Page 22 - The Complete Cat Breed Book (DK)

20 INTR ODUC TION T O C A T S

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAT

Cats make rewarding, lovable pets, but owning one can require
a lot of time and money. If you think you would like to own a cat,
you will need to do some research to make sure you are ready for
the responsibility. If your heart is set on owning a purebred cat, you
will need to make sure you find a reputable breeder, though you
A pet cat can live
may also be able to find a purebred in a rescue center. for up to 20 years

Are you ready to own a cat? Cats can be expensive, and you need to make sure you can
Owning a cat might seem like a good idea, but you should give afford to cover the costs. There will be an initial outlay for
the idea serious consideration before you buy or adopt one. your kitten or cat, which can reach hundreds of dollars for
Consider if a cat will fit into your lifestyle. It is unfair to a cat a purebred. Advances in veterinary medicine and better
to be left alone for long periods; they may seem independent, understanding of a cat’s diet mean that cats now live longer
but cats need human companionship. Neglected outdoor cats than they used to, even for as long as 20 years. The cost of
may wander off, while indoor cats can become bored and owning a cat can add up to thousands of dollars over the
destructive. It is not a good idea to get a cat if anyone in your course of its life. Pet insurance will help cover some
household is allergic to cats or becomes asthmatic around veterinary costs, but probably not vaccinations, neutering,
them. Think carefully too if you have young children since you or dental treatment. You will also need to buy food, bedding,
will need to spend time teaching them how to handle a cat. cat litter, and other accessories on a regular basis. If you go
Cats also mean changes to your home; you’ll need to be away, you will need to pay for your cat to stay in a boarding
able to cope with furnishings covered with cat hair and the kennel, or for someone to look after him at your home.
occasional half-eaten bird or mouse. You will also need to
cat-proof your house, keep breakable items out of reach, and Deciding on a breed
remove potential hazards such as houseplants that can be If you would like a purebred cat, make sure you do your
poisonous to cats (p.203). You will need to find somewhere to research, so that you know about the breed’s needs and
put your cat’s litter box, and get used to changing it regularly. characteristics. If you are unsure which breed to choose, you
might want to consider size, coat type, and temperament.
Breeds vary in size, between about 9–20 lb (5–9 kg). Big cats
are unlikely to take kindly to an indoor life in a small
apartment. If you want a longhaired breed, you will have to
groom your cat every day, otherwise its fur will become
matted; shorthaired cats generally need much less grooming
(pp.228–31). Temperaments vary between breeds—Asian cats
such as the Siamese and Ocicat tend to be active and vocal,
while heavier-set breeds such as the British Shorthair and
Persian are usually quieter and more laid back.
You should also think about what gender and age of cat will
suit you. Male cats are usually bigger than females and may
be more outgoing, but both make trouble-free pets once
THE BEST BREED FOR YOU neutered. If you’re worried about housetraining a kitten, you
Cat breeds come in many different sizes, coat types, and could buy or rescue an adult cat. Finally, if there are stretches
personalities. Do your research and work out which breeds
will best suit your lifestyle—longhaired cats such as Persians of the day when no one is at home, you might want to consider
(above) make beautiful companions but require a lot of grooming. getting two cats, so that they can keep each other company.