Cats are wonderful pets. They are usually low maintenance, easy to care for, and make great companions for children. Obviously, getting the right cat for your family is very important. Different Cats have different personalities, so only you can determine which breed best fits your lifestyle.
Cats are one of the most popular pet choices. They get along with children and other animals, they’re quiet, clean, and low maintenance. What could be better?
When most people hear the phrase “Cat”, they picture a fluffy white feline with perma-whiskers. But Cats are much, much cuter in person especially when they want a treat, or want affection.
Cats give us a reason to get up in the morning, whether it’s to play, snuggle, or scare the crap out of us by our bedside in the middle of the night. With as many as 70 million cats now living in American homes, Cats have become the most popular pet in the U.S. for a good reason. Cats are fun, loving, and affectionate, they can make great companions, and they generally love being petted.
While Cats are a ton of fun, they aren’t for everyone. And while cats may seem independent, they are actually quite social creatures, so much so, that they require human companionship to thrive. Cats love to spend time with you, their family. They are great companions, and many people find that cats are much more than just pets.
The benefits of having a Cat as a pet are plentiful. Cats provide constant companionship and often make excellent therapy animals. Not to mention, they’re cute, they’re fluffy, and they make great house companions. But when it comes to picking a Cat, how do you know which one is right for you?
Adopting a Cat is a very rewarding experience. If your family is considering adopting a Cat this new year, hopefully we’ve given you enough reasons why Cats are great family pets.
Following is a guide to some of the most popular cat breeds and their associated costs and care requirements:
Abyssinians
Are you considering getting a new family pet? If so, the Abyssinian may be just the cat for you! This breed of cat is known for its intelligence, loyalty and affectionate nature.
The Abyssinian is an ancient breed of cat that originated in Ethiopia. They are an ancient breed of cat that has been around since the early days of Egypt. They were brought to Europe when the Europeans discovered Africa. Since then, they have been bred to be smaller than their African ancestors.
They have a distinctive coat pattern with ticked fur and agouti coloring. Their fur is short and silky.
The Abyssinian is a medium-sized cat, weighing between 8 and 15 pounds when fully grown. They are active cats that enjoy playing and exploring their home.
The Abyssinian cat, also known as Aby, is a fun-loving, affectionate, and friendly breed. They are very active and extremely intelligent. They are both entertaining and energetic and like to climb to the highest spot they can reach to survey their surroundings.
Abyssinians are known for being loyal and affectionate cats. They love to be around their owners and will often follow them from room to room. They are also very social cats and enjoy interacting with other cats and people. In addition to physical stimulation through play, they also need a fair amount of brain stimulation as well several times per day. They love to play, so having toys available for them to play with is important.
Abyssinians are relatively low-maintenance cats, but they do need regular grooming to keep their coats looking healthy. Brushing once or twice a week is usually enough to keep their fur in good condition.
Abyssinians are an ideal choice for first-time cat owners. They are relatively easy to care for and their intelligence makes them easy to train. They also get along well with other cats and people, making them a great addition to any family.
If you’re looking for a loyal and affectionate companion, the Abyssinian is a great choice. With their intelligence, loyalty and affectionate nature, they make wonderful family pets.
Sphynx
Are you considering adding a Sphynx to your family? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Sphynx are an incredibly unique and special breed of cat that can make a wonderful addition to any home.
Sphynx cats are known for their hairless appearance, which makes them stand out from other breeds. Sphynx are the cat breed that looks like they’re naked. They don’t have a typical fur coat like other breeds. This hairlessness was originally a genetic mutation and then they were bred to consistently produce hairless offspring. They have large ears, big eyes, and a wrinkled face that give them an almost alien-like look. Despite their unique appearance, they’re still cats at heart and love to play, cuddle, and explore.
Interestingly, their lack of fur does not make them hypoallergenic. It’s the skin dander that causes a reaction in some people and not the fur. They don’t need any brushing, but a weekly bath is needed to keep them clean. Overall, their needs are few, with medium exercise needs.
Sphynx cats are extremely loyal and loving. They are also very smart and enjoy learning new tricks. They are very playful, and will often jump into your lap when you sit down. They are a highly energetic and social breed. Your cat will constantly be doing things to get your attention because they enjoy receiving affection. Sphynx are loyal and enjoy spending time with adults, children, families, strangers and other pets.
