ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, September 29, 1996 TAG: 9609300001
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-10 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: claws & paws
SOURCE: JILL BOWEN
Q: I am thinking about getting a cat for company. I live alone and work five days a week. Would it be fair to the cat as I am out all day? I am not sure what sort of cat to get, although my neighbor is moving and has offered me their 2-year-old tomcat.
A: An adult cat already has a fully developed personality, so you know what you are getting. Adult cats will generally adapt very well to new homes and bond just as strongly as kittens with their new owners. However, uncastrated male cats can be difficult as they have a number of offensive habits. The worst of these is their territorial marking, which they effect by spraying a foul smelling urine on the walls and furniture.
If allowed outdoors, tomcats tend to roam farther than a female cat and will fight with other cats. This often results in abscesses and may mean expensive visits to the veterinarian. If you take your neighbors tomcat, have him castrated as soon as possible.
Do not get a cat without considering the costs involved. Routine costs include food, cat litter and litter boxes and regular visits to your local veterinarian for annual vaccinations, de-worming, and any illnesses. Routine veterinary care may cost you $100 to $300 annually. Adopting an adult cat would be less expensive, as most will have had all their initial vaccinations and de-wormings.
Many people suggest getting two cats so they can keep each other company, especially during the day while you are out. If your cat is allowed outside, there is no need to provide him with a companion. Consider installing a cat flap, so that he can come and go as he pleases. Cats are more self-sufficient than dogs. Although he will be delighted to see you on your return from work, demanding attention and food, your being gone all day does not cause a problem. Cats normally sleep for large portions of the day.
An animal shelter is a good place to find a cat. Look for signs of friendliness and liveliness and ask the animal care givers for any information they can give you about the health of the cat you fancy. At the shelter, be prepared to pay a fee and answer some questions about your household. Most shelters will also ask you to sign an agreement to have your new pet neutered.
Classified advertisements in your local newspaper are also a place where you will be able to find both pedigreed kittens at a cost and free kittens in need of a kind home.
With your being at work all day I think an adult cat would suit you better than a kitten. People who have to find homes for adult cats often advertise in the paper or in local stores. These cats are usually well cared for, and you can see them in their home environment.
If you do decide on a kitten make sure that you are getting a healthy, well socialized kitten, preferably 10 to 12 weeks old. If kittens are adopted too young they may be left with some juvenile habits such as attempts to nurse and there may be problems getting them litter trained.
If you have a question for Jill Bowen, please write to her in care of the New River Current, P.O. Box 540, Christiansburg, Va. 24073 or send e-mail to newriver@infi.net.
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