I will be visiting my local shelter/humane society next week to look for a kitten and want one that is very well socialized and friendly.
Eight years ago I got a sweet kitten from the pound (I still have him and he’s neutered), but he tends to be the nervous type and is a little shy and withdrawn. He is really only comfortable around me.
What are things to look for when judging a kitten for temperament? What kinds of "tests" can I do while looking the kittens over? I know what to look for as far as health goes. Thanks!
You know you have a problem if you see your cat back up to a door or a wall or any other object in your house and lifts his tail and urinates.
Unfortunetly, it is very common with indoor only cats. It is a problem that can be stopped.
Most people think that spraying is a litter box issue. Actually it is a territory marking thing.
Cats use their urine like people use signs saying keep out.
Every cat’s urine is different, sort of like fingerprints on people.
Also another reason for your male cat spraying is for female cats in heat. Female cats in heat will seek out a sprayed area. It’s the Male’s way of saying “Here I am come find me.”
If you own a cat that freely goes both outdoors and indoors.
More often then not, your cat will spray outdoors.
The main issue with spraying is the smell is terrible to people, even if it is accepted by other cats.
If you have an indoor cat that sprays. You have a few options.
One of the most effective ways to stop your cat from spraying is to have him fixed.
More often then not, a male cat will stop spraying on the same day he has been neutered.
If you have a breed of cat that you want to stud out for service some day then neutering him is not the answer. In that case talk to your vet about other possibilities.
You sometimes see or hear on the news about some one having way to many cats. Like just last week, I saw where one lady didn’t even know she had dead cats in her house. Animal control was called and they removed 76 live cats and 9 dead ones. NINE dead cats?? How can you NOT know?? The smell alone should give some indication something isn’t right. That’s not even discussing the fact she had 76 live ones.
I can almost see how the numbers can get out of hand. One male and one female can make 2 cats into 7 real fast. lol But there is a responsibility that comes with owning cats. Have them spayed or neutered before they over populate and create a problem.
As far as rescueing homeless cats or taking in “drop-offs”. I’m all for it. After all I have rescue cats myself. But, at an animal lover I know that if I aquire or rescue a cat that I can not take care of, it is in the best interest of that cat (or any animal actually) that I find someone who can.
There are local animal shelters that will not only take in the cat, but allow you to post on their bulletin asking for a good home.
If money is an issue, some Vet’s and animal shelters can set you up with organizations that will help cut the cost on the fee of having your pet spayed or neutered.
Ok, I’m done ranting. LOL But it does irritate me when I see this sort of thing on the news and know that it could have been prevented.
But, at an animal lover I know that if I aquire or rescue a cat that I can not take care of, it is in the best interest of that cat (or any animal actually) that I find someone who can.