I'm thinking about getting a cat, and I have never had a pet before. What should I look for and watch out for, I know nothing about cats.
I know I want a short hair, but thats all I know. Male, Female? Indors/outdoor or just indoor?
2006-12-26 04:00:16 · 17 answers · asked by Still a Junebug! 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
go to the shelter and get a short hair older kitty that is mellow and friendly. You can tell this by the info on the cage, and how they react to you when you are with them.
2006-12-26 04:02:51 · answer #1 · answered by spitfin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My best advice would be to go to your local shelter and visit with the cats they have up for adoption. Spend some time with any that you are interested in, you should be able to get an idea of what each personality is. I would recommend seeing how each one reacts, if it is friendly and sweet and comes right up to you, my guess would be that it is a nice cat. If it is hissing and or growling it is not. Ask the shelter workers, they generally will know who is really nice and probably have some favorites too, they are usually very helpful when you have questions etc.
When I am looking for a cat, I always go with an open mind, no particular color or sex, I go strictly by personality. That is also the reason why I always adopt an older cat, as there personality is already developed, whereas a kitten is always cute, but there personalities sometimes change.
Good luck in your search, hope this helped.
PS-Indoor cats are best, they live long and healthy lives!!!!! Feed him/her a good premium cat food and you will have a lifelong friend.
2006-12-26 20:48:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I recommend getting a cat from a shelter. If you get an older cat they are already trained, and you know what their personality will be like when you get them home. Male or Female doesn't matter, just make sure they are fixed.
I also recommend keeping your kitty indoors. It is safer for the cat and also for you (Kitty is less likely to pick up disease or hitchhikers like fleas and tics if kept indoors)
I have a friend who picks her cats so that they are color co-ordinated with her household furnishings, (so that the hair doesn't show up) Her cats are well taken care of and loved, so I can't complain with her methods.
.A kitty from a shelter is usually so grateful for being taken home that they become the most loving pet you can imagine. I have one of each, that is a cat from a breeder and a rescue kitty. They are both lovely, but my rescued kitty seems to appreciate her home a little bit more.
2006-12-26 13:42:45 · answer #3 · answered by Jackie B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I keep my kitties indoors so they don't end up with a nasty disease or get hit by a car. I would adopt a male they are a little nicer and i would get an older cat, many older cats are overlooked and get put down because everyone wants kittens. I got my two cats as kittens and they just about tour my house apart. Older cats have grown out of their kitten stage and are alot calmer.
2006-12-26 14:19:33 · answer #4 · answered by ♥ purrlvr ♥ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you get a purebred cat you will end up with a lot of problems because of genetics and illnesses that go with that breed. The best is to find a cat at a shelter like petfinder.com.
Indoors is always the best way to care for your pet for they will live longer, happier and healthier lives than the alternative. Also if you get your pet sterilized it will have a more happier and healthier life.
The best way to pick a cat is go to the shelter and see which one takes to you the most. I find that if the cat picks you that is the best cat for you.
2006-12-26 13:44:50 · answer #5 · answered by kathyk214 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to the local animal shelter and ask the people there to help you. A common type of cat is the shorthair. I've never had a cat but I know that older cats are calmer and easier to take care of.
2006-12-26 12:08:58 · answer #6 · answered by A 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try female if your a girl or male if your a guy. Indoors because, the cat will be safer.
2006-12-26 13:59:31 · answer #7 · answered by Melisa 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think male or female matters, assuming that you get it spayed or neutered. (please, please, please do!)
As for indoor/outdoor issue, on average, cats live 5x as long as an indoor cat than as an outdoor cat - so I highly suggest keeping it indoors, despite what the cat may tell you!
Please adopt a homeless cat! Well more than half of all cats at shelters are euthanized for lack of homes. You can save a life! Pay a visit to your local shelter - I guarantee one will pull at your heartstrings!
2006-12-26 13:50:53 · answer #8 · answered by maguire1202 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ok, if is your very first pet, the male cat is the best choice.
A male cat will be almost like Garfield, waiting for you all the day to enjoy your company, just been the king of the house.
A male cat is like a little baby...
But if you like much better a company, a friend a female cat is better.
2006-12-26 12:08:02 · answer #9 · answered by Marcela 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
male is more easy to take care of.. maybe you should find cat for indoor/outdoor.. make sure you take a good care of the cat..
i miss my cat TJ she has been lost a couple days ago ...
2006-12-26 12:18:07 · answer #10 · answered by Princess G 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I keep my cats indoors because it is safer. Either gender is good- just be sure to spay or neuter them. Otherwise, male cats will spray on the furniture. Feed them high quality food, pet and handle them frequently and talk to them - they will respond to your voice. Always make sure they have fresh water. good luck- they're fun.
2006-12-26 12:12:03 · answer #11 · answered by count scratchula 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