I was thinking about getting a cat. Questions?

Question

Which breeds don't shed? How much grooming do they need? Are they hard to take care of? Thanks!

Answer 1

Cats are great pets. They all shed, though. If that is a concern for you, you should definitely go for a shorthair. They usually take care of their own grooming, but most cats do enjoy a brush now and then.
Cats are usually easy to care for as long as they are happy and stress-free. However, it is not true that cats do not care for or need alot of attention. They do. Clean litter boxes, toys, excerise, and a healthy diet are very important. You should get yourself a cat book, and if you already have a veterinarian for another pet, talk to them. You will need to make decisions on things like how many cats(sometimes having two is better than one), gender, indoor/outdoor, declawing, etc.
All of these things should be given careful thought.
I also would suggest considering a shelter kitty-there are some GREAT kitties out there in need of a good home.
Good luck

Answer 2

ALL cats shed unless they are hairless. Don't let anyone tell you differently. If you cannot handle shedding then don't get a cat. The more you brush yor cat, the less it will shed but they still shed. With that in mind, instead of looking at "breed" why not rescue a regular cat? There are way more cats that are not purebred in this world that need homes than the ones that are. As for care, do ALOT of reaserch. Buy some books on cat care. If you decide to get a cat, make sure it is spayed/neutered as soon as it is old enough (that is a plus of getting from a shelter, it is usually already done and so are shots and tests). Males will spray if not neutered and females are a pain in the butt when in heat (which happens many times a year if males are around) Talk to different shelters with questions and they should be able to tell you what cat is best for you. Good luck.

Answer 3

All breeds of cats shed, save the sphynx cats, which are bald, but still require much care to keep their skin healthy. If shedding is a concern, I'd suggest perhaps getting a fish because that's pretty much the only kind of pet that you won't have to worry about grooming and whatnot. Cats shed year round, they need litter boxes (which need to be cleaned often to avoid smelling up your house), and most of all they need you! They are the most independant of pets, but they still need you to be around to pet them and love them! They also will need vet care and sometimes require emergency treatment (just like people) and it's definitely not cheap. But if this sounds like something you can do, then definitely get a cat! They are worth every penny you will spend and will love you until the day they die!
If you're willing to put in a little time on the overall care of your cat, I definitely suggest getting a persian. Of all the breeds I've owned they are my absolute favorite. They have lots of personality and are very lovable, but are also very hairy so require lots of brushing...but you can have their hair shaved so they don't have as much shedding and grooming. Or you can get the lazy man's persian and opt for an exotic which has the persian look, but not the persian hair. Otherwise, I suggest adopting a kitty from a shelter. They have cats of all ages, colors, backgrounds, and all of them need somewhere to go!

Answer 4

I would urge you to adopt a cat from your local shelter. Cats are much too plentiful now, so getting one from a breeder or pet store is just adding to the problem. Adopting one is a wonderful act of kindness! Plus, the workers can usually give you some real insight into the kitty's personality. At our no-kill shelter, some of the kitties are actually fostered, so they are very socialized.

In general, long haired breeds are more work in terms of grooming. Their hair must be combed or it will become matted. I have always had short haired varieties and they still shed. I'm sure there are some breed that don't.

I find cats much easier to take care of than dogs. Sure, there is the litter box that has to be scooped daily, but you don't have to exercise them even when the weather is yucky! And they are great for keeping you warm on cool winter nights.

Good luck and hope you find a wonderful pet.

Answer 5

If youre looking for a cat that doesnt shed, go for a short hair. Long hair cats shed immensely and need much more grooming. Short haired cats need to be combed/brushed about once a week whereas long haired cat should be combed every day.

Tabby cats tend to shed a Lot (personal experience) but all cats will shed less if they are properly groomed. Cornish Rex cats are noted for having the least rate of shedding. The more you groom your cat, the less they will shed.

If you really have allergy issues/other issues regarding the shedding there are breeds avaliable that dont have fur at all (they look a little silly) but this is an option.

Are they hard to take care of? Well theyre a live animal that requires care just like any other animal, but I wouldnt say they are Hard to take care of. Your cat should be fed about a 5oz can of wet cat food a day (less for a kitten) and should be provided with small amounts of dry food to keep their teeth clean. Fresh water should be given every day. They need to go to the vet about once a year for renewed shots and a check up, and any time that anything unusual (consistent diarrhea, a lot of sneezing, runny eyes) persists for more then 1 week.

Their claws also need to be clipped every time they are long, your vet can show you how to do this if you are unsure. They also sometimes require medicine to be administered, and this can be a pain but you can get your vet to do it, or show you how as well.

Other then that your kitty just needs a lot of love, and someone should take time out of every day to play with your cat and spend time with them. Cats are more independent then dogs, but they do need interaction to stay happy and healthy.

On a side note, I urge you to adopt a cat/kitten from a shelter if possible, or to get a cat from a breeder. Pet stores have been known to be inhumane to their animals, and puppy/kitten mills are used to mass breed animals for pet stores.

I hope this helps, good luck with you kitty.

Answer 6

Well I think all cats shed lots.
Depending on the breed they may need grooming regularly about once a week to once a month.
They aren't really hard to look after they are fairly independent and have a good temperament but if you get a cat get one from a shelter.

Answer 7

I disagree with what others have said. I have a long haired Maine Coon female that doesn't shed at all. It may be because I brush her twice a week. But she lays on the sofa and the bed and we never have any hair in our house.

I say that cats make great companions. My cat is so sweet and has a wonderful dispositions. She really keeps me and my husband company. She gets up with him in the middle of the night when he eats his milk and cookies. And, if I'm sick, she lays in the bed with me and rests along with me.

My cat also sleeps at night. So I have no problems with her waking me. I like cats better than dogs because no walking is involved. Maxine (my cat) has her litter box that has a door on it for privacy. It's hilarious. You'll here that door slam and she her come trotting out very happy. I feed her twice a day. Once before work and when I get home from work. She doesn't make a mess in the house or get into things.

I may be lucky or have a great pet. But I would recommend a cat to anyone.

Answer 8

Ok you want a cat. Does it matter what kind? NO If you truly want a cat..... My suggestion is....... Go to an animal shelter, sit down with the cat that picks you out. You don't pick the cat the cat will pick you. begin your bonding at the shelter. If this works take the cat that chose you out. This will be good for both of you. Cats are very independent. They can care for themselves. You have to notice and be aware of when they are not feeling very well. Take the cat to a vet. at least once a year for their shots. You can groom them yourself when you are giving them love. As to the sheading...... All animals that have hair shead. It goes with the season. When the weather begins to get cold their hair starts to grow their winter hair. (Coat) In the spring this hair is no longer needed so it sheds this coat. Horses, dogs and cats shed their hair like this. This is more prevelent and noticable in longer haired animals.

Answer 9

Humans shed too - dead skin cells and hair! Why does it all get blamed on cats? Their hair is longer and it is more noticeable. If they have a species appropriate diet - mostly meat protein and moisture for their food they do not shed excessively. Cats enjoy being brushed and combed and it helps with the shedding and combats too much excess hair in their systems. And it is a great way to bond with your cat. So it is not hard to "take care" of them.

I have short, healthy hair and I need to clean the hair from my brush every three to five days. Even if you brush and comb your cat only two or three times a week it will help with keeping excess hair from your environment.

Answer 10

Stay away from long haired cats if you dont want shedding. I have 3 cats, one is retarded. It's funny, I know. But it's true. he's the best cat though. Cats are cool and WILL take on your personality and after a while WILL take on some of your traits.