A Dog May Come When Called. A Cat Will Leave You a Message
Some individuals have been fortunate enough to grow up with a pet or two. According to child behavioral experts, children who grow up with a pet can reap numerous long-term benefits. This is also true for the entire family unit.
Companionship isn’t the only thing you can gain from having a pet. In addition, they provide emotional support on par with that of a partner, sibling, or close friend, and are treated as such by their owners. The benefits of having a pet at home are most apparent when the pet’s owner also feels a close connection to the animal.
Among all types of pets, you may find that you can relate to cats more and wish to have a cat as your constant companion. Then, you have chosen well. Having a cat as a pet is suitable for almost everyone, unless you are an impatient individual or have an unfortunate allergic reaction to cat fur. Cats can adapt to any type of housing and space, so whether you live in a villa or an apartment, you may be able to adopt one.
Of course, they are adorable. However, the most important aspect of choosing such a furry baby is selecting the right one focusing on their various personalities. Aside from personality, different cat breeds have different needs. You could want to pay attention to such details before bringing it home.
Let’s hear what veterinarians and pet trainers affiliated with Sirwiss have to say about choosing the best cat for your family.
Why Have a CAT?
Cats versus dogs – the global population is divided between those who prefer cats and those who prefer dogs. Both are excellent companions, in our view. Cats are great companions, despite the fact that most people do not understand them. Since countless millennia, their amusing antics and affectionate nature have won the hearts of millions of owners. Cats make excellent indoor pets, as they are simple to housebreak and require little maintenance.
If you prefer dogs to cats because you have problems connecting with them, proceed further to discover why dogs cats make great pets.
1. Cats are Quiet: Cats are a wonderful pet to have if you’re trying to keep noise levels down in your home. You can bet that even the softest bark will be audibly louder than even the most insistent meowing. A cat may be quieter than a dog, but there are still potential noise issues, such as furniture being knocked over or cats running at full speed.
2. Cats are Low Maintenance: Cats require less care and attention than dogs. They don’t need to be taken out several times a day, they can clean themselves, and they don’t need any special training to do so. Grooming is still necessary for long-haired cats, but it may be less frequent than for long-haired dogs.
3. Cats are Simple to Housebreak: Housebreaking a new puppy is one of the primary challenges that dog owners must overcome. Kittens, on the other hand, typically know how to use the litter box as soon as they arrive at their new home. Simply indicating its location is sufficient for them to utilize it instinctively.
4. Cats are Self-sufficient: Cats’ ability to thrive without human companionship is one of their many endearing qualities. Cats, in contrast to dogs, who need a lot of attention every day, are content to spend time alone. The average cat sleeps for 15 hours per day, so they won’t be too lonely while you’re away at the office. When you’re home, cats are typically content with just being in your company, whereas dogs may demand your full attention.
5. Cats are Beneficial to Your Health: According to one study, children who were exposed to cats were less likely to develop allergies. The intriguing part was that this was not limited to pet allergies, but to all allergies such as dust mites, ragweed, and grass.
6. Cats Keep Pests Out of Your House: Depending on where you live, you may be limited in the types of pets you can keep, but if you do, consider yourself lucky to have a cat. Cats are excellent pest control because they are predisposed to stalk, hunt, and pounce on their prey, whether it be mice, bugs, or something else. A mouse or rat may be scared away simply by their presence, as their scent can be an effective deterrent.
7. Cats Live Long: Losing a pet is a devastating experience for any pet owner. Among domesticated animals, cats have an unusually high longevity. While 13 years is the typical lifespan for a cat, it is not unusual for them to reach their late teens or even early twenties.
Cat Personality Types and Requirements in General
Consider the type of home you have when selecting a cat. Do you have youngsters? A noisy, action-packed house? Perhaps you have a smaller family and spend a lot of time at home/work from home. Or perhaps you’d describe your home as tranquil, with a mature family or as a quiet house with few visitors. When selecting a cat, keep these basic home characteristics in mind.
1. Fun Family Cats: These cats are looking for action, attention, and adventure. They enjoy interacting with everyone and participating in household activities. It is critical to provide plenty of social interaction and playtime for the entire family in order to bring out the best in their personalities. These cats may want to be your only love, or they may enjoy socializing with other cats and dogs.
2. Mellow and Mature Cats: Cats with more life experience are more likely to be mellow and independent, but all cats of any age can benefit from a quieter environment. These felines are typically calm and docile, and all they want is to curl up on a warm lap and nap. Yet they continue to take pleasure in playing. These felines can range from being lone wolves to friendly housemates.
3. Blossoming Shy Buddies: These felines do better in quieter, less-busy environments. They are more comfortable with steady, gentle attention. They may develop deep bonds and affection for their caregivers over time. If you want your shy cat to feel safe and happy, it’s best to get another cat.
4. Special Needs Cats: These felines require a home that can provide for their continuing medical and behavioral care, which may include administering medication on a regular basis, frequent trips to the veterinarian, and adjustments to the cat’s regimen. They want to find a place where there are no limits to the love between the residents. They deserve our patience and compassion so that they can live out their lives with the respect they deserve.
How We Assess Shy Cats
Successful adoption of a shy cat requires an understanding of the cat’s personality and behavior. Shy cats have been rated in Levels, so you can prepare yourself for what it will take to make your new pet feel at home.
