First Time Cat Owner: Choosing The Right Cat

Cats are wonderful pets. They are affectionate, entertaining and amazingly self-reliant. However, just like any other pet, cats require proper care. Since a cat can live indoors and does not need to be taken for daily walks, they are the ideal pet for a city-dweller. Cats also make particularly good pets for children and the elderly. Before you purchase or adopt a cat, there are certain questions to consider. This article will review the pros and cons of different aspects for choosing a cat as a pet.

Before making your choice, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of owning a male or female cat. Female cats are generally more docile, playful, and affectionate than their male counter parts. The larger and more assertive male cats will stray and fight over dominance and possession of territory and any females within it. However, if your male cat is neutered, it will become more docile and "female-like." Once neutered, there are few behavioral differences between male and female cats.

After you've decided whether you want a male or female, the next step in choosing a cat is deciding whether or not you want a kitten, an adult, or an older cat. Kittens are more demanding to care for than adult cats. Playful and curious, kittens need constant attention and a watchful eye along with litter training and cat-door training. On the other hand, kittens are more adaptable and easier to introduce into the home than adult cats, especially if you already own a pet. In addition, a kitten that is well trained from an early age will be less trouble to look after and care for after it grows up than much older cats with deeply-rooted habits. If you choose a kitten, provide it with toys to keep it occupied and, if at all possible, a playmate if you're out often during the day. But if you're not ready or prepared to care for a kitten, consider an older cat which can be obtained from animal welfare shelters.

Whether you've chosen a male or female, young or old, choosing a long haired cat versus a short haired cat is vital in determining the demands on your schedule. Short haired cats have fewer demands on time than long haired cats. Short haired cats are able to completely groom themselves, giving you more time to play while spending less time keeping its coat in good condition. Also, many of the coat problems that long haired cats face, matted hair for example, are less likely to occur which makes caring for wounds and removing parasites a much easier task. The spectacular coat of a long hair cat is its main asset. Long haired cats require daily brushing and grooming. If you do not groom your longhaired cat, clumps of swallowed hair, known as hair balls, accumulate in its stomach, upsetting its digestion.

Whether you live in the city, the country or in between, cats can make a great pet in any situation. But not just any cat will suit your personality. Find a cat that matches your personality. Female cats are more docile and affectionate and if you live alone, female cats are the perfect choice. But remember, there is more involved in choosing a cat than deciding whether or not you want a male, short haired, or a kitten.