Kittens Tanya, left, and Bridget look out from a cat condo at the Animal Foundation, 655 N. Mojave Rd., Tuesday, June 23, 2020. The shelter is closed to walk-ins due to the coronavirus pandemic but animals can be seen by appointment.
Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020 | 2 a.m.
So you want to get a cat. Totally understandable. Dogs require a lot of care and attention, birds can be too noisy and fish far too quiet—and besides, everyone knows that cats rule and dogs drool. (Just kidding, dog people.)
Often deemed standoffish, snobby and even vicious, cats are commonly misunderstood pets. But forget what you’ve heard; our amazing feline friends can make a wonderful addition to your home and life. Here’s how to care for one of your own.
Cats 101
Important
• Garlic and onions can be poisonous to cats.
• Diet: Many veterinarians will recommend a diet of either only wet food or a mix of wet food and dry. Each cat is different (and finicky!) and will likely let you know which style of food it prefers. Make sure to read labels, as many processed cat foods are full of filler ingredients. It’s advised to consult a vet, who can also help you make the best decision on what to feed your new cat.
• Treats: Cat treats are a way to reward your cat and show it some love. Just make sure to not overfeed your cat with treats!
• Water: Cats must have fresh water daily. Make sure to clean and refill their water bowls frequently. It’s also recommended to leave more than one water bowl around the house, as many cats prefer to drink from more than one source.
• Grooming: Most cats do not need to be professionally groomed. Cats spend much of their day grooming themselves (when they aren’t sleeping). Nails, however, can be trimmed at home, or at a groomer, if your cat won’t allow it.
Important
Never declaw a cat, as a cat’s nails are essential for a healthy and happy life.
• Cat scratching: It’s normal behavior; it removes the dead sheath from their claws, marks their territory and helps them to stretch their muscles. Keep a scratch pad, scratch post or both in your home to give your kitty a way to healthily practice this natural instinct, and to keep your furniture from being shredded.
Cat care
Though cats might not require as much care as dogs, they still need daily affection and routine care to ensure they have a healthy and happy life.
Important
If you notice that your cat isn’t eating, using its litter box or is acting more lethargic than usual, call your vet.
Having a pet can also be costly. Before you buy a cat, make sure you can afford food, litter, treats and veterinary expenditures. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), a household spends an average of $98 per year on one cat (as opposed to $253 for one dog). Keep in mind vaccinations, and the spaying and neutering of a new cat can cost more.
Cat toys
Important
You might find your new cat likes things that aren’t actually toys. Hair ties, pieces of thread, strings or ties from a T-shirt or garment might all look like playthings to a cat. To make sure a cat doesn’t ruin your favorite T-shirt or blanket, make sure there are other toys to play with, such as toy mice or balls.
• Laser pointers: Some cats love chasing laser lights, which are an affordable way to give your cat daily exercise.
• Catnip: Most cats go wild for Nepeta cataria, otherwise known as catnip or catwort. This plant contains the active ingredient nepetalactone, which stimulates a cat’s sensory neurons and activates an emotional or physical response. Catnip is deemed a mild feline hallucinogen, so, yes, it’s a little like cat drugs. The effect is short-lived—about 10 minutes—so it’s commonly regarded as a safe treat, though the ethics of giving catnip to felines is sometimes debated. If you do give catnip to your cat, be sure you’re supervising it.
• Feather wands: Many cats will play with and swat at a wand that has feathers or other fun items attached to it. Not all cats like the same toys, so experiment with what your new cat enjoys for playtime.
• Cat trees/lounges/tunnels: Cats are curious and love climbing. Most cats appreciate a cat tree or lounge where they can play and sleep. Some may also enjoy cat tunnels, or just a good ol’ cardboard box from your latest online order.
Fostering and adopting
Meet your new lil' bub
Whether you’re planning to bring home a kitten or adopt an older cat, it’s essential to have your new BFF tested by a veterinarian for feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus. A vet can also give a physical exam, test for parasites and give the appropriate vaccinations, which is even more crucial if you already have a pet in your home.
It’s important to introduce your cat to its new home by making the environment cat-friendly, warm and inviting. Having a litter box, toys, cat scratchers, food dishes and a comfy place to sleep ready in place is vital when trying to make your new friend feel at home. If you’re bringing a kitten into the family, remember they require extra care, much like an actual baby.
The Animal Foundation has a flexible fostering program, so you can help animals in need in a way that fits with your own schedule. Whether you’re able to host a “foster field trip,” foster a cat for a few weeks or volunteer as a “foster-to-forever home” ambassador, there’s a foster program that works with you and your lifestyle. Visit animalfoundation.com/volunteer/foster-pet for more information.
Cats that aren’t suited for the indoors can also make great “working” cats. Through the Animal Foundation’s Working Cat program, you can adopt a cat for your business, farm, warehouse, etc., as a way to provide natural pest control. The cat remains an outdoor cat, but you provide food and a safe place for it to sleep (outside), and in return, the cat keeps mice, rats and other vermin at bay. Visit animalfoundation.com/adopt-a-pet/adopt-working-cats for more information.
Adopting from the Animal Foundation and other local pet charities is a great way to take home a new cat that needs a loving home instead of buying one from a breeder or a store. The Nevada SPCA, Homeward Bound Cats and Nevada Cat Rescue are just a few places where you can start looking for a new furry pal.
Cool cat facts
Contrary to popular belief, cats aren’t nocturnal; rather, they’re crepuscular, meaning they are most active during twilight. This is due to the fact that cats, though domesticated, still rely heavily on their predatory instincts and are hardwired to hunt. As a result, they sleep an average of 15 hours a day and may become more lively in the evening.
Meowing is not a natural communication method between adult cats. In the wild, kittens meow but typically stop when they reach adult age and communicate using other methods. Adult cats evolved to meow as a way to communicate with humans as a result of domestication.
Roughly 25% of U.S. households are home to at least one cat, according to a 2017-18 report by the AVMA. That’s 58,385,725 total pet cats in the United States.
