Finding the Perfect Cat or Kitten for You and Your Family

Some people say they are exclusively "cat people," meaning they only want to have a cat as a pet. That doesn't mean that just any cat will be the right companion. When choosing a cat to be your companion, be certain to make the choice that will work best for both you and the animal.

An athletic, highly energetic cat is fun to watch, but a cat can be a challenge to care for. A shy, sensitive cat probably wouldn't thrive in a home with lots of hullabaloo. The first step to choosing a cat is evaluating your lifestyle so you can find a cat with similar needs.

Some people only want a purebred, while others take great delight in their basic domestic crossbreed. Hair length is another decision to be made; long-haired cats require daily brushing and combing, but tend to shed less than short-haired cats. Do you have the time needed to raise a well-behaved kitten, or would a mature, mellow adult be a better companion? Once you have decided on what the right cat for you will be like, it's time to start the search.

Where Can You Find a Cat?

* Breeders: you should spend time researching to find a reputable breeder with years of experience

* Animal charities: these are usually a great source for a first time pet owner. The experienced and dedicated staff will be able to give you advice and knowledge

* Friends or neighbours: this can sometimes be a good source, as you will know where your pet has come from.

* Never buy through personal advertisements in papers - you don't know what you are getting

Whether you look for your feline friend at a local animal shelter or from a breeder, take your time and ask plenty of questions. When you find a cat that catches your attention, spend some time watching her, and watching her watch you. Does she vocalize to get your attention or act aloof? These behaviors can give you insight to a cat's personality.

Ask for the opportunity to interact with the cat. Is she shy around strangers such as yourself, but confident with her caretakers? Or is she skittish with everyone? Remember that a cat acts differently when a stranger is present, and that cats in shelters often act very different than they usually would because of the stressful environment. Most humane societies and animal rescue groups gather a history on each animal they take in. This can tell you what the cat's likes and dislikes are, whether it is comfortable around children or other cats, etc.

If you have other cats or dogs at home, consider their personalities when choosing a cat. If your existing cat is older than 10 years and used to being the only cat in the house, she might not welcome a newcomer. A dog with a high prey drive will be provoked by a high-energy kitten. If you have no pets at home, consider adopting two cats. Many animal shelters have special pricing for "two-for-ones," and the cats make great companions for on another when you are not home.

When you bring a cat into your home, you make a commitment to always meet her needs. Advances in cat nutrition and veterinary medicine mean that many cats live 15-20 years. If you buy a kitten for children remember the cat will be part of the family long after your kids have left home! Before you get a pet, be sure you can take care of it for life.

Pet Medication Supplies http://www.pet-medication-supplies.net can help you get the best possible pet health supplies. Advantix, Arthramine, Cosequin, Frontline, Heartgard - find the best deals in pet medication for flea and tick control, arthritis and lyme disease. Up to 50% discount everyday on brand names.

---

Commercial Pet Food for Your Dog?

What you feed your dog is really SO important for... Read More

Dog Training Book ? Why Buy One? When Everything is Free Online!

I'm a dog lover who believes that every dog owners... Read More

Pet Owners Are The Majority Population In The U.S.

According to recent statistics, an astounding 65% of all U.S.... Read More

A Beginners Guide to Lovebirds

Lovebirds are so named from the way they sit close... Read More

Canine Selection: A Guideline for Picking Your Perfect Companion

Let's face it ? everything is cute when it's small... Read More

Why Cats Flip For Catnip

If you've ever watched as a cat "flipped" over fresh... Read More

Seeing Past Cuteness When Selecting the Best Dog Breed For You: Part 2 of 3

Are there so many great dog breeds out there that... Read More

How To Prevent Your Horse Going Lame From The Most Common Cause Of Lameness

There are lots of ways a horse can go lame.... Read More

What You Should Know About Your Puppy And Play Biting

The main ways a puppy will play with another dog... Read More

Tropical Fish Breeding for Beginners - Guppies and Swordtails

Breeding tropical fish can be a lot of fun. Try... Read More

Owning a Wild or Exotic Cat; Information, Laws, and Advice

Have you ever dreamed of living with a bobcat or... Read More

Disaster Preparedness for Pets - A Guide for Pet-Care Business Professionals

June is Disaster Preparedness for Pets month ? but if... Read More

Correcting a Dog Behavior Problem - Jumping

The first thing to realize when you are training a... Read More

Tips For Buying a Horse Online

More and more folks are looking to the Internet to... Read More

Love Your Animal Companion? Spay or Neuter

Ozzie, my four-month old Rottweiler peered up at me with... Read More

How to Start a Pet-Sitting Business

Everyday someone asks me, "How do you start a pet-sitting... Read More

Clown Loaches

Scientific Name: Botia macracanthus Other Scientific Name(s): Cobitis macracanthus, Botia... Read More

The Top Five Reasons to Rescue a Boxer

What if you want a Boxer, but cannot stomach the... Read More

A Guide to Antique Bird Cages

It has been said that everything old is new again.... Read More

DOG ID TAGS-Identify and Protect Your Dog With Any of These Methods

The American Humane Society estimated that last year alone; fifteen... Read More

Your Pets Medicine Chest - Medications To Keep On-Hand

We all know that good food, a loving home and... Read More

5 Surefire Ways to Show Your Dog You?re The Boss

You Must Be The Alpha DogFirst, let's take a look... Read More

Tips for Finding the Perfect Family Dog

If your kids have been begging you to get a... Read More

Should Your Family Get a Purebreed Dog?

Many people ask the question: "Should we get a purebreed... Read More

Online: The Fastest, Cheapest, Easiest Way to Buy and Sell a Horse

Selling a HorseThe best new tool for people selling horses... Read More

Protecting Your Child from a Dog Bite

Dogs make great loyal pets and are always pleased to... Read More

Want to Feel Better? Go Stroke Your Cat!

Stroking your cat can be good for your health! It... Read More

Water Chemistry For The Discus Tank

Much has been written about the Discus, or Symphysodon aequifasciatus,... Read More

Health Concerns for Goldfish

Most of the diseases that threaten goldfish can be cured.... Read More

Dog Training For Beginners

Training a dog is a fairly difficult task. Some find... Read More

How To Use Horse Training Thinking To Solve Dang Near Any Problem With A Horse

Horse training can be a relatively mysterious subject to people... Read More

Breed Specific Legislation: Is Your Pit Bull Next?

Breed specific legislation otherwise known as "BSL" has started to... Read More

Lemon Tetras

Glassily transparent, the lemon tetra (hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) could appear to... Read More