Sphynx cats are extremely loyal and loving pets. They’re extremely affectionate towards people and will often follow their family from room to room. They are also very smart and can learn games quickly. They are very playful and enjoy playing with their family.
They don’t like to be left alone for too long. This breed does well as an indoor cat, because they don’t have fur to protect them from extreme temperatures or the dangers of the outdoors. They like to have moderate to warm temperatures year-round, which is why they do so well in homes.
Sphynx cats are relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming. They don’t need regular brushing or bathing like other breeds of cats. However, they do need to be kept clean and free of dirt and debris, so regular baths are still recommended. Additionally, Sphynx cats can be prone to skin problems, so it’s important to keep an eye on their skin and take them to the vet if any issues arise.
Sphynx cats are a great choice for first-time pet owners, because they’re relatively low maintenance and easy to care for. They’re also very social and loving animals that will bond with their owners quickly. If you’re looking for a unique and special pet, a Sphynx is definitely worth considering.
American Shorthairs
Are you looking for a new family pet? If so, the American Shorthair may be just what you’re looking for! This breed is known for their intelligence, loyalty and affection.
The American Shorthair is a medium-sized cat with a muscular body and short legs. They have a broad chest and strong hindquarters, giving them an athletic look. Their coat is short and dense, with a variety of colors and patterns available.
The American Shorthair is an independent cat breed and doesn’t need a great deal of attention. They are considered to be an easy going breed. Although they do love to spend time with their owners and enjoy family time, they are comfortable being alone for long periods of time.
The American Shorthairs are a medium-sized domestic cat breed native to North America. They are a short haired breed, meaning they have short hair on their body. Their coat is often described as soft and silky.
The American Shorthair cat is an excellent choice as a pet. They are extremely loyal and loving, making them a great companion. They are also very playful and energetic, and will enjoy playing games with you.
American Shorthairs are considered to be a low-maintenance breed that has medium energy and moderate grooming needs. The major grooming they need is being brushed twice a week. American Shorthairs would be excellent pets for busy individuals or active families without a ton of time for pets.
When considering an American Shorthair, many families go after the most popular color, the classic silver tabby. This color pattern has a white undercoat with silver fur and black markings. Their traits of calmness and quiet will be a peaceful and loving companion for your family.
American Shorthairs are an indoor cat that does well in moderate temperatures.
If you’re looking for a loyal, affectionate and intelligent cat to join your family, the American Shorthair may be just what you need! With their low-maintenance grooming needs and friendly nature, they make great pets for first-time owners. So why not consider an American Shorthair today?
The American Shorthair is a great choice for a family pet. They’re intelligent, loyal and affectionate cats who get along well with children and other pets. They require minimal grooming and have few health issues. If you’re looking for a new family pet, the American Shorthair may be just what you need!
Ragdolls
Are you looking for a new family pet? If so, then the Ragdoll might be the perfect fit for you. This cat breed is known for their sweet and gentle personality, making them ideal companions for families with children or other pets.
Ragdolls are a medium-sized breed that were created in California in the 1960s. They have long, silky fur that comes in a variety of colors and patterns, including seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream and tortoiseshell. They are also known for their large eyes and pointed ears.
Ragdoll cats get their name because of their tendency to go limp when picked up. Despite going limp when picked up, they do enjoy being picked up and cuddled by their family. These cats are very good with adults, children and other pets. The Ragdoll cat is an extremely lovable breed of cat. They are often referred to as “the lap cat”. They are playful and loving, and will enjoy spending time with their family.
Ragdolls love attention. Ragdolls are very affectionate and outgoing. They have been known to follow their family around the house looking for affection. The Ragdoll is a large breed with a sweet and gentle disposition.
Ragdolls are known to be very affectionate cats who love to cuddle and spend time with their family. They tend to be quite laid-back and enjoy being around people, making them great companions.
Ragdolls are not overly active cats, but they do enjoy playing and exploring their environment. They love to climb and explore high places, so it’s important to give them plenty of scratching posts and other toys to keep them entertained.
The Ragdoll is a very attractive breed with striking blue eyes, pleasing coloring and a docile temperament. Ragdolls are very healthy and long-lived. Ragdolls are gentle, loving, and playful and are excellent with children. They enjoy playing with toys and interacting with people.
