I got a cat at the local animal shelter this week. There were many, many cages along two sides of the wall in the large cat room. The volunteer there told me new cats coming in go in the top left cage. Older cats are shifted to the right. I chose the last cat on the bottom right on the second wall. She had been there five months. She had been there way too long and needed a home. It would be mine.
Would I have chosen her if all cats had been equal? No. Her hair is LONG and I am allergic to cat hair. I’d rather had a kitten than an adult cat. They had some gorgeous kittens in the top left cage that I would have liked to have had, but I knew they would go quickly. Obviously miss last in line wasn’t.
After getting her home, she slapped my dog so hard that she knocked her over sending the dog screaming and crying to hide under my bed. From being in the cage so long, her claws were crazy long and made short work of my sofa in two days. My husband ordered me to return the “hellcat” to the pound first thing in the morning. I had them removed yesterday... both the sofa and the cat’s front claws. The vet also trimmed her rear claws so they will no longer hang on the carpet and furniture when she walks. Rubbing her fur with baby wipes cuts down on the dander I have been told. So far it seems to be working. My eyes are not swollen and watering. No post nasal drip and sneezing. I’ve found a groomer that does cats and will have her groomed periodically to cut down on the amount of hair floating around in the air.
She’s precious and loving. The expense and trouble were nothing compared to the pleasure she gives me. She’s parked in my lap right now. I had no idea what I was missing in my life until she ripped her way into my heart. My husband even loves her now and is glad I didn’t succumb to his hissy fit and return her to the animal shelter. My black, orange, and white long-haired “Goblin” is here to stay.
Whatever kitty you choose, with a little perseverance, you will be glad you chose her.
IMO, a rescue cat is best. You save a little life, you give a cat a desperately needed home. And a lot of the time, plain old tabbies don’t have the health problems that some pure breeds do.
I love Bengals, but they get big, they are very active, and they have a streak of wildness. I agree that they’re better with folks who have some cat experience.
And dude, it isn’t weird for a guy to like cats! Cats are the coolest animal on earth. They’re miniature tigers in every way.....nature’s perfect little killers, tough and
resilient.
I rescued a pair of kitten siblings. I can leave them for a weekend and they’re OK. They keep each other company.
“people, including Freepers, have said that Bengals require a lot of attention and is probably for a more experienced cat owner. I also heard that it is not good to leave them alone for 9 hours a day.”
My sister and BIL have a pedigreed Bengal and leave him for 4-5 days at a time with plenty of food, water, and litter boxes. He seems to do OK, but displays plenty of attitude for several hours after they return. Gorgeous cat.
We have eight rescues, including five ferals we’ve tamed, none of which is pedigreed. (No, our house does not smell. Yes, they use their litter boxes. Yes, they all get along. Jackson Galaxy would be proud.) If we go away for one night we’re OK leaving them alone, but wouldn’t think of going longer without having someone live at our house and take care of them.
People say dogs are social and cats are not. Not true. Cats ARE social, love company (except when hunting), and especially want to have their humans nearby.
We have 3 cats and after having dogs for over 40 years I think all things considered the cats have brought me more pleasure. Good luck, and happy hunting!.
Sorry, should have said the reason for the quiz is to find out the most compatible breed for you and the life you lead. The quiz is under the “breed selector”.
Cats are real sweet. . and they want to name themselves. Our cat, Brutus, was funny. We first tried to name her Zip; but she wouldn’t answer to that. Then we tried Lambchop, but the neighbor kids hooted and hollered from a mile across the valley making fun of “Lambchop”. She refused to answer to that also. So, I tried a tough name instead - “Brutus” - which she loved and comes running when we call for “Brutus”. - Whatever breed you get, if you can get past the hurdle of a name they will answer to, then you can move on from there. - I like Fresh Step cat litter, and Wildcat Food with real wild game in it, mixed with Kitten Chow for now. Fresh water, (dry food is about all Brutus will eat), a litter box, and Brutus is happy. Oh, and rabies shots, worm medicine, monthly flea and tick, hairball remedy are nice additions. Brutus also loves to stay outdoors most of the time, and comes inside to sleep at night most nights. Most people say no to letting cats go outside; but Brutus refuses to stay inside all the time - and she knows how to be difficult about things in an effective way. - Poor guy, you’re about to get an edu-CAT-shun!