Time for a cat?

[omieluv]

Nah, you are correct AG! I think there are many people out there who view pets as being disposable, meaning if you grow tired of them or they cause trouble they can be dumped, euthanized or taken to an animal shelter for others to deal with. Of course, I am not speaking of people who have to give up their pets for circumstances beyond their control.

 

[spike13]

Date: 6/3/2008 1:14:39 PM
Author:ladypirate

1. How long does it take from the time you first contact a breeder to the time you actually get your cat?
Depends on whether or not they have a litter and whether or not those are already reserved. Our first kitty it took a few months, the next kitties we found on their site. One thing I learned though is to spend time researching breeders. I found a yahoo group for my breed and was able to ask questions. I also went to a cat show to see cats. Another thing I learned when looking at their sites is that it seemed the ones that had pictures of their catteries usually had better living conditions for their cats.

2. We were thinking it might be a good idea to get a pair of kitties because they''d have company during the day--is this a good idea? If so, should we try to get littermates? I''d like to get brothers if possible because the boys are a bit more laid back.
We just got 2 boys at the same time. I am so glad we did. They are not littermates but came from the same breeder and were already buddies. They are an absolute blast! I also think having a "friend" keeps them from getting bored and destructive. Plus it''s A LOT of fun to watch them tumbling all over the place.


3. We both had cats and dogs growing up, but our cats were mostly indoor/outdoor (i.e., they could come and go as they pleased). I''d like to raise these cats as indoor cats. I know they''ll need a litterbox, scratching post, etc. Is there anything else I should be aware of that they will need? Will we have to cat-proof the house? I love the idea of the soft paws, but I want to make sure that the cats can still scratch their posts with them on.
We have a cat tree and this little scratcher made of cardboard that they LOVE. We have 4 cats and this seems to keep them happy. The only cat proofing we do is to make sure we don''t leave breakable things on placemats - they tend to jump up and slide the placemats off the table causing the death of many glasses. I''m also careful not to leave any strings or chewable things around. If you have plants check to make sure they''re not posionous. You might want to put pebbles or bark on top of th epot so they don''t get confused and think they can pee there. We''re also very careful with open windows and keeping the toilet seat down.


4. Kris (SO) thinks I''m crazy, but I''d like to leash train the cats since they will be indoor kitties. Has anyone does this? Does it work?
I have not done this but lots of people who own the same breed of cat I have do. If you start young this can be done pretty easily from what I hear. Just make sure to get a good harness made for a cat and not just a small dog, they make these vest like things that are good because they can''t wiggle out of them. I''d also discuss with your vet what types of vaccinations to get if they''re going outside.


5. If we buy in a couple of years, how do cats adjust to moving? Would this be super traumatic for them?
This really depends on the cat. My childhood cat HATED moving but I think that''s because she couldn''t go outside anymore. My current cat adjusted really easily and it wasn''t a big deal at all. He''s moved and also had sleepovers at friend''s when I''ve been out of town.


6. We''re thinking kids 5-7 years down the road. Will older cats adapt to babies ok? Is this a reason not to get a kitty?
Some cats will get jealous and start misbehaving. Some cats don''t care. I don''t think there''s anyway to know in advance how they''re react.


OK, I think that''s about it. Thanks in advance for the replies!