Best suited to living indoors, this breed is not tolerant to extreme temperatures. Their grooming and exercise needs are considered to be fairly minimal. With these characteristics, Ragdolls would be very good cats for seniors or those wanting a therapy animal in addition to families looking for a very loving cat.
Because of their size and soft fur, Ragdolls are not recommended for homes where there are young children.
Ragdolls are generally healthy cats with few health issues, but it’s important to keep up with regular vet visits and vaccinations to ensure they stay healthy. They also need regular grooming to keep their fur looking its best.
Overall, Ragdolls make great family pets and are sure to bring lots of love and joy into your home. With their sweet personalities and loyalty, they are sure to be a welcome addition to any family.
Domestic Longhairs
Are you looking for a new family cat? If so, the Domestic Longhair may be the perfect fit for you! Domestic Longhairs are a breed of cats that have been around for centuries. They are known for their long, silky coats and gentle personalities.
Domestic Longhairs come in a variety of colors and patterns, including tabby, calico, and solid colors.
Domestic Longhairs are known for their laid-back personalities, making them great companions for families. They are also very intelligent and can be trained to do tricks or even use a litter box. They love to play and explore, so they make great indoor cats.
Their temperament can vary from cat to cat and each has their own personality.
Because of their diverse gene pool, there is a wide range in the traits and personalities that each cat may have. Your Domestic Longhair may be affectionate or independent, quiet or vocal, and relaxed or energetic. The diversity is so great that two kittens from the same litter may look and act completely different from their siblings.
All of them are quite intelligent and affectionate and will get along with both family and strangers. This is an indoor breed that does well at normal home temperatures, but doesn’t handle heat that great because of their longhair.
These cats are relatives of the Domestic Shorthairs and are also not considered purebreds. The CFA has them listed in the Household Pet category.
Domestic Longhairs are very playful and energetic, and they like to spend time playing with toys and running around. They are also very social animals, and will often choose to stay close to their owner while they’re at home.
When it comes to grooming, Domestic Longhairs require minimal maintenance. Their coats are relatively low-maintenance and only need to be brushed once or twice a week.
The Domestic Longhairs have long, fluffy fur that needs very regular brushing. While not needed as kittens, as they age, regular bathings may be needed. They have high grooming needs, but only moderate attention needs.
Domestic Longhairs are very social cats and enjoy being around people. They love to cuddle and will often follow their owners around the house. They are also great with children, making them an ideal pet for families with young kids.
Overall, Domestic Longhairs make excellent family pets. They are gentle, intelligent, and low-maintenance. They are also very social and love to be around people. If you’re looking for a new family pet, the Domestic Longhair may be the perfect fit for you!
Domestic Shorthairs
Are you looking for a new family pet? If so, the Domestic Shorthair may be the perfect fit for you! Domestic Shorthairs are a breed that have been around for centuries and are known for their friendly personalities and adaptability.
Domestic Shorthairs come in a variety of colors and patterns, from solid black to tabby stripes. They can also have short or long hair, depending on the individual cat.
Domestic Shorthairs are one of the most common cat breeds in the United States. They have been bred over the last few centuries to be smaller than its wild counterparts, making them easier to house and care for.
Almost 95% of all cats in North America are considered to be a Domestic Shorthair. They were originally thought of as working cats, and they were loved for their rat-catching skills. Because they’re not recognized as a purebred, the CFA lists them in the Household Pet category. They are prized for their unusual markings, pleasing appearance and gentle disposition.
Domestic Shorthairs have low grooming and moderate attention needs. Though they are a mix of various breeds, most of them are of medium size and rather muscular while fewer are smaller or larger, depending on their particular genetic composition.
The Domestic Shorthair is a social breed, with traits of playfulness, affection, calmness, sometimes quietness. They can still be quite vocal when they want to tell you something. They’re not an aggressive cat, making them a good companion for children, seniors and other pets. The playful side of their personality can be seen as skillful endurance, balancing/leaping and a strong hunting instinct.
This breed loves to play with toys and use scratching posts. Regular grooming is important for Domestic Shorthairs which includes brushing, claw trimming and teeth brushing. If well taken care of, your cat may live up to twenty years old, giving your family a loving companion for many years.
Domestic Shorthairs are relatively low-maintenance cats. They don’t require a lot of grooming, and they don’t need to be taken for walks like dogs do. They also don’t need a lot of space, so if you live in an apartment or small house, they will fit right in.
