You can prevent the worst cat problems by understanding and using cat behavior to adopt the right cat. Don't assume all felines are exactly the same. Often, the cats pick us--so what can you do to train or purr-suade the cat to become the perfect pet? It won't happen overnight, and is an ongoing process. Like anything else that's worthwhile, it takes effort and time--but savvy cat lovers consider the task a joy.
How to Pick the Perfect Cat
More than 40 cat breeds and ten times that number of “mixed” variations represent the feline nation. They all meow, hiss, and purr—more or less; they all sport fur coats, in some form or fashion; and like dogs, they ALL need time and attention. I can hear dog folks snickering, but it’s true. You get out of a cat relationship exactly what you put into it.
Time to Train
Allow at least an hour a day for basic training—teaching the cat her name, for example. Add another two hours daily for teaching claw etiquette, the rules of the house (staying OFF countertops), and bathroom manners. Kittens and cats learn toilet techniques very quickly, and done correctly you’ll not need much clean up time for any accidents.
Does Size Matter?
Sex and looks tend to be the first considerations for most folks and size rarely matters. Felines range in size from the five-pound Singapura to the 20-plus pound Maine Coons and Ragdoll cats, and male kitties usually get bigger than the girl kitties.
Grooming Considerations
Coats vary from long and thick, to short and silky, curled, fluffy, or peach-fuzz bald. As a general rule, more fur means increased coat care. However, the Sphynx (bald) cat also requires sunscreen, and extra baths to fight oily skin secretions that stain upholstery. And remember, the Persian’s glorious coat requires daily attention, while any longhaired feline quickly turns into a matted mess without lots of work.
Start during kittenhood. Or if you adopt an adult, begin as soon as kitty arrives. Hold out the comb or brush so the cat chooses to cheek-rub the surface and discovers how good it feels. Start and end with the "sweet spots" (cheeks, above the tail) and end BEFORE the cat wants to stop. Combing or brushing a few minutes every day at the same time and place results in head-to-toe grooming in a few days, and turns grooming into a happy routine the cat enjoys.
Remember, grooming includes ear care, eye care, teeth cleaning, and claw trims. Yes, you CAN bathe a cat but if you don’t want to attempt such things, rethink your cat choice and choose an easy-care shorthair kitty. Longhair cats need an extra half-hour grooming time each day.
Purr-sonality By Breed
Cat breeds vary much less in activity levels, compared to dogs. But the high-energy felines challenge owners as much as their canine counterparts. These types include the Bengal, Abyssinian, Somali, the rex kitties, and any cat younger than six months. They enjoy swinging from the drapes and emptying your sock drawer if not given something constructive to do.
Invest in two to three half hour sessions a day interacting with Sheba. Entertain her, or she’ll find something to amuse herself, such as knocking china off your mantel. Any size cat seems able to claim the lion’s share of the sofa, and demands pillow space—or even decides to sleep on your head. Cats in multiples claim major bed space and may squabble over lap time.
Allow a minimum of thirty minutes daily ‘schmoozing’ time—that’s the nose-to-nose, cheek-rubbing, butt-scratching, sweet-purring, secret-sharing, quiet communing cat lovers do as a matter of course. The stronger the bond, the more time you spend schmoozing.
Time Totals
So far, our weekly cat time commitment conservatively totals 35 hours—multiplied by the number of cats you have. We often make do with less, and our cats suffer. Cats show us love in many ways. Ignore Sheba and spend little time training and interacting, and you’ll end up with a cat who ignores you, has her way with the sofa, and sleeps her life away.
Therefore, my ultimate secret to obtaining the BEST cat ever: simply devote as much time to Sheba as you would for those things that matter most to you. Show your cat how much you love her. As you teach, care for, and love her you will create the cat of your dreams.