How to Raise A Cat

For centuries, cats have been dometicated as pets. In bygone days they were allowed to live off their natural instincts. As civilization began to realize the beauty and the theraputic nuances of the cat, more and more became indoor members of the family. Raising a cat can be an entertaining, rewarding, and, at times, a nerve-wracking experience.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• collar, tags, flea control, cat box, brush, scratching post or similar items, toys, food, cat litter

1. How Much Work Do You Want To Do?
   For matters of consistency, the cat will be referred to as he, but will represent all.
   Remember he's just a baby.
   According to experts, a full grown cat has the mental and learning capacity of a three year old child. So, no matter how old your cat is, raising him is like raising a child to the age of three and then living with a three year old during his natural life.
2. Remember He Needs You.
   Before you bring home a kitten, there are a few things you need to consider.
   In all likelihood, you have adopted your kitten from a litter of kittens. He is used to having brothers and sisters with which to cuddle, play, eat, sleep, and huddle for warmth. He is used to the security of the others and his mother. When you bring him home, he will turn to you to fill the void. Be prepared for a bedmate who will sleep in the most inconvenient area, namely, your head, chest, your arm, or the crook of your legs, limiting your movements while you sleep and occasionally waking you with a terrified squeak when you inadvertantly roll over on him.
   While he is small, he will follow you, as he did his mother, and expect you to pay him your undivided attention. Ignoring him can sometimes result in his forming unpleasant habits. Leaving him for any length of time, even for the normal working hours, can also cause these same habits to materialize; leaving little surprises on the carpet, uprooting houseplants, leaving breakables in tiny pieces, and the general wreaking of havoc all over the house.
   Kittens and cats do not like sudden, loud, or shrill noises. It's a wise thing to advise your children and your friends if they have children that you now have a kitten. Children are fascinated by kittens and will invariably want to play with him. Kittens claws and teeth feel very much the same as being stuck by a needle. Let the children know it's a good thing to leave the kitten alone until he gets used to them. And make sure you advise them never to corner a cat, any cat, no matter what size.
   Strangers only have to worry whether they will or will not be accepted by the cat. The person least wanting to have anything to do with him will, of course, be the person to whom he will gravitate. Anyone wanting to pet him or show him any attention,unless he knows them, will be completely ignored.
3. Health
   Before you bring home your kitten be prepared. You will need a litter box, litter, a food dish, and a water dish. You can purchase a bed for him, but chances are he won't use it. He'd rather sleep with you or another member of your family.
   Scratching posts and cat towers can provide him with entertainment, a high place to sit and view his domain, a safe place to hide, and, if you're lucky, a place to sharpen his claws. No matter what you try, he may still prefer your furniture.
   Be sure to place his food and water dish in a secluded area away from general house traffic and other animals. Too much activity where he eats can drive him away from his food. If his eating area is near other animals, be prepared for hissing, spitting, growling, and the occasional fight over territory.
   The litter box should be placed in a secluded area as well. The best place is a laundry room or utility room if available. If not, a bathroom, if it's large enough to accommodate both you and him, is also a good place.
   If you have only the one cat, scoopable cat litter is a good choice. It's easier to police the litter box using a bowl shaped scoop instead of a flat scoop. If there's only the one cat, or two cats, scoopable litter, though more expensive will do very well. Policing the litter box once a day or every other day will suffice. However, if there is more than one or two cats, it might be advisable to have more than one litter box and to use the cheaper common clay litter, although the litter box will necessarily need policing at least once a day to keep down odor, bacteria, and pests such as flies and gnats.
   Keep a medical supply handy, including a medical book on the care of cats, alcohol, peroxide, worm medicine, cotton balls, gauze bandages,penicillin (liquid or tablets). If using tablets, you will want to keep syringes for administering the shots. Be advised some cats will object to being given a shot. Giving tablets, using the thumb and index finger of your left hand, gently press the sides of the cat's mouth, and with your right hand, insert the tablet near the back of the throat. Gently massage the cat's neck while holding his mouth shut, to keep him from spitting it out, until he swallows. Most cats will swallow the tablet. However, depending on the cat's temperment, he may hold it in his mouth until you let go, then spit it out, or he may, after swallowing it, regurgitate and then spit it out.
4. Maturity
   Cats mature at the age of 6 months. This is the time you must be prepared for the inevitable trip to the veterinarian. Despite some popular belief, cats do not procreate for pleasure, but out of instinct for the continuation of species. The problem is, the species is in no danger of extinction. The number of unwanted kittens and cats numbers well into thousands. Many die within their first 2 years of life on roads, by starvation, or by falling prey to other animals.
   Spaying and neutering your cat is the best way to help alleviate the overcrowding in existing shelters. There simply isn't enough room for the shelters and rescue organizations to take care of all the abandoned cats. Feral cats can be captured, spayed or neutered, and released, a kinder way of dealing with the problem than poisoning or shooting them. Neutering your cat will lengthen his life span. He will be less likely to roam, therefore won't be running away and ending up on the roads or falling prey to other animals. He won't have the desire to procreate, which will keep him at home and lessen the chances of his fighting. He won't spray, which will keep your house odor free. In essence, he will live a longer, healthier life.
5. Fleas
   A universal problem with have a pet is dealing with fleas and other parasites. There are many commercial products available on the market for combating these parasites. The best advice, no matter what product you decide to use, is to perform a patch test on your cat. Some cats are highly sensitive to the chemicals used in commercial products. If he shows adverse reaction, immediately clean the patch area with warm soap and water, or if there is a stronger reaction, such as vomiting and lethargy, immediately take him to the vet.
   Remember to keep his environment free of parasites as well or no matter how much preventative you use on him, he will not be free of them, nor will you. Treat carpets with preventatives, making certain you read any warnings in order to keep your cat safe, vacuum, and throw away the vacuum bag.
   Clean his ears and watch for signs of ear mites. There are medications available at pet stores and from your vet to rid your cat of this problem.

Tips & Warnings

• It's All About Love Again, the most important thing to remember about your cat is that he needs you. Have patience. Teach him the meaning of the word NO at an early age, and give him all the attention that he demands. Cats are independent creatures, so there are those who will demand attention on their own terms. Let your cat know you're there for him. Give him security, love, affection, and your relationship will be long lasting and satisfying for both of you.