Cats Rule. How To Select Your New Master
Siamese, Persian, Sphynx, Russian Blue? Long-haired, short-haired? Kitten or cat? How do you make that important decision? Here you'll find all the information you need to make the purrfect choice -- facts, pictures and links covering breeds, what to look for, where to find them, and how to take care of them after you get them home.
Making the right decision is important. After all, you're not just getting a pet, you're adding a new member to your family. A forever home for a member that should be cherised like the other members of your family.
Come back often because I'll be adding more valuable information, photos, videos and important links to all things cat.
If you love cats and want more information about anything from behavior modification to breeds, ear mites to ticks or anything to do with cats, check out my website Everything Related To Cats for aritcles on all things about cats.
What's Breed Got To Do With It?
Favorite Breed?
PURRfectly Wonderful Cat Photos And Art
All By The Painted Cat on Flickr
Here are real photos and drawings and paintings by The Painted Cat found on Flickr. Fabulous! Click on them to go to the Flickr site to see a bigger picture and more of her work. Vote for your favorites. I'll be adding more, so stop back by.
This Bengal kitten is called Kirby and he lives in the USA with his owners Terri...
This is Frogsley, a cat with fabulous, HUGE green eyes. I%u2019m sure these eyes ar...
This is Nala, a bengal cat with a deep and abiding passion for water. Bengal own...
This is Forrest, a fabulous Abyssinian cat lying on a wonderful polished wood fl...
Hobbes is a tabby point Siamese enjoying an afternoon snooze on the bed. I loved...
There's nothing like a wash in the sun.
This is a sketch of Karli a gorgeous tortie and white Devon Rex cat. She is such...
Know What You Want Before You Adopt
Adoption Criteria
Before you adopt a cat, think about the following. Add any others you feel are important before adopting a cat. Then vote for what you think is the most important.
#1
Adult vs. Kitten
5 points
#2
Get One or Two Cats
4 points
#3
Indoor OR Indoor-Outdoor
3 points
#4
Long Hair or Short Hair
3 points
#5
Male or Female
1 point
#6
What Breed (if it matters to you)
1 point
#7
Did the cat/kitten choose you?
1 point
#8
Are you fully committed to a new feline family member?
1 point
Adult vs. Kitten
Age Does Make A Difference
When adopting a cat, whether to choose an adult or a kitten is a big question. Many people go for kittens because they are so cute, however, kittens are just like human babies -- you have to give them extra attention, extra care, and most importantly, extra patience.Kittens are so energetic and vigorous that sometimes they can be destructive of your furniture and appliances. You'll need to train them to scatch on appropriate things, not your furniture.
Kittens can be nice pets for kids as they can play with each other. Having said that, I must add that you need to really watch them when they play together. Make sure that your child, if old enough, knows how to pick up or hold the cat properly -- NOT by the neck! You may laugh, but I've seen it many times.
Adult cats are usually already trained when you get them. They can also adjust easily to a new environment. Just give them enough food, shelter, and love, and they will make great pets.
Adopt a Senior Cat:
"What you see is what you get!"
Why Adopt An Senior Cat
Why Adopt A Senior Cat
Shelters have find it is often hard to find new homes for senior cats because most people want to adopt a kitten.
Most of the senior cats that come into shelters are not strays, but instead they come from families that can no longer keep them. Many because their owners died or due to ill health can not keep their beloved pet.
Adopting a senior pet is rewarding because owners get to see the pet live out their life in a loving home.
In short, when you are looking for a cat, think about your lifestyle. An older cat (or dog) could be just the right addition to your family.
- What You See is What You Get: When you adopt older dogs or cats you usually know about any behavior challenges or health considerations before you adopt. Therefore, there should be no surprises.
- Previous Training: Most adult cats already know how to live in harmony with humans. In general, adult cats require less supervision and the constant care that kittens do. They are usually already litter box and scratching post trained.
- Matching Lifestyles: An adult cat's will usually be relatively calm and have less intense exercise needs. This makes them a perfect match for an older person; in a busy full-time working household; and make excellent companions for other animals.
Cats Like To Have A Friend
We Come As A Pair - Take One, Take Both
Funny Cat Books For Your Library
What's Gender Got To Do With It? PART 1 -- MALES
Bad Boy Or Lover
Adult Males The adult males are also generally more aggressive than adult females. Again, I've found many exceptions in the adult cats I've fostered or lived with.
For example: 2 of my 8 cats are males. Bruce "Kamikaze" Lee
is (pictured here), as his name says so well, is quite confrontational. He is a long-haired fat cat - weighing 18 pounds but not that long. He was neutered as a kitten, but we think his testosterone level has increased lately. He is a lover boy who loves to be held, brushed and petted, however, he likes to play with our other cats, sometimes even when they aren't in the mood.
