Susan M. Ewing - 77 Things to Know Before Getting a Cat: The Essential Guide to Preparing Your Family and Home for a Feline Companion

This is not a training manual, nor is it a book on breeding and raising kittens, and it is definitely not a veterinary handbook. It is a book with information that can make owning your first cat easier.

Do you really need to know seventy-seven things before getting a cat? No. You definitely need to know a few things, though, and then there are some other things that will make life with your cat more enjoyable. Some of the things in this book are helpful, while others are simply interesting or just for fun.

First-time cat owners will find essential information on a variety of topics, such as recommended vaccinations and the pros and cons of different types of food. Theres a list of poisonous plants and ideas on how to teach your cat to use a scratching post.

Then theres information you might want to know just because your cat fascinates you. You might want to know about the origin of cats or read about some superstitions surrounding cats. Can you own a certain cat breed without knowing that its official colors are lavender and cream? Sure! But doesnt lavender and cream sound more elegant than light gray and pale orange?

Maybe the title of this book should be Several Things to Know before Getting a Cat, and Several More Things That Are Just Fun to Know. You can never know enough about this fascinating species.

A few additional notes: People tend to call dogs he and cats she, but I refer to cats as he unless Im talking about a specific cat. Thats because, in general, male cats are more affectionate, and a male may make a better first cat for someone than a female would. I refer to all breeders as she because women seem to be in the majority in that field. The same goes for veterinarians. Women may not be in the majority in the field of veterinary medicine, but Ive known some terrific women veterinarians, so Ive chosen to refer to veterinarians using she.

Also, sometimes I talk about situations involving multiple cats. Yes, this book is for first-time cat owners, but, for many people, one cat is like one potato chip. You want another, and another after that. Whether you stop at one or add a few more, this book will give you a head start on living with a happy, healthy cat.

Before you get a cat, think about why you want one. Cats are not little dogs, nor are they small people in fur coats. Maybe you have problems with mice and think that a cat is the answer. Certainly, cats are known to hunt mice, but some cats are more predatory than others. You may get one like Garfield, the cartoon cat, who just lazily watches mice run by. Get a cat only if you want to enjoy the cat himself, not just because he may have hunting potential.

In contrast, maybe youre horrified at the thought of your pet hunting rodents. Whether you plan to keep your cat always indoors (and there are many good reasons to do so) or he is allowed outdoors, he will most likely present you with a tiny corpse from time to time. Cats are carnivores and hunters. If the thought of a dead mouse or songbird upsets you, a cat may not be your ideal pet.

Maybe youve fallen in love with the idea of a kitten from all of the photos and videos youve seen online. Kittens are irresistible, but they need care, and they dont stay kittens forever. They grow into cats who may or may not be as adorable.

Children may be the number-one reason that people get cats. Most children love the idea of having a pet, and parents may think that cats are less work than dogs. While most cats are less work than most dogs, that doesnt mean theres no effort involved. Dont get a cat if you are not willing to be his primary caretaker. Even if your child promises to take care of the new addition, the ultimate responsibility is yours.

Also, while a cat and your kids can make a great combination, not every cat will appreciate the attentions of children. Children need to be taught to respect the cat and his claws. If your children are very young, it might be better to wait a bit before introducing a cator any petinto the family.