Consider medical concerns that may come with a specific kitten.If you have your eye on one cat, in particular,ask about its medical history to see if it requires any long-term care. Would you be able to afford this cat's medical needs?Even if the cat is healthy, consider its breed. Purebred cats of different breeds can have their own genetic problems to overcome. example,flat-faced cats like Manx and Scottish folds often develop breathing problems.Purebred cats are more likely to have genetic medical problems thannon-pedigreed cats
Consider the amount of time you spent on cat.While a cat doesn't need daily walking like a dog, don't be fooled into thinking that cats and kittens aren't a time commitment. They're still active pets that need a lotof play, and affectionate companions who demand attention. You'll also spend time cleaning the litter box and giving the cat structured meals.The average lifespan of an indoor cat is 13-17 years, so be aware that you're making a long-term commitment to a new family member.
Calculate whether you can afford a cat or not.The one-time purchase fee for a cat can range from $45 for a shelter adoption to several hundred dollars for a purebred cat. Beyond that, though, you'll have to pay for food, litter, toys, and regular medical expenses. The ASPCA estimates that in the first year of owning a cat, you will likely spend about $1,035 on it.
(That amount goes down after you've bought the major equipment and had your initial medical procedures.)
Consider adopting a cat from an animal shelter.The cost is minimal considering what you get: a fully vaccinated, health examined, and spayed or neutered cat.Any “free” cat is ultimately going to cost you those things down the line, if you're a responsible cat
some cats will prefer the litter box to other parts of the house because ofthe texture of the litter. But, there are still steps you need to take to make sure you're offering the litter box as the best place to use the bathroom.Place the box in a quiet spot where the cat won’t be bothered by people, dogs, or loud noises.To keep the litter box clean, make sure you scoop the litter daily, and clean the box weekly. You should also replace or refresh the litter at least once a week.Provide enough litter boxes for morethan one cat. If you have two cats, you need 3 litter boxes in different areas of the home. One cat might try to intimidate a less dominate cat awayfrom using a single box.
Make the litter box a comfortable place.Don't frighten or startle your catwhen it's using the box, or it may forma bad association with the box and start avoiding it. Buy a large box, evenif you have to spend a little money on it. Cats are more comfortable in a larger (in area, not height) box.[9]*.Don’t switch brands of litter on your cat, because cats don’t like sudden change. Switching from a clay litter to a scoopable clumping type of litter or vice versa might upset the cat so much it stops using the box.Don’t use heavily scented litters thatmight deter a cat from litter box use.
Decide what type of food to feed your cat.Cat food comes in a vast array of types: dry food, semi-moist, and canned are the common types. Dry food is easily and efficiently stored, but cats go wild for the taste of semi-moist and canned foods. The latter types can add more fluid to the cat’s diet than dry foods. In general, food type comes down to owner preference.Occasionally, a cat with a medical condition might need one type over another. Consult your veterinarian for recommendations.
Choose a good brand of cat food.Like other animals, cats have some specific nutritional needs. They are"obligate carnivores," which means they need animal proteins to avoid severe health consequences.Ask your vet for suggestions about a goodquality food. Cheaper products may not provide enough nutrition to keep your cat happy and healthy.
.Look for cat foods that list large amounts of animal meat like beef, chicken, turkey, or fish.Also look for important amino acids like taurine and arginine and fatty acids like arachidonic and linoleic acid.Avoid feeding your cat human foodsunless you have cleared the food with your veterinarian. Some human foods can make a cat severely sick or are even toxic to cats (e.g., chocolate or any other sweet).
