Essential Preparations Before Getting a Cat: A Quick Gu

Select a Robust Pet

American Shorthair Cat

The American Shorthair, also known as the American ShortHaired Tiger Cat, is a breed that Americans developed by crossing native American cat breeds with imported varieties such as the British Shorthair, Burmese, and Persian cats.

In 1971, it was chosen as one of the best cat breeds in the United States, with an average lifespan of 1520 years. The American Shorthair is robust with a strong, sturdy skeleton and welldeveloped muscles. They are intelligent, gentle, and not overly sensitive to their environment.

They have an amiable and patient nature, never throwing tantrums or making unnecessary noise.

British Shorthair Cat

The British Shorthair has a round, plump body, a round face, and is very cute with its fluffy coat.

They are also very gentle and peaceful, and they are very friendly and affectionate towards humans. They adapt well to changes in the environment, making them a great choice for beginners who don't want to worry about adjusting their living situation.

Their soft, thick fur sheds very little, making them easy to care for. Their adorable appearance and gentle demeanor have won the hearts of many cat lovers.

Chinese Li Hua Cat

The Li Hua cat is one of the most common cats in people's lives, known for its affordability.

They have a welldeveloped musculoskeletal system, are agile, excellent at catching mice, and are easy to raise with minimal health issues.

However, they are quite independent and not very attached to people, with a strong wild nature. They are not suitable for outdoor living and can easily run away if not properly cared for.

It is not recommended for beginners to start with breeds like Ragdolls, Persians, or Dwarf Cats as their first pet.

Ragdolls often have digestive issues, fragile intestines, and are prone to soft stools, which can be麻烦 to clean up. Persians may have fragile respiratory systems and poor tear and nasal management, while Dwarf Cats have genetic defects and a shorter lifespan.

Select a Cat That You Find Attractive

What you find attractive is truly attractive. A cat that you like can boost your confidence and determination to continue caring for it.

Don't Blindly Follow Trends

Whether a cat is attractive or not depends on your personal preference, and aesthetic trends are always changing.

High prices don't necessarily mean a cat is attractive; they just represent current supply and demand.

Prices can fluctuate over time. For example, British Shorthair Golden Mink kittens are currently more expensive than Blue and White kittens due to rarity. However, as breeding difficulties increase, the price of Blue and White kittens is expected to surpass that of Golden Mink kittens in the future.

Select a Cat of an Appropriate Age

Opt for kittens between 2 and 8 months old

Cats between 2 and 4 months old are in a rapid socialization period. During this time, they are friendly towards humans, not afraid, and will not attack out of fear.

After this period, until they reach sexual maturity, cats are also in a formative stage of personality and have learned survival skills from their mothers, making them a suitable choice.

Less than 2 months old kittens

Cats are not sensitive to sound until about 2 weeks old, can't urinate or defecate on their own until about 3 weeks old, and don't start to clean themselves with their mouths and paws until about 6 weeks old.

The mother cat plays a crucial role in shaping the future behavior of the kittens. If kittens are separated from their mother too early, they may have behavioral defects in the future, such as not being able to care for their own kittens or not learning how to properly cover up their waste.

Adult Cats

Adult cats have formed their own opinions, and it can be challenging to form a close bond with a new owner if they are not raised from a young age.

Preparations Before Getting a Cat

Living Environment

Societal Environment

Ensure that family members or roommates agree to have a cat and are willing to tolerate or love the cat for the long term.

Residential Environment

Residential Safety

A. Close off balconies and windows with a safety net to prevent cats from falling.

B. Store fragile items out of reach of cats, such as vases, tea tins, and thermoses.

C. Dispose of toxic plants, such as lilies and narcissus, which are highly toxic to cats and can cause severe kidney failure even in small amounts.

Consider planting catnip or mugwort as alternative ornamental potted plants.

D. Disinfect the activity area with petsafe disinfectants (such as potassium persulfate) to thoroughly clean the cat's living area and supplies.