Domestic Shorthairs are also very affectionate and loyal cats. They love to cuddle and be around their owners, and they will often follow you from room to room.
Overall, Domestic Shorthairs make great family pets. They’re intelligent, adaptable, low-maintenance, affectionate, and loyal cats that can give your family years of companionship and joy. If you’re looking for a new pet, the Domestic Shorthair may be the perfect fit for you!
Himalayans
Are you considering adding a Himalayan to your family? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Himalayans are one of the most popular breeds of cats and make wonderful family pets. The breed is the result of crossbreeding Persian and Siamese breeds. They were named the Himalayan after a rabbit that had a similar color pattern.
Himalayans are a breed of cat that originated in the mountains of Asia. They have long, silky fur and large eyes that give them an exotic look. Their fur is usually white with a variety of colors, including black, gray, and brown. Himalayans have a sweet personality and are very affectionate. They love to be around people and enjoy being petted and cuddled.
Himmys have friendly and outgoing personalities, making them great for living with one owner, a couple, or an entire family. They should be considered an indoor cat because they don’t do well in the hot summer heat. The other thing they don’t enjoy is loud noises, making them a better cat for families with older children. Himalayans are incredibly loyal and loving pets but are very independent, and many don’t like to be held or cuddled.
Due to their thick coat, Himalayas are fairly cold tolerant. In the summer it’s a good idea to keep your house on the cooler side to keep them comfortable. They’re known to be quite affectionate and will follow family members around hoping to receive attention.
Looking at a Himalayan cat, you will see bright blue eyes and a long, thick coat similar to a Siamese’s coloring. Himalayan cats have high grooming needs because of their long beautiful fur. They will need to be brushed regularly otherwise their fur can mat. Even with their high grooming needs they are still a wonderful family cat!
Himalayans are an ideal breed for new cat owners because they are relatively low maintenance compared to other breeds. They don’t require much grooming or exercise and are content to spend most of their time lounging around the house.
Himalayans are also known for their good health. They have a long life span, usually living up to 15 years with proper care. They are generally healthy cats and don’t suffer from many of the common health issues that other breeds do.
Himalayans are a great choice for anyone looking for a loyal and loving companion. They are affectionate, intelligent, and low maintenance, making them the perfect pet for any family. If you’re looking for a cat that will be your faithful friend for years to come, then the Himalayan is the perfect choice!
Exotic Shorthairs
Exotic Shorthairs are a breed of cat that have become increasingly popular in recent years. They are known for their unique look, which is a combination of the Persian and American Shorthair breeds. Exotic Shorthairs are often referred to as “teddy bear cats” due to their round faces and thick fur.
These cats make great family pets because they are very affectionate and loyal. They are also very low maintenance, as they do not require much grooming or exercise. Exotic Shorthairs are also known to be quite intelligent and can be easily trained.
This breed was developed in the 1950s by crossing Persians with American Shorthairs and other shorthair breeds. The cross breeding resulted in the Exotic Shorthair, a breed that shares its features and personality with the Persian, yet has a short, easy-to-care-for coat.
Exotics are extremely loyal and loving. They are very playful, and will enjoy playing games with their family. They are also very smart, and can learn tricks fairly quickly. They are a very healthy breed, and need minimal maintenance.
If you’re considering getting an Exotic Shorthair as a pet, there are a few things you should know. First of all, these cats need plenty of love and attention. They are very social animals and enjoy being around people. It’s important to give them plenty of time to play and interact with you.
Exotic Shorthairs also need regular grooming, as their thick fur can become matted if not taken care of properly. You should brush your cat at least once a week to keep their coat looking healthy and shiny. They may need to be given regular baths to keep their fur clean and free of dirt and debris.
Exotics make very great family pets, but it’s important to dedicate time to being at home with them. Your cat will vocalize to let you know when they need more attention. They are calm, friendly and obedient as a rule, easily getting along with their family and other pets.
When it comes to diet, Exotic Shorthairs should be fed high-quality cat food that is specifically designed for their breed. This will help ensure that they get all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and happy. Additionally, you should make sure that your cat has access to plenty of fresh water at all times.
Overall, Exotic Shorthairs are a great choice for those looking for a loving and loyal companion. They are low maintenance and require minimal grooming, making them an ideal pet for busy households. With the right care and attention, these cats can provide years of joy and companionship to their owners.
