Kitten videos have had millions of views on YouTube and social networks for years. A study conducted by Indiana University in 2015 revealed that 36% of people say they “love cats unconditionally” and that they are a source of “joy and hope.”
Of course, it is one thing to see them online and another to have them at home. Adopting a kitten or an adult cat will undoubtedly be a positive experience, but it also involves making a commitment.
Although they have also been domesticated for thousands of years, cats, unlike dogs, are more solitary and independent and prefer night to day. And they show other behaviors, related to hygiene, the demarcation of territory and the place they need to relieve themselves. Taking all this into account, how to choose the right cat for your family and home.
The habit of scratching and biting is in the DNA of cats, so it is not something that can be canceled but rather re-educated. Photo: Pexels.
Many people still think that cats are “treacherous” and “despots.” They are reserved with strangers, but with their masters they are affectionate, sensitive and playful. If treated with respect, they will be friends as loyal as dogs. They also learn quickly. For example, before reaching 30 days, they will know how to use the sandbox to relieve themselves (unlike dogs, cats do not need daily walks).
Like dogs, cats are easy to train, with a method always based on reward and not punishment. Of course, his character can change depending on the treatment he receives in his new home.
White cats, whether pedigree or not, are at greater risk of deafness than those of other colors. Furthermore, cats that combine red and black in their fur, and tricolor cats, are mostly female. Males have a greater tendency to wander around the neighborhood if they can leave the house, which is a risk. In addition, they usually mark their territory, that is, their new home with a very intense smell. In general, females are more “surly” because they retain the habit of remaining isolated, especially when they are mothers.
The family’s routine also matters, because it is not always easy to adapt to the pet’s habits. The presence of children is another factor to take into account because some breeds are more suitable for them than others.
If there are already other pets in the home, know that coexistence will require months of adaptation and a lot of patience. It can take months for cats to become “friends” with other animals, but they may also never get along.
Other aspects to consider before bringing a cat home: the space available, the number of hours it will be alone, who will take care of it during the holidays and, of course, everything related to its diet, hygiene and health. The cat needs a quiet place to be and sleep, and it is likely that it will choose it itself. His owners should give him a fixed place to eat, away from the litter box and the noisiest areas of the house.
Very important: electrical cables, cleaning products and medications, balconies and terraces (if they are not protected), certain toxic or poisonous plants (for example, mistletoe, cyclamen, holly, wisteria, azalea, etc.) are dangerous for kittens. rhododendron, oleander, poinsettia, ivy, spotted laurel and ficus).
They should also be away from all types of small objects, such as pens, pencils or underwear, and plastic bags. And it is advisable to keep waste containers and the toilet closed.
When choosing the kitten, remember that although most of its behaviors develop during pregnancy and are influenced by its mother, socialization occurs up to six months, a stage during which it will naturally accept the presence of humans and animals. domestic. Adults, on the other hand, have a more formed character and this will influence the way they treat them. In general, they arrive through adoption and then you will have to take into account the advice of their former owners to know how to treat them.
