Adopting A Cat
By Nan Talleno
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - If you're thinking of adopting a new companion animal but are a little more on the go and have little time to spend on training, you may want to think about adopting a lovable feline companion. Make no mistake, though, cats can be trained, it's just a bit different than dogs.
Once you've adopted your cat from a local rescue or animal shelter, he/she would have already been spayed or neutered and microchipped. Never seek to declaw your new friend. It is a harrowing and painful process and leaves them totally defenseless if they get lost. It can also bring about negative behavioral issues later resulting from fear and stress. Make sure your cat is seen by your vet and is being fed a healthy nutritious diet daily. Leave plenty of fresh water which they need daily as well (not milk which can cause gastric issues.)
Make sure your cat has an ID collar at all times; the breakaway collars are safe and ideal for cats (especially the adventurous ones!)
If you have other animals at home, make sure to have them meet safely. Separate them for a while at first but have them each have an object such as a blanket, toy, etc with each other's scent, to get use to each other's presence in a positive way first before meeting.
Create special times to bond such as playtime simply with a toy. Cats may seem independent at times but know that they too love to bond and need just as much affection as dogs.