Maine Coons
Maine Coons are a popular breed of cat that have been around for centuries. They are known for their large size, intelligence, and playful personalities. These cats make great family pets, as they are very affectionate and loyal to their owners.
Maine Coons have a unique look that sets them apart from other breeds. Their coats can range in color from black to white, and they have a long, fluffy tail. They also have tufts of fur on their ears and feet, which gives them an extra layer of protection from the cold.
The Maine Coon cat is an extremely large cat native to North America, originating in the New England area of the United States. They have been bred for their size since the early 1900s. Today they are still one of the largest domesticated felines. The “Coon” part of their name refers to their resemblance to racoons’ brown tabby coat and ringed tail.
They were known as mousers, farm cats and ship’s cats in the 19th century. Today’s Maine Coons are more likely to be found as family pets than working cats. This popular breed is friendly with adults, children, families but less so with strangers.
Maine Coons don’t like to jump, but are happy to climb to find a perch to sleep. Your Maine Coon should be an indoor cat, because they don’t adapt to extreme temperatures very well.
Maine Coons are generally friendly, playful, curious, and independent. They are highly adaptable and enjoy living in a variety of environments. They are excellent hunters and you won’t find too many mice around a home where they live.
Maine Coons are very loving and affectionate cats. They are very social and like to spend time with people. They are also very smart and learn quickly.
Maine Coons are also known for being relatively low maintenance cats. They don’t need regular grooming, and their coats are relatively easy to care for. They also don’t need a lot of space, so if you live in an apartment or small home, a Maine Coon might be the perfect pet for you.
Overall, Maine Coons make great family pets. They are intelligent, affectionate, and playful cats that can give your family years of companionship and love. If you’re looking for a new pet, then a Maine Coon might be the perfect fit for you.
| Breed | size (Weight) | Cost | Activity Level | Lifespan |
| Abyssinian | 7-14 pounds | $500 – $700 | Very playful | 9-15 years |
| Sphynx | 8-12 pounds | $900 – $1,200 | Highly energetic cat breed | 9-15 years |
| American shorthair | 11-15 pounds | $1000 – $1500 | Very playful cats | 15-20 years |
| The Ragdoll | 8-20 pounds | $400 – $1,100 | A very calm and quiet cat | 12-15 years |
| The Exotic | 10-20 pounds | $1,200 – $2,200 | Low energy cat breed. | 10-15 years |
| Domestic long or shorthair cats | 8-10 pounds | $0 – $200 | Highly energetic cats | 12-16 years |
| Himalayan | 7-12 pounds | $300 – $500 | A bit calm but have a playful nature | 15 years or more |
Cost of Buying a Cat
Bringing home a new cat either from a reputable breeder or from the shelter is an exciting experience. However, just like a small baby, you will need to have a number of things in preparation for your new family member. Items will cost different amounts depending on your location and the quality of the product(s) you choose.
You can usually buy a cat for less than $100 but some breeds can cost more than $1,000. If you get your cat from a shelter, you could cut down on most of the costs, possibly even spaying and neutering. Cats from shelters usually have already performed an initial medical examination. This will save you from an extra trip to the vet.
Just like their canine friends, cats are susceptible to injury and infections. And just like dogs, they will require regular medical checkups. You can always get pet insurance for your pet to help mitigate the costs of a vet visit. This is usually a good idea if you’ve taken in a stray and don’t know how healthy it will be in the future.
Before bringing home a new cat, you may need to buy some items for it such as bowls, toys, beds, food, and treats.
Here is a list showing some of the costs of equipment and the initial cost of buying a cat. It’s also worth noting that some of the listed items are optional.
| Item | Cost |
| Cat | $0- $1,000 |
| Bowl | $10-$30 |
| Toys | $25 per year |
| Kennel | $30-$100 |
| Food | $120-$500 annually |
| Cat bed | $60-$150 |
| Litter box | $6-$85 |
| Cat scratching post | $22-$110 |
| Veterinary charges | $90-$200 per year excluding emergencies |
Common Cat Breeds in the US
Some of the most common breeds in the US include the Exotic, the Ragdoll, and the Abyssinian. But the most popular cats in America are the Domestic Shorthairs and Longhairs.
What is the Ideal Habitat for a Cat?
Cats are intelligent animals that don’t like cold or damp areas. A cat is much more likely to become ill if their environment is cold or damp.
