When bringing a new cat home, it's crucial to plan ahead and conduct thorough research. Consider the cat's personality, age, and appearance, as well as the compatibility with any existing pets. If you're a first-time cat owner, it's important to familiarize yourself with the responsibilities of caring for a new cat in advance.
Choosing the Right Age and Breed
Prior to selecting a cat, determine whether you want a kitten, a juvenile, or an adult cat. Kittens are typically curious, playful, and full of energy. They offer the opportunity to witness their growth and development, and you can shape their personality. Additionally, kittens are often more readily accepted by other pets. Adult cats, on the other hand, have established personalities, allowing you to assess how well they will fit into your home. Generally, healthy adult cats require less intensive care and supervision compared to kittens or juveniles.
Decide whether you prefer a pedigreed or mixed-breed cat. Both can make wonderful companions. Mixed-breed cats are commonly classified as domestic shorthairs or domestic longhairs. Opting for a pedigreed cat ensures that their size, appearance, and, to some extent, personality align with the specific breed. With mixed-breed cats, it's more challenging to predict their adult size and appearance accurately.
Health and Personality Considerations
Several indicators can help determine a cat's health and temperament. A healthy cat should have clear, bright eyes with minimal tearing, and clean nostrils. Runny eyes, sneezing, or nasal discharge may indicate a respiratory infection. The ears should be clean, free from discharge, and not show signs of ear-mite infestation or infection. The mouth and gums should appear pink and moist without any ulcers or sores. A cat's coat should be glossy, without bare spots, dry skin, dandruff, or signs of external parasites. Avoid cats that are excessively thin or have a protruding belly, as these may indicate internal parasites or other medical issues.
In terms of behavior, the cat should be friendly and comfortable around people. A healthy kitten will be active, responsive, playful, and eager to engage in play. Be cautious of cats that frequently hide, run away, appear lethargic, or sleep excessively.
If you decide to adopt a cat with health problems, be prepared for immediate veterinary attention. The cost of treatment may be high, but with proper care and a loving environment, cats with medical issues can often recover and thrive.
Essential Supplies for Your Home
Before bringing your new cat home, ensure you have the necessary supplies, including a litter box, food, and preferably, a scratching post.
Litter Box
Provide your cat with access to a litter box, as most cats are naturally inclined to use one. The litter box can be simple or elaborate, but most cats prefer uncovered boxes. Consider the needs of kittens and elderly cats, who may require a box with low sides for easy entry. Most cats prefer unscented, fine-textured litter. Clean the litter box regularly and change the litter frequently, as cats may avoid using a dirty litter box. Provide one litter box per cat, plus an additional one.
Food
Your new cat will need separate food and water dishes, placed away from the litter box to prevent contamination. Ensure the dishes are kept clean, and the food is fresh. Cats may reject old food or stale water. It's important to feed your cat an appropriate amount of a well-balanced, nutritionally complete diet formulated for their life stage (adult or kitten). If possible, find out what your new cat has been eating and gradually transition to the new food.
Check the packaging of dry, canned, or semi-moist food to ensure it meets the standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). If the food meets AAFCO standards, additional supplements are not necessary. Monitor your cat's weight to prevent obesity or excessively low body weight, and consult with your veterinarian for weight management if needed.
Scratching Post
Scratching is a natural behavior for cats, and most can be trained to use scratching posts. Determine your cat's preferred scratching materials and orientation to choose an appropriate scratching substitute. For example, if your cat scratches furniture, a vertical scratching post may be suitable. If your cat prefers scratching on the floor carpet, consider a flattened cardboard box or a log placed horizontally.
Cats that scratch on drapes may prefer a tall, vertical post mounted on a wall or door. Introduce your cat to the approved scratching area or object and reward them with treats, strokes, and praise for using it. In some cases, rubbing catnip on a scratching post can encourage a reluctant cat to use it.
Grooming
Regular brushing or combing helps maintain a cat's clean, shiny, and sleek coat, while allowing you to monitor their skin for parasites or signs of disease. Additionally, grooming reduces loose fur, preventing it from ending up on furniture and reducing the chances of hairballs.
It's beneficial to train your cat to accept grooming from a young age, as it makes the process easier as they grow older. Trimming your cat's nails regularly reduces the risk of damage caused by sharp claws and minimizes the chance of nails growing into the foot pad and causing infection. Consult your veterinarian for guidance on nail trimming techniques.
Veterinary Care
Upon adopting a new cat or kitten, inquire about their prior vaccinations, nutrition, parasite control, and grooming. Schedule a veterinary visit as soon as possible after bringing your new cat home. If you already have other cats and the newcomer's health history is unknown, keep them separated until the veterinarian has conducted an examination. In the absence of a health history, the veterinarian may recommend tests to ensure the new cat is free from disease. Testing for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is necessary for cats with an unknown health history, as these conditions can predispose cats to infections and cancer. Your veterinarian will also check for internal parasites, such as intestinal worms, and external parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites. Effective treatments can be provided, along with discussions on prevention methods.
Vaccines
Vaccinations play a crucial role in protecting your cat from infectious diseases. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to defend against specific disease-causing organisms. These vaccines contain harmless antigens that resemble the organisms, prompting the immune system to mount a protective response.
The most common combination vaccine, FVRCP, safeguards cats against feline panleukopenia, feline viral rhinotracheitis, and diseases caused by feline calicivirus.
The initial vaccination is usually administered when the cat is six to eight weeks old, followed by boosters at three- to four-week intervals until the age of sixteen to twenty weeks. Subsequent boosters are generally given one year later and then every three years. Additionally, cats should be vaccinated against rabies virus, which is often required by law.
Rabies vaccinations are typically given at eight to twelve weeks of age, with a booster shot scheduled one year later. Subsequent rabies boosters are administered every one to three years based on the vaccine type and local regulations. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the necessary vaccines for your cat.
Spaying and Neutering
Cats are typically spayed or neutered when they reach six months of age or older. Some veterinarians may recommend earlier procedures. Spaying involves the surgical removal of a female cat's reproductive organs, preventing unwanted pregnancies and eliminating behaviors associated with the heat cycle. It also significantly reduces the risk of mammary cancer. Neutering, on the other hand, involves the surgical removal of parts of the male reproductive organs, preventing impregnation and reducing male aggressiveness, urine spraying, and the strong odor of intact male urine.