Living Space

Plan the cat's toilet, feeding, sleeping, and play areas. The activity area should not be too large, especially the litter box should not be too far away.

Generally, place the litter box in the center of the room to make it convenient for the cat to use the toilet. If the room is too large, you may need to place multiple litter boxes.

If you have a balcony, you can place the litter box there to reduce odors and control the cat's activity range.

Cat Care Supplies

Basic Items

A. Food: A cat food and water bowl set priced between $20$200. It is recommended to use a plastic frame with a stainless steel inner bowl, as stainless steel is easy to clean and resistant to bacteria. Avoid automatic feeders as they can affect your bond with your cat.

Cats should not drink raw water, which can affect their health. Provide them with cool boiled water or pure water.

Choose the same brand of cat food and do not change it within a short period of time.

Feed them twice a day, and more often on weekends at home, as a few small meals a day can make your cat look better.

B. Litter Box: A litter box with a litter scoop, commonly known as a cat toilet. Prices range from $50$150 and come in both enclosed and open styles, each with its pros and cons.

For those with balconies, open styles are preferred for quick odor dispersal, while enclosed styles are better for indoor use.

For those who want convenience, consider a semiautomatic or fully automatic litter box that allows for remote monitoring of your cat's weight and temperature.

Litter: Consider using tofu litter, which is safe, nontoxic, has good absorbency, and is costeffective.

C. Travel: A cat carrier priced between $50$200. Avoid using space bags, as carriers are more comfortable for cats during travel, whether for air transport or veterinary visits.

D. Independent Space: Cats need their own space, or perhaps you need your own space to avoid being disturbed.

You can choose a closed cat nursery or a wooden cage (avoid materials that can damage their teeth) to provide a private space for both you and your cat.

Cat tents are not just for cats to sleep in; they provide a private space for both you and your cat, allowing you to avoid being disturbed while working from home.

Cats prefer to rest in more casual places.

Extended Equipment

Extended equipment can be added as needed over time.

Daily Supplies

A. Cat electric blanket: for use after a bath or in winter.

B. Blankets or towels: for keeping your cat warm or as a towel after a bath.

C. Cat brush: Regularly brushing your cat's fur can deepen your bond and reduce shedding, keeping your home cleaner.

D. Nail clippers: Use cat snacks or treats to encourage nail trimming while your cat is sleeping or during playtime, and avoid cutting too deeply into the quick.

E. Cat bathtub: Start bathing your cat early to develop a habit, and use cat shampoo if possible. You can also use regular shampoos and conditioners, although they may lack some specialized effects.

Choose a larger bathtub if possible, as cats have a natural swimming ability and will enjoy it if they are introduced to it early.

F. Cat toothpaste and toothbrush: for dental hygiene.

G. Cat foot cream: foot care cream and foot cleaning foam.

Entertainment Equipment

A. Cat toy sticks: buy several to use for training and photography.

B. Laser pointer: a favorite among kittens and a loweffort way to entertain them.

C. Cat scratching post: to satisfy your cat's scratching instinct and protect your furniture.

D. Cat climbing frame: priced from $30$300, with foldable options available. Choose one that fits your living space.

E. Ball playpen: for your cat to play with on its own.

Travel Equipment

A. Space bag: keep one on hand in case of emergencies, as it is lighter than a carrier.

B. Leash: a collar and leash or a harness and leash.

C. Raincoat: for rainy walks.

D. Decorative clothing: choose styles that you and your cat like.

Diet

A. Cat snacks: for bathing, nail trimming, and training rewards.

B. Goat's milk (goat milk pudding): most cats cannot tolerate milk and may experience lactose intolerance and diarrhea.

C. Cat cans: choose highquality ones with low starch content.

D. Freezedried food: to plump up your cat's cheeks.

How to Bring a Cat Home

Bring a Familiar Item from the Old Home

Take a familiar item from the cat's old home, such as a small amount of used litter, the same brand and model of cat food, and a used blanket or towel to the new home.