The comfort of a cat’s living space depends on the type of bed available, ease of access to the litter box, and availability of toys.
A cat loves a private place to use the litter box. It should be in a place where you will smell it if you forget to clean it, but not in an open place. Just like you, cats don’t like to be watched when they do their business. If your cat does not feel it has privacy and security where the litter box is, they will let you know by finding another place to use the toilet.
Litter boxes exist in various designs. The standard litter box requires the most work to empty and clean it. The standard litter box remains the cheapest in the market, and for the most part cats love them. Depending on the litter you buy it can really make cleaning the box much easier than some of the cheaper types.
In the last 15 years different companies have come out with self-cleaning litter boxes. However, most cats don’t like the mechanism the box uses to self-clean because it scares them.
There are also hooded litter boxes that some cats love for privacy while others won’t use them. The hooded litter boxes cover the cat as it goes about its business. Some cats are afraid of being in enclosed spaces as they use the toilet, especially if your home has multiple cats.
If you have an indoor cat, give them enough space and toys to play with because they can get bored easily. Cat toys are available in all pet shops and are usually priced very reasonably.
Cats have a natural need to scratch their paws against things as a way of stretching or as a way of trimming their nails. Cat owners should have a scratch post for the well-being of their cats, and to keep their furniture from being mauled. In addition to getting a scratching post, you can protect your furniture by regularly cutting your cat’s nails.
Does Your Cat Need a Kennel?
Cats don’t necessarily require crating at night. However, here are some instances you may want to cage your cat during the night.
- If your cat is taking medication or needs its own space
- If your cat is new in the home
- If you’re training the cat to use a litter box
If you need a kennel for more than short term transportation you will want a bigger kennel for them. The ideal kennel size for a cat is one that can fit a medium to large-sized dog. The reason for having a large kennel for your cat is so that it can accommodate the bed, food and water bowls, toys, and a litter box.
Even though cats don’t need a kennel, some cats love their own space to relax. Most families don’t buy a kennel for a cat unless they have a specific need for one. After you’ve had your cat for some time, buy a kennel if you think that there is a need for one.
Cat carriers are really a necessity for the days you need to take your pet to the vet. It’s really nice to have something small to transport them around in, and to make sure they don’t run away the second you open the car door at the vet.
They are not really a good replacement option for a kennel however as they tend to be quite a bit smaller than kennels are. Most cats won’t like spending much time in a cat carrier because they’re not large enough for them to comfortably move around. They’re also not big enough to store items like a litter box, food bowls with a blanket.
Bedding Requirements
We recommend buying your cat a comfortable bed and place it where they like to sleep. A cozy bed prevents your cat from developing bone problems over time, but for most cats it should not be a problem.
Cats generally will find an article of your clothes to sleep on if you don’t have a bed for them. Older cats tend to enjoy them because the beds are easier on their joints.
Cat beds exist in all shapes and sizes, and you can find one that meets the needs of your cat.
When buying a bed, it’s always a good idea to buy one with removable bedding for easier cleaning. Cats are furry and their fur sheds and builds up where they sleep.
Food Preferences for Cats
Cats require a low carbohydrate diet to avoid gaining weight. Research shows that more than half of cats in the world suffer from obesity.
Dry food and wet canned foods are the main types of cat foods. Most vets will tell pet owners to feed their cats dry food unless they are not eating enough or have some health issues. Dry food is better for their teeth, and much less expensive than wet food. Feeding your cat a well balanced and high quality cat food goes a long way towards keeping them healthy.
When buying cat food, check the label to see the ingredients label. Whenever possible avoid buying foods with fillers and opt for a more natural food. The more natural food will cost more, but it will be much better at extending their health into old age. Experts recommend that cat food should contain Taurine which is an essential amino acid to help with keeping your cat’s eyes and heart healthy.
It’s easier than you think to make healthy treats for your cat using organic foods like fish and liver. Avoid the temptation of giving your cat raw fish because it could cause food poisoning. Most families like the convenience of buying cat treats from the store because
Cats need a lot of water to stay hydrated. Veterinarians recommend your cat needs about 3.5-4.5 ounces of water for every 5 pounds of cat weight. If they do not get enough water from drinking you can add a little to their food bowl when you feed them. Just be careful not to add too much or it could overfill their stomach causing them to vomit.
