Great cat tips from Housecat Housecall

Posted by Aimee

July 11, 2009

Dr. Katrina Warren and the experts at Animal Planet’s “Housecat Housecall”, presented by Purina Cat Chow, have put together some simple tips to help families conquer some common cat care issues. Housecat Housecall airs on Animal Planet every Saturday at 10:30AM Eastern/Pacific, with an encore each Sunday at 8:00AM Eastern/Pacific. Here are some good tips for prospective cat owners:

What should I do before bringing a new kitten into the family?

Take some time to kitten proof your house before you bring your kitten home. Kittens are endlessly curious creatures that love to explore and often end up getting trapped in hard to reach places. Remove all dangling cords and remove precious ornaments and glassware from coffee tables and shelves. You will need a sturdy crate for transport, scratching post, climbing tree, litter box, food and water bowls and a breakaway collar with an ID tag.

All kittens need play time several times a day
Keep your kitten indoors. Generally an indoor cat lives to a much older age than an outdoor one.

How do I ensure I find the right kitten or cat for me and my family?

Finding the ideal companion cat can be a fun project for the whole family. Remember that cats tend to live, on average, for around 12 to 15 years, with some living considerably longer. Take your time and do your homework in order to make sure you choose the cat that is most compatible with you and your lifestyle.

Here are some things to consider:

Temperament. Cats, particularly representatives of individual breeds, can vary dramatically – from quiet, gentle little homebodies to personality-plus party animals. Some need lots of time and attention, while others are far less demanding. Some like the Siamese or Oriental are very vocal, so they would not be appropriate if you cherish your peace and quiet.
Lifestyle. There is absolutely no point falling in love with a glamour-puss like a Persian, if you are unable to do justice to her time-consuming grooming requirements. Likewise, some on-the-go breeds, such as the Burmese need a lot of exercise and attention.
Children. Most cats make wonderful playmates for children, but a few are less tolerant of boisterous antics or careless handling.
Kitten or Cat. If you don’t have the time or energy to spend on a lively, boisterous kitten, then consider adopting an older, more settled cat?
Other Pets. Cats, particularly when acquired as kittens, can be taught to get along happily with a wide variety of other companion animals, including birds and dogs. Some breeds, like the Burmese, traditionally take living with other pets in stride.

To find out more about Housecat Housecall, visit their website. And be sure to check out the show on Animal Planet!