I am thinking about getting a cat?

Question

I was wondering what things i will need and what things i should watch out for with a cat. I just want a basic cat, nothing fancy and expensive, the best pets dont have to be pricey. I work 6-2pm shifts and dont go out much so the cat wont have to be on its own for too long. I also have neighbours that dont mind to look out for it if i need someone to. I am not sure about getting a kitten, perhaps a cat that has lived past the young years and is going to be a little easier in handling and house training. Thanks.

Answer 1

I think you would be a great pet-parent.

Take a ride to your local animal shelter and stroll through the cats section, I am almost positive you will find a friendly little feline who you'd love to call your own.

If this is your first cat, make sure that you take him/her to the vet and keep them up to date with their shots. If you encounter any problems whatsoever your vet will be able to help you figure out a solution whether it's medical or behavioral.

Also, I think it's a good idea to get a young adult cat rather than a kitten for your first time around. Kittens require more attention and are more needy than adult cats, although they're so cute!!

The basic 'supplies' you will need or want to have for your cat (assuming you get a young adult) are these:

- A few different types of cat food to start out, let your new buddy sample each until you figure out which type he/she prefers
- A litter box, scooper, & clumping cat litter
- A few different types of cat toys (some cats like feathery ones, some like plastic balls, some like furry ones, some like catnip) to help you build a relationship
- A collar and ID tag (maybe consider having your cat microchipped as well- some cats escape their collars routinely)
- A comfy place for your cat to sleep
- Lots of patience!

Answer 2

lol my family has 5 cats so that's easy. yeah a kitten isn't neccesary really. i have a black cat that i've had since she was a kitten and now she ignores me and thinks she's a princess or something. then i rescued an older cat from some blackberry bushes and he's a lot nicer. (he's still young but not a kitten) and he sleeps with me every night and follows me around and he's sweet as can be. so, you'll need a litter box (go figure), a brush if you plan on getting a long haired cat, some advantage for fleas, take it to the vet to check for any problems, dry food to leave out (it also helps with gengivitis which is common in cats), wet food as a treat (if you want), probably some worm medicine depending on where you get it, and some flea and tick shampoo. that should be about it other than the basic bowls and things but you don't really need to buy those you can just use one of ur own

Answer 3

Your best bet is to get a cat from a rescue agency or animal shelter. Lots of people want little kittens, fewer are willing to take adult animals, so I am sure you will have plenty of choice.

Shorthaired cats are much easier to care for than longhaired breeds. Once you have decided to get a cat, purchase a litter tray and a bag of cat litter, a supply of cat food, and a carrier. You may also want to purchase special food and water bowls for your cat unless you already have some suitable containers. Then go and look at the available cats.

Let the cat choose you. There will be one who will immediately relate to you, who will tell you that you are the one! You might want to consider getting two cats, so that they will have companionship while you are at work.

Bring the cat home, allow him or her to explore your home, making sure you show him/her where the litter tray is located, where he will find his food and water, and then just give him lots of love. An older cat will already be litter-trained and if he has been in the shelter for a little while the workers there will know his personality and can tell you about any little idiosyn-cracies he might have.

Getting a cat from a shelter is your best bet because they have already been checked out by a vet, had all necessary shots, and usually have already been spayed or neutered.
There may be a small charge to cover the cost of those procedures but it will be worth the money.

You will not be disappointed with your decision to adopt a cat. For very little expense and effort you will get many years of unconditional love and companionship.

Answer 4

I would agree on you getting a slightly older cat as a kitten could cause chaos in your place when you are not there. You will obviously need some toys for the cat to play with, a scratching post, a litter tray (an older cat should be trained so that won't be a problem for you) and obviously some food which you can buy anywhere. Have you had a look in your local papers in the pet page for cats needing homes? Or an animal refuge? You can get lovely animals there instead of paying for one and you would be giving a needy cat a home too.

Answer 5

Cats who have been in foster homes are a great option. Their foster moms can tell you if this cat always uses the litter box, if he's naughty, if he shreds furniture or if he's a lap cat. Plus, these cats are always up to date on shots, fixed and in good health.

Remember, though, that adopting a cat is just like adopting a child. There is no reason good enough to relinquish custody. They are part of your family and will probably live 20-22 years. This is a big commitment, so make sure you're willing to step up to the plate before you start looking for a friend.

Answer 6

Get a litter box, and plenty of kitty litter. Take down as many breakable objects off your shelves as you can (because cats like to climb and explore). Find a good veterinarian, and make sure that cat has all of its shots. If you're not going to let the cat outside, consider getting it declawed (for the sake of your furniture). Also, get a sticky-roller so you can take the cat-hairs off you clothes before you go to work.

Oh, and one more thing, try adopting a cat from an animal shelter, they will be more interested in giving those animals a good home than taking a lot of money from you.

Answer 7

I have a cat called Furgus. He is only a year old and has matured a lot since we got him.

The things you need will be;
Bowls for water, food etc. obviously.
A bed for them to sleep in (Doesn't have to be YOUR bed!)
Toys for them to play with while your out.
Food, again, obviously.
If you want you cat to be able to go outside, like my cat, you will need a cat flap.
If you decide to keep your cat indoors forever or just for now, a litter tray. Most breeders will house train their kittens, again, like my cat.
I have a burmese. Burmeses are one of the most intelligent cats out of them all. They don't need friends and will love you only. They're very independent yet cheap.
Don't buy a 'not young' cat, as you won't of known them when they were small, and some cats resent new people having them and new grounds. Get a kitten, sure, the kitten will hide from you. But not for long, just give him/her time and you'll get really close.

Back on subject, you need to watch out for all the diseases, ticks, fleas, you need to make sure you get your cat in regularly at the vet for a check up. You need to keep the vaccinations up to date. Some animals, like humans, are born with ahernia, which is when the tissue from a muscle in their stomach has come out. It's not serious and can be treated. My cat had it, luckily his breeder found it, and we were able to get it operated on. So as soon as you get your cat, get a appointment at the vets.
Don't forget love!

I know I've written a lot, but owning a cat is no walk in the park. Hope I helped!

Answer 8

Older cats seem to be better tamed. You can rescue a cat from a Aniaml Sancuatry, that way you will pay a donantio, which help them to continue their goog work. A cat about 2 years old would be nice or even if its older that would be good too. Litter Tray, CAt bowl for wet food, bowl for dried, bowl for water, lots of toys, Cat scratch post, bed and mostly love that costs nothing.

Answer 9

I got a cat and knew nothing about them either. There's not really much you have to buy or do for a cat, they're pretty independent.
Some dry food, a liter box, some liter, a few toys - - - be sure to get him a tower to sleep on and hide in.
Oh, and bowls to eat out of. You can give them table scraps when you're teaching him something. Mine knows how to give kisses, give me his paw, up, and off. Mine was from a Pharaoh cat.

Answer 10

Cats are so independant, they only really need you to feed them and give them access to a toilet, and they take good care of themselves. My cat is ignorant most of the time, except when it needs feeding, then its all over me like a rash. Maybe if you work shifts a kitten isn't a good idea as they need more care and will get lonely. Hope you find a nice cat. I love my cat to bits, even if the feelings not mutual!