Every year millions of cats are euthanized because their owners were unable or unwilling to care for them. Basic care is imperative: food, fresh water, medical attention when needed and, above all, having your pet spayed or neutered.
Cats are living longer lives and may experience some of the same diseases human do. Cancer, diabetes, hyperthyroidism and other afflictions are among the more common ailments now found in our pets. My own 18 year-old cat was recently diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and is currently on medication to keep the problem in check. If the cost of caring for a pet with medical issues strains your budget please search the web for any agencies/organizations that may be able to help you or ask your veterinarian if some sort of payment plan can be worked out.
Cats are having several litters of kittens before they reach 2 years old, which increases the chance of the mothers developing mammary gland tumors and giving birth to weak kittens unable to fight off diseases. A female cat should be spayed, unless you are a breeder.
Male cats will be less likely to spray if they are neutered.
Common misconceptions about cats:
1) They can be abandoned in the woods and survive.
Most house cats are not well-equipped to survive in the wild. Common problems include: death by motor vehicles, carnivores such as coyotes and foxes or starvation; diseases; parasites and viruses; lack of readily available food sources (some indoor cats, especially older ones, never learned how to hunt) and, believe it or not, loneliness.
2) Declawing
This procedure amputates the last joint/digit from the paw. Arthritis is a common ailment in the paws of declawed cats. This procedure is similar to a human having the last joint with the nail removed from the hand.
3) They cannot be trained
Cats can be trained to do tricks, not scratching the furniture, staying off the counters and just about anything. Proper techniques and rewards can be used just as if you were training a dog.
4) Cats are anti-social
Felines do indeed have personalities just like people. Some are shy, others are very vocal and demanding. Certain breeds exhibit specific traits. Some cats seek out human contact in their own way and on their own terms. Semi-feral cats (limited contact with humans) usually form a stronger bond with their humans but that connection may take weeks if not months to make. Patience, understanding and perseverance are key to such bonds.
Animal shelters will gladly accept donations of food, litter, toys, blankets, gift cards or your time. If you're looking for a perfect companion go to www.petfinder.com and type in either your zip code or city/town for the nearest animal shelter. There are so many loving cats looking for their forever home!
