Adorabirb wrote:I'm working on moving into an apartment away from home, my two dogs are to old to take with me and I've always wanted a cat but my dad couldn't be around them due to allergies, so I want to get a cat but I don't know where to start. I want to get a kitten so I can train it and get it desensitized to certain things but I still don't know where to start or anything else
Congratulations on potentially owning your first cat!
(:
Start by doing as much research as you possibly can. Be sure that you have money set aside for vet bills (including regular vaccinations), food/care, and any potential emergencies.
Just like with a dog, now it would be a good idea to start thinking about what you want in a cat.
Do you want a cat that it more independent and laid-back who will like to snooze most of the day? One that is calm and likes to cuddle? A rambunctious cat that is playful and entertaining?
A needy cat that is constantly underfoot? Quiet? Vocal? The list goes on!
Cats are actually very diverse temperament-wise contrary to what many people think! Similar to dogs, different breeds have standard temperaments as well, so having a good idea of what you want going in will allow you to know what to look for!
Many people want to start with a kitten ( I prefer to raise my cat as well) but they can be almost just as much work as puppies but much less eager-to-please, so that is something to consider. Not all come litterbox trained by their mothers. You can't guarantee what you're going to get once they fully mature. They require a lot of time and one-on-one interaction. You have to keep a constant eye on them as well! It is like having a toddler (and don't even get me started on the rebellious teenager phase π haha!). I'm not trying to be discouraging! I just always want people to be very aware of these things before choosing a kitten over an adult car.
If you have some idea of what you want your future cat to be like, personality-wise, let me know and I can try to lead you in the right direction. (:
EDIT:
I thought it might be helpful to let you know of some physical items you will need regardless of whether you choose a kitten or a cat!
β’2 Litterboxes (the general rule of thumb is that the number of litterboxes that you need is the number of cats in the house plus one. So if you had two cats, you would need three boxes)
β’ Scratching posts (If you want to save your furniture, these are critical! Cats need to scratch and so if you don't provide them with a place to do so, they will find a place to do so which is not going to be where you want it to be)
β’Quality food (diet is important for your kitty's health. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning that they actually require meat to survive (unlike dogs). I feed my guy a grain-free food.)
β’ Toys (cats and kittens both need mental stimulation and exercise, which they get through play. Wand toys, balls, and mouse toys are all good options!)
I would recommend a water fountain (Cats in the wild get a lot of moisture from the food they eat so many house cats don't drink enough water which can can lead to urinary and bladder problems. If you don't feed your cat wet food (and even if you do) then a water fountain can really help to prevent health problems. The running water stimulates most cats to drink more. Also! It is important to note that most cats don't like their food to be right beside their water source! )