Please to let the sleeping cats lie!

Cats are basically simple pets to care for and are very adaptable to a wide range of living situations. This makes them just as good a pet for city dwellers with small apartments as they are for people with large homes and property. A cat’s basic needs are high quality cat food (I like grain-free kibble best), fresh water, a very clean liter box, a scratching post, fun toys and a good veterinarian.

First, please get your pets fixed. Low cost spay and neuter programs are available in most cities nationwide. (Just google “low cost spay and neuter” with the addition of your city name and you’ll find one.) Spaying or neutering your cat, will make it a happier and healthier individual and will help to cut down shelter crowding and needless euthanasia of unwanted animals.

If you are planning on breeding your cat, please think twice – Approximately 5 million to 7 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year, and approximately 3 million to 4 million are euthanized. And at least 25% of these animals are owner surrendered pure breeds. More shelter stats from the ASPCA here.

Cats don’t require baths or daily walks and can be left alone for 3 or 4 days at a time with a proper food and water supply and clean litter boxes. When I go out of town, I just have a friend stop in every couple of days to check on my babies, clean up boxes and replenish food and water. As well, there are a great number of bonded pet-sitters who can be hired to check in (Always ask for references). If you will be out of town for an extended time, your cat can be boarded with your vet or a specialized pet boarding facility. Look for a boarding situation with lots of opportunity for exercise, play time and interaction.

Once you have a cat or kitten in your home, you will find that they will decide where they like to sleep and how they like to spend their time. No matter what kind of fancy, fluffy bed you purchase, your cat will invariably choose to sleep on the clean laundry or whatever piece of nice clothing (especially black) you’ve set down for 2 seconds while you look for your shoes. Best advice? Get a “Lint Pic-up” roller, they are at Target, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens…basically everywhere (just like cat fur!).

Speaking of fur, an exception to ease of care of cats would be a long haired cat, such as a Persian or Himalayan. These breeds with long, thick, silky fur are prone to matting and need daily brushing. Once their fur is allowed to become matted, the only way to remove the mats is to have a groomer cut them out. An alternate to daily combing and brushing is to have a professional cat groomer do a nice “Lion Cut” for your cat. I have all short hairs, but I keep a nice brush handy by the couch anyway. Brushing kitty is always an excellent bonding experience and even helps you to de-stressify and lower your blood pressure. Sometimes I just hold the brush in my hand and all interested parties take turns coming up to rub on the brush, combing themselves.

Scratching posts are a requirement. Cats have a natural need to scratch and the best way to save your couch from being completely shredded is to provide a good alternate (or two or three). The nice thing is that now there are many cat tree manufacturers who make attractive posts and trees, so you don’t have to get that uber ugly beige carpeted thing you saw at the local petamatorium. I’m completely against the inhumane act of declawing (which is, in all honesty, toe amputation), so I use a combination of nail trimming and routine sprinkling of catnap on the posts.

While cats spend a good percentage of their time sleeping, they also love to play. My cats all have very different personalities and like different types of cat toys. We have an assortment of bouncy super balls and rabbit fur covered “mice”, Cat Dancers and catnip filled toys. But sometimes they think a plant is a good toy, so watch for plants that are poisonous to cats. Many cats just love a long piece of yarn (watch for string swallowers, though!) or an old box. I’ve had a hilarious time watching my big fatties try to fit themselves into a shoebox!

When looking for a vet, ask friends and family for recommendations. Heck, if you’re outgoing, ask pet store employees and customers, people at the dog park or neighbors who have pets (you might even hook up with a new friend!). It may take a few visits to different folks, but I think finding a good vet is just as important as finding a good doctor or dentist. Here in Dallas, I was even able to find a partnership of vets who are open extended hours and weekends, who are all so loving, caring, honest and qualified. Shout out to Hillside Veterinary, we all love you Dr. Huskey and Dr. Sinapi!

Quickly, yesterday when I got my eBook on cat ownership from Karen, there is a good point in it I had never thought of and it’s funny I didn’t because I have this “little” problem (I’m obviously in denial). If you have never lived with a cat and are thinking about getting one, it’s smart to find out of you are allergic. Many pets are surrendered due to dander and fur allergies. Now, like I said, I have this problem. I found out just a year ago, that I register about 10 on the Richter scale for fur and feather allergies (my boyfriend is telling me that a 10 is epic level and has never been recorded in history, he’s also telling me about Bolivia earthquakes and nuclear bombs, he’s a facts and stats kinda guy), but I’ve chosen to get weekly allergy shots to deal with my allergies. I just can’t imagine giving up my pets, ever, and my allergist has assured me that I won’t have to.

Most importantly, pet ownership is a serious commitment. A pet depends upon you for care, sustenance, love and medical attention. Giving a pet proper care in not inexpensive. Animals bond to people, this is why we love them, they give back to us in so many ways. If we take one into our care, we must be there for it’s lifetime.