Having familiar items will make the cat feel more at ease and reduce stress.

Minimize Transport Time

Prepare a carrier and place it in the back seat of the car after picking up the cat, securing it in place. Avoid placing it in the trunk.

Minimize travel time to avoid the cat using the bathroom in the car.

Cats are sensitive to car horns, so it's best to keep the windows closed. If it's hot, turn on the air conditioning.

What to Pay Attention to in the Early Stages of Cat Ownership

Placing Old Items

After bringing the cat home, do not open the carrier immediately. Close the windows and doors.

Mix the old litter with the new, put the same brand of cat food in the food bowl, and place the cat's old blanket in the new nest.

Communicative Feeding

Feed the kitten with nutritional paste or cat food through the feeding hole of the carrier to build a bond.

Inform the Cat of the Toilet Location

Use the carrier to bring the cat to the food bowl, litter box, and nest to familiarize it with the environment.

Open the carrier next to the litter box, with the carrier door facing the food bowl. Let the cat come out on its own, making the litter box the cat's first destination after being released.

Relaxed Caring for the First Week

Let the cat move around freely and do not disturb it. For the next week, just provide food and clean the litter box as usual.

Do not interfere with the cat's life too much during this time, as it may become more cautious towards you.

If you are scratched this year, the likelihood of being scratched during the first week is very high.

You can clean the floor, watch TV, or even eat while watching TV. You might be surprised to find that the cat comes over to you.

Offer it some cat food and pet it. If it relaxes, you can even hold it.

When the cat looks around, it means it's getting impatient, and you should let it go and let it play freely.

Cats are independent animals with their own thoughts. Unlike dogs, they won't be affectionate just because you show them affection.

Cats have their own rhythm; sometimes they don't want to be held, and sometimes they will come to you on their own.

Attitude Towards Cats

Be serious about pet ownership; you're raising a pet, not a god!

Cat's Status

You are more important than the cat. You are the leader, not the cat.

For example, if it's hot in the summer, it's because you're hot, not because the cat is hot, and cats have a stronger tolerance for heat.

When the cat is mischievous, you can teach it or even scold it.

Consumer Attitude

Keep your pet expenses within your means. The cost of owning a cat should not exceed your own or your family's budget.

Under normal circumstances, $200 per month is enough to take care of a cat. Don't compare yourself to others; pet ownership expenses have no ceiling.

Cat Behavior Training

Why Behavior Training is Important

Cats are like 34yearold children; education is very important.

They know when they are doing something wrong, and if they are not disciplined, they may become increasingly rebellious.

Immediate Correction

Why Immediate Correction is Important

Immediate correction helps the cat understand why it was corrected, establishing a connection between the two of you.

Correction Methods

Correction can be a look, a reprimand, or gradually increasing the severity, even to the point of using a special tool to discipline it.

It is not recommended to hit the cat with your hand, as it may resist and increase the likelihood of it biting in the future.

Prepare a special rod or broom to discipline the cat, allowing it no room to resist.

Like a teacher disciplining a misbehaving student, tell the cat what it did wrong while disciplining it, and don't hit too hard to scare it.

After some training, when the cat misbehaves, a look from you will make it immediately back down.

Conditioned Response Training

Meal Indication

Feeding behavior is a good behavior to train through conditioning.

For example, before feeding, clap your hands three times, then go to open the cat food box. In the future, the cat will know that clapping your hands means it's time to eat.

Prohibited Indication

Training the cat to understand what it can and cannot do is also very important during its daily life. For misbehaviors, timely punishment is necessary. For example, if the cat scratches the curtains, jumps on the dining table, or knocks things over, give it appropriate correction and punishment, so that it knows not to do it again. If it doesn't remember, repeat the correction several times until it does.