Pictured here is Hawk (of Spencer fame) who is a very shy, calm cat. He is a large Russian Blue and weighs almost 19 pounds. Although he weighs 1 pound more than his brother, Lee, he is much longer and is definitely not a fat cat. He loves to knead me in bed at night, going back and forth between my husband and I.All of our cats adore him. He'll walk up to another cat, bow his head in front of their faces and expects them to lick his head -- AND they DO! One night he patted me on the shoulder until I woke up. When I did, he bowed his head a couple of inches in front of my face! I woke my husband up with my laughter!
All Males Do NOT Spray, And Some Females DO My husband and I never adopted a male cat because we heard that all males spray. Well, all our cats are indoor cats and spraying was not something we wanted. However, in 2000, I fell in love with Kamikaze Lee while socializing cats at the local Humane Society and had to adopt him. He has never sprayed and neither has his brother, Hawk.
However, our alpha cat, Kira, spays the back of our 2 leather recliners. (Thank goodness those are the only places and I can clean them easily.)
We now know that we shouldn't pick a cat by gender - males or females, they all have unique personalities.
Complete Cat Care Training
All You Need To Know About Training Your Cat
Complete Cat Care Book
Designed to be the easiest-to-follow system for learning everything that you could possibly need to know about cats.Jam-packed with information, including tons of cat pictures, litterbox training, cat behaviors (and why they do it!), fixing common cat problems such as scratching, destroying your chairs, howling, etc.
With this powerful insider information, you'll discover the best ways to care for your cat... Complete Cat Care
For A Healthier And Happier Cat, Spay or Neuter Them
Reasons To Spay / Neuter your Cat
75% of Cats and 56% of dogs are killed at shelters each year. So Please spay or neuter your pet for that reason alone, or, if you need more reasons, here they are:
#1
Your cat will be better behaved.
3 points
#2
Spayed females will not go into heat, thus eliminating the incessant yowling and attraction of male cats.
3 points
#3
With millions of cats being killed each year, taking the responsibility to sterialize your cat will eliminate the killing of more animals. You being able to find homes for the kittens just means other cats and kittens are killed.
3 points
#4
Spayed female cats have fewer instances of breast cancer.
2 points
#5
Neutered males have less desire to spray or marking their territory.
2 points
#6
Your cat will be healthier
1 point
#7
Sterilization will NOT change your cat's personality.
1 point
#8
Neutered cats (if outdoors) will stay close to home.
1 point
#9
Cats don't get fat just because they've been sterilized. Cats that are fixed just don't need that high energy diet any longer.
1 point
Don't Forget To Spay Or Neuter Your Cat
Your Cats Will Be Healthier And Happier!
This wonderful animation was created by David Booth of Cabin Fever Art. Check out his site to see all his wonderful cartoons and other goodies. He also provides the weekly cartoon for Are You Polar Bear Aware?
Find Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Programs In Your Area
Here's How...
Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Programs
ASPCA has a special link for you to find low-cost spay/neuter programs in your community. Simply go toLow-Cost Spay Neuter Programs and enter in your zip code and you'll get a list of the programs in your area.
Things You Should Ask Youself BEFORE You Adopt A Cat
#1
If your cat got sick, are you willing to pay the vet bills to treat him?
Cats need to be seen by a vet at least once a year to ensure they are well and to catch an illness early.3 points
#2
Have you looked at how much the food and litter will cost?
Check out food and litter prices. Also, check on prices for cat trees or scratching posts. You can probably make your own but if a cat doesn't have a place to scratch, she'll use your furniture.2 points
#3
Will the cat be alone for much of the day?
If you answered yes, you might want to consider adopting 2 cats instead of one. This way they have company and won't get lonely.1 point
#4
If you have to leave your cat alone for any length of time, do you have someone to take care of her?
Contrary to what many people believe, you should not just leave your cat outdoors to fend for themselves when you are gone.1 point
#5
If you have a dog, is he okay with cats?
If you have a dog, you need to be very sure that he is okay with cats. Introduce them slowly.1 point
#6
Are you willing to teach you kids how to take care of a cat?
Are you kids so young they need to be monitored with the cat? You need to show/teach your children how special cats (all animals) are and how to take care of them. Teach by example.0 points
Outdoor Vs. Indoor-Outdoor Vs. Indoor
Where Is Your Cat Better Off?
When deciding on your cat's place keep in mind that Indoor cats live an average of 15 to 18 years. A indoor/outdoor cat an average of 7 - 9 years.Outdoor
A cat that is only an outdoor cat will not be as safe nor as happy as one that is allowed indoor with his family. Cats need to be able to come inside at least when the weather is bad: rain, snow, high winds, or heatwave.
If the weather is not good enough for you to go out in, then it's not good enough for your cat. They cannot stand extremely cold or hot weather either.
To keep outdoor cats socialized and to ensure that they will come home, you need to bring them inside and love on them. Let them know their family members and teach them how to behave indoors.
