The decision to bring home a new cat or kitten is very
exciting, and is not a choice to be made lightly. Cats can live 20 years or even
longer, and getting a new pet is a lifelong commitment. When you're sure you
want a cat, the next question is, just where do you find him? In the newspaper,
the humane society or animal shelter, your best friend's cousin's farm, or at a
prestigious cattery? Each of these may contain the feline companion you've been
seeking. A little more information may help with the decision.
Consider first whether you would like to live with pedigreed
cat, or whether a mixed breed would be right for your family. This is a decision
that is mostly based on personal preferences. The greatest advantage of
purchasing a pedigreed kitten or cat is that his appearance and, to a lesser
degree, his personality, are predictable. If you want a vocal, mischievous cat
who is demanding of your attention, you may want a well-bred Siamese.
If you want a laid-back princess, a Persian
may be more to your liking.
If you want a pedigreed cat, where do you go? Pet stores are not
set up to encourage responsible breeding, and do not have and therefore are not
recommended as a source for kittens or cats. Pedigreed cats may occasionally be
re-homed through breed rescue organizations or newspaper ads, but it is probably
safest, from a behavioral point of view, to go straight to a reputable breeder
who can regale you with information about your cat's parents and other
relatives. You can find responsible breeders at cat shows and through the cat
registries.
If there is no particular breed that has won your fancy, and
your goal is simply to find a family pet, you might consider the colorful world
of mixed breed kittens and cats (the most thoroughly mixed of which are
typically categorized simply as either domestic shorthairs or domestic
longhairs).
If you're thinking about cost, mixed breed kittens and cats are
generally inexpensive or free, while pedigreed kittens are sometimes quite
costly. Of course, no pet is truly "free," because responsible
ownership includes the cost of quality food and veterinary care. Shelters
usually require a donation of some kind, and if you are given a free kitten the
initial inoculations, blood tests of serious diseases and spay or neutering can
run into hundreds of dollars. (That's why a shelter donation is often a much
better deal than it seems, at first.)
Some people feel that adopting mixed breed cats is preferable
because, by taking one home, you can provide shelter and love to an otherwise
homeless animal. Others believe the pedigreed cat-owning community is deeply
committed to feline welfare, and does not perpetuate the cycle of irresponsible
breeding. Whatever your feelings, it is undeniable that many mixed breed kittens
and cats need homes. Perhaps the best decision is both: If you have always
dreamed of living with an elegant Turkish Van, get one. Then, maybe your next
companion will be the gentle soul gazing at you from a cage in the local SPCA.
A breeder, a shelter, a friend or neighbor, or someone
advertising kittens, may have the perfect pet for you. But wherever you decide
to get your kitten or cat, just make sure a few basic criteria are met.
First, be sure the kittens and cats in the facility appear to be
healthy. While this may present less of an issue in a private home, it certainly
can be a problem in some cats housed in groups. Most private owners and some
shelters will allow you to take your new pet to a veterinarian for a physical
examination, including tests for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency
viruses, before making a final commitment. Mild problems such as respiratory
infections or parasites can easily be treated.
Second, consider the social background of the kitten or cat. You
may not ever know the parents' identities, let alone their temperaments, but you
can certainly inquire about the amount of social interaction and handling
kittens have had. Unfortunately, feral cats and kittens (such as barn cats or
timid strays found in fields) may permanently bear the effects of poor
socialization. If even a tiny kitten acts very fearful, hissing and trying to
escape, assume this behavior will not change significantly as he matures. Noisy,
active households are probably not the ideal environment for fearful kittens and
cats; instead, consider the friendly, outgoing kitten who reaches out to you.
Just remember that sometimes, despite all the careful
preparation, reams of pro-and-con lists, the reading and talking and Internet
searches, ready or not, a cat finds you. Perhaps your cat will simply turn the
corner to find you, and capture your heart.
|
