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This article is part of a series co-written with Wilmington Pet Training Examiner, Casey Troyer.
You've probably heard that there are cat people and dog people. You’ve decided that your family is a bunch of cat people. What should you do to add a cat to the family?
Just like selecting a dog, it's good to do some research about different cat breeds before you bring one home. Different breeds come with different health risks, life expectancies, and temperaments; just like dogs, these characteristics are general and each cat must be considered as an individual. The Humane Society of the United States offers terrific tips on choosing the right cat.
The second factor to consider when deciding to add a cat, or kitten, to your family is cost. Cats, and especially kittens, can cost a considerable amount of money; probably more than most people think. There’s food, litter, litter box, monthly flea and heartworm treatment, toys, vet check-ups, and various accessories. www.peteducation.com provides a very detailed breakdown of the cost of owning a cat. If you’re concerned about cost, talk to cat owners and see what they estimate a cat costs them on a monthly, and yearly, basis.
The third factor to consider when bringing a cat or kitten into your family is responsibility. Who ultimately will be responsible for taking care of the cat? Will your kids be involved, or will the responsibility fall on you as the parent? As with dogs, it’s good to take the ages of your children into consideration when assigning pet responsibilities. Children as young as two are old enough to help feed the cat and give it water, and the older children can help change the litter box or apply medication. It is important that you post the schedule for pet care in a frequently visited, and visible, place in the house so your children don’t forget.
It is also important that your children are including the process of selecting your new feline addition. Have your children help you with the research about breed. Have them assist creating the chore assignments. And most importantly, bring your children to the shelter with you when you are choosing your cat. When your children help choose the cat or kitten, it creates a bond between the children and the animal, and the children take more of a vested interest in the new pet.
Just like with dogs, it is important that safety measures are put in place to ensure the safety of both the child and the cat. www.pawsperouspets.com offers the following safety tips:
· Teach children how to properly handle a cat. Cats should not be picked up by the scruff of the neck; instead, support the cats hindquarters in one hand and use the other to support its chest. Hold the cat gently but securely close to your body.
· Supervise kids and cats. This is especially important with a new pet, who may still be nervous. Teach kids to respect the cat, and do not allow them to chase or corner the cat even in play. The cat may bite if it feels threatened. Encourage calm, unthreatening interactions between kids and cats.
· Do not allow children to disturb a sleeping or eating cat. Also give kitty some space when she is using her litter box.
· Do not allow rough play. Rough play encourages your cat to use its teeth and claws on you. Instead, play with your cat using cat toys (commercial or those of your own making ... for example, my own cat loves to play in a simple paper bag).
· Do not allow children to tease the cat. Teach them the difference between teasing and playing.
· Teach children how important it is to keep your cat indoors. Ensure that they understand the importance of making sure kitty does not accidentally run out the door. Indoor cats live much safer, healthier lives.
Other great safety tips can be found here.
Please don’t rule out cats or kittens with disabilities such as FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus—not contagious to humans) or cerebellar hypoplasia (watch the video below for a wonderful, touching video of cat with cerebellar hypoplasia). These animals need just as much love as a “normal”, healthy cat.
Adding a cat or kitten to your family needs to be a family decision. Make sure to include your children in the process, from start to finish. And when you’re on your way to the shelter, be sure to explain that not only are you getting a new pet, you are giving a home to a homeless animal.
For a huge listing of cats and kittens available for adoption in and around Delaware, check out www.petfinder.com. You can also visit shelters such as the Delaware Humane Association or the SPCA shelters in Stanton or Georgetown.
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