With an all outdoor cat, it will be difficult to know when they are sick or hurt as cats usually will hide when they are not well as a survival instinct.
Indoor/Outdoor
Most people think that this gives cats the best of both worlds. There are several things to keep in mind any time a cat is allowed outdoors:
1. Cats are territorial, so they may have to protect themselves from outdoor-only or feral cats who claim the same territory.
2. They may not come home a night or two and worry the heck out of you.
3. They are exposed to other cats who may be carrying disease.
4. They may get ticks, more fleas.
5. They are exposed to raccoons and skunks that are the most common carriers of rabies.
6. They'll roll in the dirt and horse dropping (I've seen it) and then they come in and lay down on your couch or bed.
Indoor Only
All shelters and humane societies will recommend that you keep your cat indoors at all times because:
1. They live longer.
2. They are safer.
3. They aren't exposed to feral cats, raccoons, etc.
4. You can tell when they are sick faster (A) by their eating habits; (B) by their litter box (amount, frequency and consistency of urine and stools; if they drag themselves across the floor on their butts which may mean worms; if they're hiding more which usually a sick or injured cat will; their moods)
5. You know what they eat, when, IF they stop eating.
6. They can be trained to not scratch your furniture and being "house-broken" will be more adoptable if something happened to you and they needed a new home.
The Best Of The Best Cat Quotes
Cats Are Just Plain Funny
Here are some of my favorite quotes about cats. Add your own and vote for your favorites.
#1
Some days you're the cat. Some day's you're the litter box.
10 points
#2
Dogs have masters. Cats have staff.
5 points
#3
Dogs believe they are human. Cats believe they are God.
5 points
#4
Dogs come when they're called. Cats take a message and get back to you later. Mary Bly
4 points
#5
When dogs leap on your bed, it's because they adore being with you. When cats leap onto your bed, it's because they adore your bed. Alisha Everett
4 points
#6
Cats rule. Dogs drool.
1 point
What All Cats Need
These Are Must Have Items
Here is a list of the things a cat needs. If you know something that they would like or need, please add it. Thanks!
#1
Litter box
2 points
#2
Scratching post
2 points
#3
Bed
1 point
#4
Cat Tree
1 point
#5
Brush
1 point
#6
Litter
1 point
#7
Toys!
1 point
#8
Fresh water and food
1 point
#9
Current shots/Vet care
1 point
#10
Gentle TLC
1 point
Calvin and Hobbes At Their Best
Incredible Caroons Filled With Lessons On Life
Calvin and Hobbes
Here is a list of my favorite Calvin and Hobbes books. Bill Watteron's cartoon are so spectacular because they ring so true. The cartoons are not only well drawn and funny they're filled with life lessons we can all learn from. If I've missed your favorite, please add it! Purrs & bear hugs, Frankie
#4
Kitty Drinking From Spoon - Photo
What's The Best Cat Name You've Ever Heard?
What People Name Their Cats
Add the funniest, most creative, or just your favorite cat names you've ever heard. Vote for the one you think is the funniest or most creative.
#1
Eeny, Meeny, Miney and Mo (4 siblings)
We adopted Eeny who is now 19 and still loving life.12 points
#2
Bruce "Kamikaze" Lee
6 points
#3
The twins Rumples and Stiltskin
The feral triplets Scoot, Scout, and Skedaddle5 points
#4
Mish-Mish
North African word for 'Apricot'.. she's sweet!!2 points
#5
Potato
I kid you not!1 point
#6
Schmubbles
1 point
#7
Blusterface
Especially after he gets a face full of milk when he misjudges the bowl.1 point
#8
Frisbee
1 point
#9
Christmas
She was a Christmas present, and she beamed when hearing her name spoken.1 point
#10
Precious
Totally cool-dude "therapy cat" to many people. Made everyone feel better.1 point
Featured Cat Lenses On Squidoo
Great Lenses About Cats
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Being Siamese is next to Godliness
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I'm here to tell how wonderful Siamese cats are. We are the best. Oh yeah, I'm a Siamese. Obviously I have a greater command of the English language than most cats (and some humans) I have personal insight into the history, care, fee...
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Buster and Scout, Cats Extraordinaire
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This lens is all about two cats who have charmed themselves into my life and graciously accepted my invitation to take up residence in my home. There's Scout the Tiny Tortie (who got here first and has managed to remain Alpha) and Buster the Eternal...
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Cat Paintings from The Painted Cat
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Cats are creatures of such beauty and grace, contradiction and fascination. In all their many varieties they are an endless source of material to a painter. Forget the nude! The cat is the epitome of beauty. One moment a cat is an inscrutable feline...
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Why Declawing Cats Is a Bad Idea
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A lot of humans who care about us cats know that declawing is wrong. They will tell you about how cruel and painful the operation is, and all the problems that declawing can cause. But being mere humans, they only know the half of it. Let a cat ...