So You Want a Cat or Kitten?
by David the Dogman
A cat or kitten makes a very worthwhile pet, providing that it is properly cared for. If you have taken, or are about to take a stray or rescued feline into your home, then you are actively helping such organisations as The Cats Protection League in their work. There are many more such cats than there are homes available. Before you take on the responsibility of owning a cat or kitten please think carefully about what it will involve.
Cost of feeding and veterinary treatment (including the cost of vaccinations and neutering).
Making time for play, grooming and companionship.
Being prepared to accept that it may catch birds and other prey.
Ensuring adequate arrangements for when you are away from home.
Making sure your cat or kitten will not become a nuisance to neighbours.
KITTENS
Kittens are old enough to leave their mother at eight weeks.
A pretty, lively kitten can be an attractive proposition. Remember, however, that he or she will become a cat after six months perhaps for the next 14 years. A kitten should be yours for life!
NEUTERING
One female cat can, in five years, be responsible for some 20,000 descendants and many of these must inevitably become homeless, with a life that offers only misery, hunger and disease. I strongly recommend neutering of all cats not required for breeding in order to keep down the number of strays.
Both male and female cats can be neutered at six months or older (please be guided by your vet). In the case of the male, a simple routine operation only is involved. The female requires a longer operation which, although routine, usually necessitates a return to the veterinary surgery after seven to ten days for the removal of stitches.
Neutering produces a much more satisfactory and enjoyable pet. A neutered male should refrain from spraying about the house and leaving an unpleasant smell; he should also be disinclined to wander or to fight. It is not correct that a female cat should be allowed, on humane grounds, to have one litter before neutering.
FEEDING
No matter how well we provide for our felines in terms of warmth, safety, companionship and health care, the one thing that finally attracts and binds a cat is the food we provide. Throughout his life a cat will have a variety of of dietary needs according to its age and state of health. A cat who does not receive a balanced and varied diet may well move elsewhere!
