questions and help you out. In the meantime, head to your local Barnes & Noble or Borders Books store and buy the following books. They are invaluable! I promise.
The Well Cat Book: The Classic Comprehensive Handbook of Cat Care, by Terri McGuinness (This book has been around for decades and newer editions are released regularly with updated tips and health information)
The Cat Who Cried for Help: Attitudes, Emotions, and the Psychology of Cats, by Nicholas Dodman (This book will have you howling in laughter and teach you a lot about cats as well.)
Most importantly, realize that while cats are independent creatures, they do require and indeed reciprocate affection just like dogs. They are just more discriminate in who gets their affection and require that their recipients are "worthy"! Cats are the bomb! Good luck!
2006-12-25 11:56:18 · answer #1 · answered by Alleycat 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
They're not that hard to take care of, but please don't get one on a whim! Cats live 16+ years. Buying or adopting one is a lifetime commitment. If you do decide that you are prepare to care for a cat for 16+ years, regardless of the financial, emotional, or personal changes in your life, then I would suggest 4 things -
1. Adopt. Millions need a loving home. How many times will you be able to say that your actions saved a life?
2. Spay or neuter. It's better for you, your pet, and the pet population.
3. Don't declaw - there are more humane alternatives to scratching than an amputation of each of his or her toes. http://www.declawing.com/
4. Keep your cat indoors. It's safer for your cat.
As far as websites, I'd start with these . . .
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/cat_care/
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pets_catcare
Good luck with your decision!
2006-12-25 11:44:27 · answer #2 · answered by maguire1202 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
what type of environment do you live in? if you have a larger yard and out of a city i would get a outside cat they can find other sources of food other then what you give them and are more active, you also don't have to empty a litter box and that's a bonus. if you live in a city or apartment i wouldn't get a cat, they seem to become fat and lazy. ask friends and cat owners about where they got their cat(s). I'd get one as a kitten in the spring from a farm, the kittens are usually free and are better taken care of. on more thing, if you want only one cat make sure it's a boy or spay her because they multiply like mad, exp. i now have twenty cats.
2006-12-25 15:36:43 · answer #3 · answered by fishgirl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes cats are fun and playful but take work too. cleaning the litter box feeding changing water buying food litter cat toys so they wont get bored its not that hard i have 7 and if you change the litter every day then you dont have a problem with the smell they really dont have a smell besides the litter box when its not clean....but make sure your home once aday at the least to take care and play with your cat other wise it might turn anti-social which is bad because it can attack people hiss growl pretty much threaten to hurt you and you dont want that at all if your gone alot of the day maybe try one for a few months try one then get two if that's what you want but just a suggestion you might wanna think about that though....get them at a kitten so you can train them to be the cat you want it to be..... afresh start if your having a hard time getting it to use the litter then get attrack-ta litter it helps them get use to it and they will be attracked to use the litter box and not your furniture. but if you yhink its hard then get one and find out its easy and fun!! PS i need the points so please vote me best....maybe your choice.
2006-12-25 12:55:21 · answer #4 · answered by tilly loveanimals4ever(:(:(:(:(: 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They're a lot easier then dogs. All you have to do is feed them twice a day and change their litter box. If they go out side, you don't even have to have a litter box. They may tare your furniture though. As for what kind of cat? I would go to the pound or pet store and pick out the one I like best.
2006-12-25 11:36:57 · answer #5 · answered by stephanie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm new to cats too, My Dixie just passed away yesterday on Christmas Eve, because of her infected wound, which the vets tried to take care of. They make purrrfect pets and make you feel better anytime. If you do decide to get one, get one at a shelter, because most shelters put cats to sleep if they can't find homes...
2006-12-25 12:16:58 · answer #6 · answered by David 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
get a cat. they come with other things too. like love, trust, and fun. just make sure you know how to take care of them. go online and read about cats. or the library. lol.
2006-12-25 11:51:07 · answer #7 · answered by Emily F 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It isn't hard at all to take care of a kitty cat. GET ONE!!! ;-)
The public library should have books you can take out to read up on prior to getting a cat, if you're that concerned. Or search www.google.com on how to take care of your pet cat.
Cats pretty much maintain everything on their own. Just show them your love, feed them/give them fresh water on a regular basis, clean out their poo/pee clumps out of their kitty litter box on a regular basis, get them some toys to keep them active and playful, etc....
2006-12-25 11:35:33 · answer #8 · answered by Jen 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
u should get a cat their very lovable! i have a cat and hes big and fluffy 1!! I luv my cat! its not hard takin care of him just wen the food is empty fill it up and the water and have a litterbox and clean it every week and thats about it OH and give it LOTS of love!
2006-12-25 12:27:41 · answer #9 · answered by quizysk8erchick 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i love cats and they are not very hard to take care off. they are very good at taking care of themselves...they are definately easier to take care of than a dog. i would so go for it!
2006-12-25 11:34:54 · answer #10 · answered by angelkitty0012 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