Information on House Cats

Types

• Almost any type of cat can be a house cat. Traditionally, mixed-breed cats like tiger cats, tomcats and others make up the general domestic short hair breed are kept as house cats. Other breeds that are often kept as house cats include Siamese, Persians and rarer breeds like minx cats.

  House cats do better when they come from a house cat background. Parents of good house cats will have been raised in homes. Barn cats sometimes can learn how to be good house cats. Kittens taken from a barn early enough in life (before 9 weeks old) can usually learn how to be good house cats. Feral or wild cats, even with a lot of socialization, will make good house cats. If a cat has spent the majority of its life in the wild, it will be hard to turn it into a house cat.

Purchasng House Cats

• To find a good house cat, there are several places you can look. Pet stores often sell kittens that can become house cats. However, the best place to find a house cat is at a shelter. Shelters and rescue organizations often have litters of kittens or older cats that need homes. The benefit of adoption is that you are giving a second chance to an animal that might otherwise be euthanized.

  You might also find house cats in unlikely places. If you have a friend giving up a cat, you might take it in. If you find a litter of kittens in the wild and are take one into your home before it is old enough to be afraid of people, you might be able to turn it into a house cat. With proper training, almost any kitten can grow up to be a house cat.

Food and Water

• House cats should be provided with fresh food and water on a daily basis. If your house is active and healthy, free feeding usually works best. You can keep a small bowl of dry food and water out for the cat. This often works best because cats are nocturnal and like to eat as they please.

  Some cat owners prefer that their cats eat canned food. You should not leave canned food out, as it will go bad quickly. If you feed your house cat canned food, choose a food that has good ingredients. Feed your cat the canned food on a regular schedule. Cats that only eat canned food should eat at least twice a day. Cats that have a meal of canned cat food and access to dry food only need a small amount of canned food each day.

  Look for cat food that has good ingredients. Pure meats, such as turkey, chicken, lamb and beef, are the best ingredients. Vegetables like carrots and peas are also good. Rice is an ingredient that will be healthy for your cat. Try to find a food that has a lower percentage of corn, as this is difficult for most animals to digest. Look for a food that has pure meats instead of meat meal or meat byproducts.

Living and Sleeping Quarters and Recreation

• House cats should always stay indoors. If you choose to declaw your cat to save your furniture, your cat most definitely can't go outside again. Outside is a very dangerous place for cats. They are susceptible to being hit by a car, getting a disease or getting in a fight with another animal. You might think it is hurting your pet to leave it inside, but in reality, you are saving its life.

  Set boundaries for your house cat's living quarters. You might leave it in the basement at night or not allow it to sleep in your bedroom. You might also give your cat the run of the house at all times. No matter where you allow your cat, it should have its own place. A cat bed is a good idea. This will discourage it from making a bed in your closet or on your clean laundry. Your cat should also have a place for food and water that can be easily accessed. Many owners find that a window perch is a great way to make their cats happy.

  Cat toys should be abundant in your home for recreation purposes. Test out several types to determine what your cat likes. It might like feathered toys, stuffed mice or balls it can chase.

House Cat Health

• All house cats need to be vetted as soon as they enter your home. Cats should have regular veterinarian care and should be up to date on their shots. Your house cat should have a healthy diet, which will keep it from getting sick, and clean water, which is essential to good health.

  Pay attention to your house cat. If it is acting lethargic, has runny eyes, has molting fur or changes to its skin or has yellowed gums, it might be sick. Cats need regular veterinarian appointments and owners who pay close attention to their health. When in doubt, an appointment with a veterinarian is necessary.