Kitten or Cat?

    Do you prefer a kitten or an adult cat?  Kittens, like children, have their problem periods as they grow up.  Are you able and prepared to cope?  Adult cats are a good choice.  Their personalities have developed, they will be spayed or neutered if you adopt from us and there are lots to choose from.

The new arrival

    Only when you have prepared yourself, by obtaining all the basic equipment, should you bring a new cat to your home.  Transport your cat in a proper carrying container.  These come in various designs and materials.  They do not have to be expensive; cardboard ones can be purchased cheaply.
    Once at home allow the cat to explore thoroughly on its own, introducing it to one room at a time without interference from children or other pets.  Keep other animals away until the new arrival has had a chance to roam around the place. Then, allow the "resident" animals into a room where you are holding the latest addition to the family.  Supervise the initial encounters carefully and give both sides equal amounts of affection and attention.  There is bound to be some antipathy between the animals as cats are so territorial; this may last hours or weeks, but usually disappears given sufficient time.  In the majority of cases, a firm friendship is quickly established.  Kittens are accepted more readily than adult cats by other pets.

The first week

    Spoil and fuss over the cat during its first week with you, and be ready to play with it.  Find out what it's feeding routine and diet are and try to maintain them.  Keep the cat indoors for at least one month, and keep it close company when or if you allow it to make its first outdoor exploration.  Never  allow a newly adopted cat, even if it is an adult, to stay out at night.

Basic Equipment

    Though cats are relatively inexpensive and low maintenance, there are some basic items you not be without.  These should be acquired before bringing your new found friend home.  A litter box, food and water dish, a collar for the indoor/outdoor cat, a carrying case, and basic grooming equipment are essential.  Other things your cat would appreciate are; a scratching post, a cat door (if the cat is going to be allowed outside during the day), a bed, cat nip, and some toys.

Diet

Though specialty diets can be very beneficial to the health of your cat it does not need to be complicated.  A good quality cat/kitten food from your local pet supply should be adequate. Grocery store brands are not recommended and will likely result in poor health in your cats later years.  Locally we like to recommend Nutro MAX, Nature's Recipe, MediCal (for certain breeds and health requirements), and Eukanuba. These are our recommendations however there are other high quality foods on the market you may want to consider.
Some dry food is necessary for all cats to maintain ideal dental and oral hygiene. Wet food may be essential for some cats who are prone to bladder problems. (These cats should have little or no dry food if their condition is serious).
However, most cats will do just fine on an all dry food diet so long as you provide an ample supply of fresh water at all times and the food is of high quality. On the other hand variety will keep your cat health and happy.  Fresh water is absolutely necessary for all house pets.

You may see your cat eating grass from time to time, this is normal and healthy. If your cat is indoors it is good to grow some cat grass for your cat to chew on.

Handling

    Kittens and small children must be watched closely.  Kittens bruise easily and must be handled with care. If a small child is to be allowed to interact with a kitten the child should be shown how to properly pick up and hold the kitten.  This is by putting one hand under it's chest and the other under the bum, tucking the tail in.  The kitten then should be held close and or gently set down should it begin to squirm.

Housing

box.  Simply provide the box with the chosen type of litter and show your new cat where the box is.  Cats are clean animals and will find the box when necessary.

    If you must leave the cat alone make sure it has lots of food, water, and a clean litter box.  If you expect to be gone longer that 24 hours arrange for someone to come to the house every day and change the water, replenish the food, and clean the litter box.  Only take your cat to a cattery (kennel) at a last resort.  It is upsetting to the cat, who may be exposed to disease and pests.

Exercise

An indoor cat is a healthy, safe cat but it will need some exercise to keep healthy.  The best way to keep your cat active is to have two of them.  If you have only one cat, an indoor jungle gym and interaction with you in the form daily of play time will keep it fit and healthy.  Should you choose to adopt a kitten you may want to try and train it to walk on a lead.  This has mixed results and if you kitten/cat is uncooperative do not force it.  Always use a harness, never a collar alone for walking on a lead.

  Transportation

Health and Maintenance

    Your cat will require some grooming.  Depending on it's coat and breed this may be once a week or twice a day.  The typical short hair domestic will clean itself quite well and save you the work.  Running a flea comb through it's fur and cleaning its ears and eyes once a week should be enough.  To clean the ears use a soft cotton swab moistened with olive oil and remove any dark waxy build up.  To clean the eyes of any overflow tears (especially common in persians) use a warm weak solution of salted water.  You may want to try brushing your cat's teeth as well.  Use baking soda in a paste or a pet tooth paste.  Persians will require a great deal of grooming daily.  This is absolutely necessary so if you don't have the time or interest don't get a persian.  If you do fall in love with a persian and don't mind doing the grooming that the cat won't do, go and get a book on caring for persians.  Washing your cat may be necessary in its lifetime but will not likely be easy.  Give this some thought and proper preparation before trying.
    Every cat will need a visit to the veterinarian from time to time.  Upon adopting a cat or kitten you should choose a vet, and take your new friend in for an exam.  Your cat should be vaccinated (and have the vaccinations kept up to date), spayed or neutered, and tattooed.  Your vet should provide advice regarding preventative maintenance and any special care your cat may require.  Check that the clinic has a 24 hour emergency service available should it ever be necessary.