1. Level 1
Cats at the Level 1 status can be petted gently and slowly. In their own time, they may go out of their way to approach a human being. They don’t mind being in the midst of human activity and interaction. It’s normal for a Level 1 cat to be shy at first, but they usually warm up to their new families after a few days.
2. Level 2
The cats at Level 2 can be petted or touched briefly by certain people in specific locations. They tend to avoid interaction with others for the first few weeks after moving in. It could be weeks before a cat at Level 2 starts exploring their new home and getting used to the people in it.
3. Level 3
Cats at Level 3 are starting to tolerate occasional petting and handling, but not on a consistent basis. You can try to get them used to being pet with the hope that they’ll eventually come around. To adjust to their new environment, a Level 3 cat may hide for a while.
4. Level 4
Cats at the level 4 level need extensive socialization. It’s important for them to gain confidence around people and learn to accept pets from them. In general, cats in this group improve their social skills after being adopted, though some may be more resistant to socialization than others, depending on their personalities and the efforts of their new guardians. It usually takes four to six months for a cat with a Level 4 to feel comfortable in a new environment.
5. Level 5
Extremely hostile to human contact, level 5 cats will attack anyone who attempts to pet them. They are curious, but independent. They will live in the same house as humans but avoid any kind of communication with the humans. Being around other cats is more fun for them. It may take these felines anywhere from three to six months of hiding out before they feel comfortable in their new homes. Some Level 5 cats may progress toward a more social state with time and effort, while others may not.
Choosing the Ideal Cat for You
An average cat can expect to live between 13 and 17 years. While it’s true that cats don’t require much in the way of maintenance, it’s still important to make sure that the right human is paired with the right cat because the two of them will be spending a lot of time together. When you’re thinking of bringing home a new cat, there are a number of factors and checklist items to go through. Trying to decide on a specific breed of cat can lead one to become preoccupied with minute details. So, to help you find some stability as you begin your search for the perfect feline companion, we’ve provided you with some guidelines from the experts.
1. Consider Your Financial and Time Resources
It should come as no surprise that bringing a cat into your home will increase the amount of time and money it requires. Take a look at how they might directly influence both areas.
*Before Getting a Cat:
1. Food and Water Bowls
2. Food and Treats
3. Litter Box
4. Carrying Crate
5. Scratching Post
6. Basic Grooming Tools
7. Cat Bed or Perch
* Ongoing Costs for the Cat’s Lifetime:
1. Annual Vet Bills
2. Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Medication
3. Cat Food and Treats
4. Toys
5. Replacing Litter Boxes and Scratching Posts or Mats
6. Any Special Training
7. Professional Grooming for Some Breeds
As they age, cats are at increased risk of developing health problems that will necessitate additional veterinary attention. It’s best to remember that it can get very pricey to treat and monitor the specific genetic health concerns of some cat breeds.
2. Cats Require Your Time
Cats will also take up your time and cost you more money. Contrary to what most people think, not all cats can take care of themselves and need little attention. There are a lot of cats that love to be with their people and play with them. Depending on how your cat acts, you might devote considerable time to playing with them. If their coats are long and thick, it will take time and money to keep them looking good.
Also, you should think about whether you want a kitten or an adult cat. A kitten is more likely to live longer with you than an adult cat that already has a few years under its belt. Also, kittens are cute, but they are very active and need another kitten to play with. Adult cats tend to be calmer and more settled in their personalities, so you’ll know what to expect when you bring one home. They might be more independent than kittens, but not all cat breeds like being alone.
3. Cat Breeds that Match Your Lifestyle
Temperament and care requirements can vary greatly between different types of cats. Educating yourself on the characteristics that can improve and alter your daily life is crucial. Your research into the various breeds of cats will help you zero in on those that are the best fit for your family and your way of life. As a result, you and your cat will have a much more peaceful home environment. As you look for a new cat, keep these things in mind.
How You Currently Live: Bringing a cat into a household or shared living situation can dramatically alter the dynamics of the collective. Your home can be filled with happiness if you adopt the right kind of cat. However, bringing home a cat that isn’t a good fit can put a significant amount of strain on preexisting relationships. If you have young children, it’s important to find a cat with a mellow disposition. An introverted cat might do better in a smaller household, or even just with its owner. Some felines prefer to be in the thick of things, and as a result, they may thrive in households with multiple people. Also consider whether or not your home is conducive to having a cat. An outdoor-loving cat, for instance, isn’t the best pet to have in a high-rise apartment where it can’t go for walks on its own.
Additional Household Pets: When it comes to other pets, some cats are more tolerant than others; those that are more protective of their territory should be the only ones in the home. What kind of cat you end up adopting may depend on the other animals in your home. Due to their natural prey instinct, some cat breeds are not suitable as pets for smaller animals. It’s true that some cats can coexist peacefully with dogs because they have bold and fearless personalities.
4. Look for a Healthy Cat
When adopting a cat, it’s important to find one that’s in good health to minimize the likelihood of problems and costs down the road. One can get a sense of a cat’s general health by observing its outward appearance and demeanor. Cats in good health have bright eyes, a clean coat, and plenty of energy. You can’t always tell if a cat is healthy based on its appearance or behavior, so it’s important to inquire about the last time it was seen by a veterinarian. If he or she hasn’t, this is worth having done before adopting.
5. Be Open to Cats of All Ages
The ages of a cat are irrelevant because they all make great pets. They can live long, healthy lives if given the right treatment. You will be blessed with a lifetime of love and companionship no matter what age cat you decide to adopt.