Before you give your cat any amount of milk you should check for signs of lactose intolerance in your cat. Lactose intolerant cats can become ill but most cats will be fine, but it’s much better to be safe than sorry.
Obedience Training Cats
Are you scared of having shredded couches or the smell of urine all over your house? Then cat obedience training can help. Cats are intelligent pets and they learn fast.
To keep your furniture from being scratched, train your cat how to use a scratch post and place it where it’s convenient for your cat. Cats scratch surfaces as a way to sharpen their claws, and they have this urge naturally.
Some cats will take simple instructions such as “stop,” or ‘come”. However, cats being cats, they will usually do whatever they want to do no matter what you ask them to do.
Experts recommend that cat training takes place just before a treat so that it acts as a reward for good behavior. This works well with clicker training and you can use this method to teach some cats minor commands.
Obedience training for cats could take several days to weeks or even months depending on what you are trying to teach your cat. You will need to have extreme patience to not give up before you see results.
Can Cats Become Aggressive?
Aggression in non feral cats can occur, although rare. However, several reasons trigger aggressive behavior in cats. Aggression in cats could be either directed to their human owner, prey, or other family pets. Here are some of the reasons.
- Fear and anxiety
- Sickness / Injury
- Overstimulation
Basic Cat Care and Grooming
Cats are clean animals and a grooming session once in a while goes a long way towards keeping your cat healthy and happy. Here are some basic cat care tips from nail trimming to brushing.
Bathing
Cats clean their bodies using saliva and don’t require regular baths. Some cats are also not open to bathing and may become aggressive if you attempt to bathe them. Unless your cat is not properly grooming themself you generally only will need to brush your cat to keep them looking their best.
You may have witnessed your cat licking their bodies and paws or a group of cats grooming each other. Well, cats groom each other as a sign of affection.
It’s also common for cats to lick their owners, and experts say that it is a tactic of marking their territory.
Brushing
A cat’s fur is always neat but they should be brushed at least twice a week. Brushing helps to remove dead skin, distribute natural oils, and maintain regular blood flow in the skin, not to mention reduce the amount of shedding they will do.
As you brush their fur, check for bare skin because it could indicate an infection that may require a visit to your veterinarian.
Nail Trimming
An indoor cat needs regular nail trimming to avoid injuring the people in contact with them, or your furniture. You can trim your cat yourself, although it may take a little practice at first holding your cat and clipping their nails. Special tools exist, but for cats a regular set of nail clippers will do.
Ear Care
As you groom your pet, check their ears for any infections, excess wax, or presence of mites. The ears shouldn’t have any unpleasant smells. A little wax is healthy, but if there is considerable buildup you should schedule a visit to your veterinarian.
Eye Check up
Most cats clean their eyes using paws often. However, checking their eyes yourself doesn’t hurt. Look for any signs of tearing, inflammation or clouding of their eyes. Remember a cat’s eyesight is vital for it’s well-being.
If your cat has any gunk on their eyes, clean them using a soft cloth dipped in warm water. Most cats that have gunk on their eyes are older or those with fur covering their eyes.
However, excess gunk on your cat’s eyes could mean a possible infection that would require a veterinarian checkup.
Paw Care
Cats can hurt their feet especially with all the crazy jumps they make, or if they land on something sharp. If you see any limping or signs of pain you should check their paws for an injury or anything that could be causing their pain.
Teeth Cleaning
A regular check up of your cat’s teeth is also vital to ensuring dental health. The teeth should be white and sharp. You should also clean any buildup plaque on your cat’s teeth and tongue.
You can use the old-fashioned way of using a toothbrush. However, not all cats are open to this method of cleaning. However for most cats, you will just take them to the veterinarian for proper teeth cleaning.
In conclusion, cats are the most adorable pets and easy to maintain. Cats exist in different sizes and appearances, but the most common cats in the US are the Exotic, Ragdoll, and the Domestic shorthair cats. However, if you plan on buying a cat from the shelter or a breeder, use this guide to help you take care of your pet’s nutritional, grooming, and bedding requirements.
Maryna is an animal expert that has had dozens of animals in her life over the years. She has never found an animal that she didn't love immediately. It seems like every year she finds kittens that have been abandoned by their mom and she nurses them to health and finds homes for them. She contributes her vast knowledge about animals and family pets to our website and we're forever grateful to have her working with us. She's also an amazing graphics designer and has designed all of the social media images that we use across all platforms.