What is more adorable than kitten? Few people can resist the charm of those delightful balls of fun, fur and curiosity. However, before you buy a cat from a pet store or fall in love with the kitten at the shelter, ensure that you are making the best decision for you and your family. Cats live an average of fifteen years and thus, you have to be prepared for a long a term commitment.
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| Purchasing a Cat is a Huge Commitment |
One of the things that you have to do is to learn as much as you possibly can about cats and their behavior and habits. You have to be ready for both the good and the bad. It is also important that you understand that your pet will not be a kitten forever and will inevitably develop into a cat. Read also: Taking Care of the Kitten.
You should also take some time and determine where you want to get a cat. Many people will tell you not to get a cat from a pet store. They will say that this promotes animal mills. However, in the past few years things have changed. There a number of pet store chains that only deal with rescue agencies. Therefore, before you cross pet stores off your list you should determine where they are getting their animals.
If you are thinking about getting a purebred cat you will have to do a bit of research. You can find numerous breeders online. If you are having trouble locating a breeder, you can contact local rescues, vets or visit some of the websites that provide information about the breed. Many of these sites have a list of breeders. Another place to find a good breeder is to go to a cat show. Even if they do not have the breed that you are searching for you may be able to discover the name of someone who does. Read also: Cats scratching and Practical Tips.
It is important that you make direct contact with the breeder. If you can, you should go and visit the breeder in person. A personal visit will provide you with the opportunity to view the kittens with at least one of their parents. This visit will allow you to make certain that the kitten you want to buy is coming from a decent breeder and you will be able to see the conditions in which your future friend is being raised.
While at the breeder you should not only assess the kitten but the breeder. Take a look around and be certain that the place is clean. Look at all the animals in the breeder’s charge. You should make certain that all of the cats are clean and healthy. If you see any signs that the cats are in less than perfect health, walk away.
Many people who do see a kitten that may be in undesirable conditions will be tempted to adopt the animal. They will feel the need to “rescue” the animal. Do not be drawn in. If you are not prepared to pay large vet bills or have a sick kitten in your care, it is often better to just leave. If the conditions are truly deplorable think about contacting the proper authorities. Read also: Selecting a Cat – the Right Breed for You.
A cat is a big commitment. You are going to have this animal for many years to come. If you intend to get the right cat, you will not give in to temptation and instead, you should wait and make an educated decision.