Cats Make Wonderful Pets for Kids

Cats make wonderful pets. They are perfect as inside pets as well. Unlike dogs, cats do not require long walks in leashes, as they exercise themselves around the home and they use a litter box to relieve themselves. They love to be pet, but also like their privacy; they also love to play with toys, especially with string toys. Cats have a great time playing with a string by themselves or with their owners. Because they are playful, but also very independent pets as they mature, they are a favorite of many households.

Before You Decide To Get a Pet Cat for Your Child

Before bringing home any pet, a person must realize that pets take time and they need care. There are a few issues to consider before bringing home a cat:

Amount of time that the animal will spend alone - Cats or any other pet need affection as well as food and care as part of a daily routine.
Financial situation - Ability to provide the necessary items for the animal, as well as veterinary care when needed. Many homeowners had to abandon their pets after the financial meltdown because they could not care for them anymore. Making a pet part of the family includes making him a part of your family budget as well.
Are they any family members with allergies, Asthma, or a respiratory condition? This is important to consider because Cats shed and they produce dander, which may affect people with those conditions, but not always. However, if a cat or any other pet is brought home, daily vacuuming is required to eliminate hair and allergens. An air treatment system will also help. If allergies are severe, maybe another pet can be considered.
Are there any other pets in the home? Before bringing a new cat home, consider the reaction of other pets and introduce the animal slowly to them. One way to do it is to confine the cat in a protective cage or large carrier until it gets used to the other animals, and the other animals get used to the new scent in the house. Always monitor their reactions and never leave the cat unattended with animals that are not used to it yet. In the beginning, you might have to separate them in different rooms until they get to know each other; however, this will soon resolve. Other pets accept a new pet right away; it depends on the pet's personality.
Have the supplies the cat needs at hand before bringing it home; it will be scared and in need of your attention and care until it gets acclimated. Older cats may shy away and hide under furniture or a bed, but it will pass as soon as they get to trust you. Do not let children near a scared cat; the animal is stressed out due to the changes and may bite or scratch thinking that it is in danger. Always monitor children with pets, and never-never allow rough playing - it is just not right.
Are you ready for a long commitment? Consider the cat's breed lifespan. A cat's lifespan varies depending on the breed, but you can count at least for 20 years of friendship with the animal.

Caring for Your Pet Cat

Once you have decided that a cat is right for the family, consider adopting one before heading to a pet store. Giving an abandoned or abused animal a home will prove very rewarding. It also puts a stop to inhumane breeding. If you prefer a certain breed, sometimes there are many pure breeds at shelters. Sometimes owners have had some kind of hardship and are unable to care for them anymore. Here are some tips on how to care for your cat once you get it home and it is acclimated:

Cats need a litter box that is appropriate to their size. For kittens, a smaller box with low sides is fine, older and bigger cats will need a larger box so they can fit inside and cover the area as soon as they finish their duty. A cat will sometimes take time covering the area after relieving itself, never hurry a cat or scream at it if any accidents happen - you don't want him to become scared of the litter box, on the contrary, the cat will like the litter box almost from the beginning - it is almost instinctive. To get it used to the box, when you first bring it home, confine to an area so it knows where everything is - food, water, and litter box. In a few days, the cat will know it's routine.
Use one of the Pet Care Charts to remind kids on caring for your new cat.
Food must be of a high grade to maintain its health for many years. Food and water must be changed daily. Cheaply made food leads to stomach and health problems later in life.
Get him a bed where to sleep. The animal will feel welcomed and learn that it is a private space to rest. Cats love to take long naps and sleep a lot; this will make it more comfortable. They also love to be brushed, especially long haired cats.
Take it to the veterinarian for a checkup and proper vaccinations. Your vet is a great source of information.
Get a scratching post and show the cat how to use it. To lure the cat to it, a bit of catnip works. This will save your furniture.

Keeping Your Pet Cat Safe:

Always supervise kids and other pets around the animal.
It is best to keep animals inside to protect them from unfortunate accidents or from getting lost or disoriented, or even eating something that might be spoiled or poisoned.
Monitor its health.
Cats are very curious. Always check inside a washer, drier, or other areas before turning on appliances or closing doors for a long period.
If a Cat starts playing with wires, offer it other more interesting toys, sprinkle them with a bit of catnip to get its attention. Cover the wires with a plastic wire cover.

Cat Toys

Part of keeping your pet cat happy and safe is bringing home the proper toys.

Cats love strings to play.
Buy toys that are made in the USA and do not contain toxic materials - regulations in the USA are more extract than other countries.
Buy toys that are hard or made of cloth; avoid toys that are made of soft rubber and easily break. The cat can swallow it and get a blockage in the stomach, which will make the animal very sick, and it can lead to death.
Always check for wear and tear and discard any toys that are damaged and may pose a risk for cats and small kids.
Cats love cloth or furry toy mice, cloth balls, strings, chasing things. If you are crafty and can make your own toys, it will be a plus. You will make safer toys and will save money too.
A happy healthy cat starts with a proper diet, good care, and tons of love for a long life.