Choosing & Caring for Cats: A Comprehensive Guide

I. Deciding on the Type of Pet Cat

1. Choosing Between a Stray Cat and a Pure Breed Cat

When selecting a pet cat, you first need to decide between a stray cat, also known as a domestic cat, and a pure breed cat. Domestic cats, or "country cats," are mixed breeds and come in a variety of colors (such as tabby, cream, white, black, and spotted), coat lengths (longhaired or shorthaired), and textures (from fluffy to soft or coarse). They tend to be robust and hearty, with a large gene pool due to their mixed heritage, making them generally free from hereditary diseases and genetic defects. They also possess a certain level of survival skills in the wild.

On the other hand, pure breed cats typically refer to breeds imported from abroad, with different breeds available in different countries. Some popular pure breed cats include the American Shorthair, Persian, Siamese, British Shorthair, Ragdoll, and Chinchilla. They have diverse coats and colors, similar to domestic cats, but some breeds may have genetic defects and are generally less robust than domestic cats.

2. Longhaired vs. Shorthaired Cats

Longhaired cats require more human care to maintain their appearance, including daily grooming and regular baths, which can be timeconsuming. However, they often have a high aesthetic value. Shorthaired cats, on the other hand, need minimal human care, with occasional hair brushing and regular baths being sufficient.

3. Male vs. Female Cats

The choice between a male (tom) and female (queen) cat largely depends on personal preference. Many people prefer male cats due to their lively and affectionate nature, while females are generally more docile. It's worth noting that female cats tend to be slightly more expensive than males, and the cost of spaying them is also higher.

4. Kitten vs. Adult Cat

Cats raised from a young age tend to be more attached to their owners as adults, although certain habits may require training. Adult cats, on the other hand, do not require specific habit training and may take longer to bond with their new owners.

5. One Cat vs. Multiple Cats

Keeping a single cat can be more economical, but it requires more time and attention. Multiple cats can be great playmates for each other, allowing you to spend more time on other activities. If you plan to have multiple cats, it's best to introduce them from a young age to foster a closer bond.

II. Understanding the Acquisition Channels

1. Adoption

Adoption is a popular choice, with many options available, such as city animal shelters, individuals who can no longer care for their cats, or feral cat shelters. Adoption is usually free, but you may need an introduction from someone you know.

2. Purchase

Pet stores in urban areas are welldistributed, and if you have sufficient financial resources, you can choose to purchase a cat. Some breeders also sell kittens at a lower price than pet stores. However, this method is more common for pure breed cats.

= Common Pure Breed Cat Prices =

American Shorthair: CNY 9008000

Persian: CNY 15003000

Siamese: CNY 5003000

Scottish Fold: CNY 9002500

Ragdoll: CNY 350030000

Sphynx (hairless cat): CNY 300015000

Chinchilla: CNY 18005000

Maine Coon: CNY 250012000

The purity of a cat's bloodline and its appearance are significant factors affecting price.

3. Understanding Necessary Expenses

The following expenses are for indoor cats only; outdoor cats are not included.

= Basic Items Prices =

Food bowl: CNY 1590

Litter box: CNY 30200

Cat carrier: CNY 30200

Cat scratching post (monthly): CNY 15100

Nail clippers/scissors: CNY 20

Toys: CNY 10100

Cat food (monthly): CNY 180500

In addition to these, there are also maintenance expenses:

= Maintenance Expenses =

External deworming (monthly): CNY 5080

Internal deworming (every three months): CNY 50100

Neutering (male): CNY 6001000

Neutering (female): CNY 9002000

Bathing: CNY 50100

Vaccinations: CNY 300

If your cat becomes ill, additional expenses may be incurred. Please consider these factors carefully before deciding to adopt a cat.

III. Selecting a Healthy Cat

The internet often reports cases of unethical cat breeders selling "weekold" cats. Many new cat owners, lacking experience, may not know how to determine if a cat is healthy, allowing unethical breeders to take advantage of them.

When selecting a cat, what should you look for in terms of appearance?

Head Examination

1. Ears: Healthy ears should be clean and free of black spots. If they are dirty, it may indicate ear mites or otitis externa.

2. Nose: A healthy cat's nose should be moist with secretions. If there is thick mucus or the cat frequently sneezes, it may indicate an infection.

3. Eyes: A healthy cat should be curious about its surroundings and follow moving objects with its eyes. If there is excessive eye discharge or redness, it may indicate inflammation.

4. Mouth: If a cat has excessive saliva, check the area around its teeth for any abnormalities or bad breath, which may indicate illness.

Body Examination

1. Coat: A healthy cat's coat should be shiny and smooth to the touch. If it feels rough or has bumps, it may indicate ringworm.

2. Limbs and Tail: A healthy cat's limbs and tail should move in coordination, allowing it to run and jump quickly. Check for normal muscle thickness and any abnormalities in walking. If the cat is uncoordinated or has lumps, it may require attention. Also, look for any obvious scars.

3. Anus: A healthy cat's anus should be tightly closed. If it is red or prolapsed, it may indicate intestinal disease.

4. Abdomen: A healthy cat's abdomen should be slightly rounded. If it is very bloated and hard when pressed lightly, it may indicate parasites or constipation.

Pet store cats and cats that have been wellcared for for a long time may not be as fearful of humans, with some even approaching humans proactively. If a cat is overly hostile to humans, it may have been mistreated in the past. While a cat's health can often be assessed through its behavior, many diseases cannot be observed with the naked eye. It is essential to have the cat undergo a full physical examination before purchasing it to rule out any potential health issues.