Cat Information

What do we need to know about a pet cat?

Our family has been considering a pet cat for some time now and I want to know what there is to know about pet cats. Like how much they shed, how much they eat and stuff like that.

Public Comments

1. all of that depends on the breed you get.
2. first up..get your pet cat desexed!! That solves any unwanted kitten problem :) Cats are independent critters, they sleep where they want, can be fussy eaters, and no matter what, they will always sleep on the black jacket you were juuust about to wear out lol Always make sure your cat has clean kitty litter, fresh water, dry food, fresh pet mince or cat food, a warm bed (even though it will probably choose to sleep on your pillow lol) If you live on a busy street, your cat is safer indoors, Give it lots of toys, play with it, show it attention and love, always be nice to it or it will pee in your shoes LOL and enjoy it. Cat owners are HAPPILY owned by cats :)
3. They shed a lot; more noticeably if long-haired, and the long-haired tend to mat more, but shorthairs shed too. Brushing helps cut it down. Keeping cats off the furniture you sit on before work helps too (or having a lint roller...) Brushing also helps cut down on hairballs, though other preventative measures, such as occasional doses of Petromalt or other hairball remedy, help too. They don't eat a lot -- they're small, after all -- and generally don't overeat like dogs often do, so if you want ease of care you can just put out a bowl of good dry cat kibble, and another bowl of water, that they can eat from anytime. What's usually more fuss is the litter box. I recommend getting clumping cat litter and scooping it frequently; cuts down on smell and is easier than changing out a whole box of regular litter. You want to maintain that well, not only for your own sake (pfhew!) but because cats are a bit picky; would *you* want to go to the bathroom in a stinky, messy toilet? Definitely get the beastie spayed or neutered; not only do you no longer have to worry about caring for, vet bills for, and then finding homes for kittens, but it cuts back on problem behavior in adult cats too; females in heat act odd and are often noisy, while unfixed males often spray (ew). Either are more likely to dash out the door due to hormonal urges. Do get a scratching post; discourage scratching elsewhere (it may be a bit of a learning process). Make a loud, sudden noise, run at them, or squirt with water as discouragement, but be sure it's as they're doing the bad behavior or only just right after, or they won't associate the crime with the punishment. String and laser pointers are great cat toys. Just be sure not to leave the cat alone with string; they can eat it or choke themselves on it. If you get any other cat toys, be sure they're ones you won't hurt yourself on stepping on them in the middle of the night -- or ones you can't hear at 3am when the cat decides it's time to play with them (I like foam soccer balls and soft mice toys; jingly plastic balls are Right Out). Catnip is also fun but use sparingly and be sure you store it, sealed, where the cat can't get at it.
4. Cats can tear up your furniture and carpet if they have their claws and are not properly trained. They tend to shed and a lot of people are allergic to cat dander. They are easy to feed and are pretty independent. Make sure you keep their cat pans clean because their urine can really reek. I can tell if people have cats from just walking in the door and smelling. What worked best to keep the cat pans clean: always flush the poop immediately. Use the litter that clumps when wet or stir the litter after they pee so it can dry out.
5. ok long haired cats shed alot so get a short hair cat plus less ppl r allergic tp short hair cats. u want to make sure theres always food in there bowls they will eat when they r hungry. when treaching ur cat where they can go in the house like if u dnt want them on the table use a light spray bottle and mist them they dnt like water they will learn that the table isnt a place for them. do with all furniture u dnt want them on. u want to have 2 cats get them at the same time they will play and love each other. get ur cats fixed and front claws out that way they dnt spray or have babys and that way they dont claw everything up. get them some toys for when ur not home. they like to chase things. cats can be expensive just like humans. o for litter make sure u get the kind that clumps hope that helps if u have any other questions ask i have 5 furry friends!
6. 1.)They should eat 2-3 times a day, the cat food will have instructions on the back. And leave her fresh water out all the time. 2.)They start to shed in the spring and summer months and you'll have to brush your furniture and vacuum to get the hair up, but it's not a big problem unless you get a very furry cat. 3.)Have a nice sized litter box for the cat to use, a litter box with a hood on it is better for controlling odor. And line the bottom of the box with newspaper to make the box easier to clean out. 4.)Always have his/her litter box clean or he/she will get into the habit of using the restroom on the floor. 5.)Get a scratching post for the cat, that way it won't scratch up the carpet or furniture. 6.)Get the cat a little cat bed, that way the cat will not get into the habit of sleeping on the furniture. Basically, cats are really easy to care for. They clean themselves and everything. But make sure to get him/her a flea collar if the cat will be going outside. And if you don't want kittens (if it's a girl cat) get her fixed! Hope this helps you.