So you've decided to adopt a cat. Congratulations! Animal shelters and rescue groups have candidates waiting in line for you, all of them in need of a loving home.When visiting the shelter, or even when browsing through lists of cats for adoption, you may be wondering, "Should I adopt one of...
So, your kids adore cats. They have "Hello Kitty" schoolbags and love watching Garfield. They say they want a kitten to play with, and Craigslist is just full of ads about kittens looking for good homes.
Surely, they'll be thrilled once you open the box and let a cute fluffball out, right? So...
Introducing a new cat into your life should be cause for celebration: You have a new companion, a furry friend, that will be with you for years to come, so this should be a happy event, right?
Unfortunately, "My new cat won't come out from under the bed," is a complaint we see from time to...
Most cats are fairly confident creatures. Once accustomed to their people and their territory, you can expect them to strut around as if they owned the place, calm and fearless. Most new things and people will be met with inquisitive sniffs and stares, and unless the cat distinctly recognizes a...
Cats are famous for their independent nature. If you've never had a cat in your life you may think it means they are self-sustained and don't need much. It certainly does not. Just like soon-to-be parents need to prepare the nursery for their first newborn, so do you need to get a proper gear...
Playing With Your Cat: 10 Things You Need To KnowAs a cat owner, you probably know that you need to play with your cat.
But are you doing it right? Is your cat getting all the benefits that playtime should give them?
After all, the feline behavior of playing has many benefits. Here's what your...
When you get home, it's hard to tell if Kitty even missed you. "Oh, were you gone? I didn't notice." Other cats will cling and not let you out of their sight. Some just want the food can opened. Then there are the cats who feel you should be punished for not being at their beck and call - you'll...
The rates to adopt a shelter cat can vary widely, depending on how much care the cat has needed and what tests are done before he’s ready for adoption. In general, between $50 and $150 is common.
You can expect the cat to be spayed or neutered or you’ll be given a certificate for the surgery at...
Anyone who's ever volunteered at a cat shelter knows that kittens are the easiest to find homes for. Most people seem naturally drawn to the playful charm of these active little furballs, so easy to pick up and cuddle. Older cats, and specifically senior cats, aged eight years or older, tend to...
A Kitten, a Kitten, Where to Find a Kitten?A kitten is a funny and fun pet to have, purebred or not. When you’ve decided to add one (or two) to your household, where’s the best place to find them?
SheltersShelters include groups like the Humane Society, the Animal Protection Association and...
“Vaccines are divided into core and non-core. A core vaccine is one everybody should get. Non-core vaccines are for exposed or at risk cats,” says Dr. Jeffery Moll, DVM. “The key to any successful vaccination protocol is the cat's lifestyle—indoor vs. outdoor, single cat vs. multi-cat family...
Cats that come from rescue groups and animal shelters are more likely to have relatively minor illnesses that if untreated can become serious.
Before you leave the shelter, ask the shelter or rescue group for a written copy of their medical support policies. Will they provide vet care...
Bringing Home A New Cat: The PreparationsCats are territorial animals. They mark their territory, perform daily patrols and know every nook and cranny in and about their home. Cats are also creatures of habit and do not take very well to sudden change. They find being moved from one house and...
Being a responsible cat owner involves more than just deciding to take a lovely early morning drive to your local shelter. Once you arrive there, it is quite easy to allow any number of needy and deserving kitties to steal your heart and to select one (or more!) for your very own. You arrive at...
Although cats are quite intelligent, people often give them more credit than they are due when it comes to dangers lurking around the home. Too many times veterinarians hear distraught cat owners lament, "I thought she knew by the smell that it was dangerous."
Cleaning products that seems to...
Your vet is your ally in providing the best possible care for your cat. He or she is there for more than emergencies though. The annual cat vet checkup is the cornerstone of good preventive medicine, and that is just as important for cats as it is for us humans.
Why do we even need an annual...
Ernest Hemingway, the famous ailurophile, said that "one cat just leads to another", a phrase I believe many of us can relate to. Cats are such wonderful companions, so why settle for just one?
First, there are the "technical" considerations - Do you have enough money to care for a second cat...
Leaving your beloved Kitty for an overnight stay at a veterinary clinic can be an extremely emotional experience. As one of our cat forum's members notes, it can be hard to tell if this is more stressful for the cat or the owner. As with many crises, planning and preparation can go a long way...
Your choice of a veterinarian is an extremely important decision that could profoundly affect the quality of care that your cat receives. So how does one go about choosing a vet?
First, you should probably begin by defining your needs. It may help you to compose a list of those things that are...
Indoor cats need furniture to climb on, claw and just play around with. Designated cat furniture becomes the obvious solution when you need protect your couch and shelves, or just to add more playing areas for your cat. There are some great designs out there too, with cat furniture that can be...