calling all pet owners

Although all breeds of cat are not necessarily the same, the differences between breeds of cats are not nearly as great as the differences between breeds of cats. For example, in dog breeds there are giant Great Danes and tiny chihuahas. There are some cat breeds where the cats tend to be larger, such as the Norewegian Forest Cat, or slimmer in build, such as the Siamese; however, we are talking about a difference of inches and 10-15 pounds. Some cat breeds have long fur that require a great deal of grooming; others are short-haired and do not require much grooming. Some are even hairless but then I think you have issues with ensuring their skin is cared for (though I haven't had one of those so I'm not sure). In my opinion, because of all these factors, I would recommend that (unless you have your heart set on a specific breed which it sounds like you don't) you just acquire a domestic cat of whatever fur length you desire and are willing to care for -- short, long, or medium. I don't know where you live, but in the United States there are animal shelters and rescue organizations all over that have cats and kittens that are desparately in need of homes and that will make fantastic loving pets. So perhaps you should try looking at one or more of those first -- maybe you and your family will find the perfect cat or kitten for your family and, in so doing, save its life. Of course, you should remember that a cat is a lifetime commitment and they can live well into their teens and even into their early 20's so they are a responsbility for a long time. However, I have several cats and love them dearly so I know they are great pets and I think they are worth the effort. Good luck and let us know what you and your family decide.

The Iams website has a cat breed selector you can use to determine a good breed.

First of all, you don't need a special breed of cat. Three of my four cats are mixed breeds and are wonderful. If you go to a shelter and save a cat who would otherwise be put down, you will be doing a very good thing. Some shelters foster cats to families who can give you a good idea about the cat's personality. I hope you will keep your cat indoors. It is much safer for the cat to be spared the danger of cars, other animals or evil people. Litter box cleaning is not so terrible. You change the diaper for a baby without putting it outside to pee and poop; it's not hard to scoop a litter box. It is very necessary to get your pet neutered or spayed. Your cat will be much healthier and happier. This procedure will spare your cat from certain types of cancer, prevent male spraying and allieviate multiple unhealthy heats for a female. I also hope you will not get your cat declawed. It is like cutting off your fingers at the first joint. Very painful for the cat. Your cat can be trained to use a scratching post. Declawed cats often bite and have litter box issues, too. I hope you find as much satisfaction and joy in your new kitty as I do. There is nothing better than sitting with a soft cat purring in your lap. It is shear bliss.

if anything, adopt a cat from a shelter. my mother and i adopted one after the loss of miss pusser (our first) at 18 years old, due to advanced old age, health problems that were extreme, as well as her life not great at the end. miss pusser was at teh age of over 100 when she had to be given a gentle release from teh suffering that she was in.

I use to have a cat and a dog. I got turned off with the cat because of it's stinky poo.Or it could be because i wasn't feeding him the right kind of food. Anyways, my mom said cats lick their coats more and it was bad for me since I have an asthma. I guess the combination of pet saliva in the hair and inhaling it can cause lung irritation.You can take that as a consideration as well,the health conditions of the members of the family. Pets too have different personalities like humans you should choose a pet that will fit your way of living. I have a half Shih Tzu dog and the other half I am not so sure. I chose him because he was small and I was living in a small apartment. He didn't need much walking or activities, i was still studying then so I had less time to spend walking him outside. Having a pet is like taking care of a child, they are dependent on you and will always will.

Cats are great pets. I don't really have a breed that I like more then others. If I had to choose it would be a big fluffy type cat. I love fluffy cats. The only thing that I would really recommend is that it goes to the bathroom outside. It is a pain in the but to have to clean the cat box. Take it from somebody that has too. Also keep in mind to have a cat fixed before it can have babies if it is a girl, and if it is a boy, have it fixed so it doesn't spray. That's really all I have about cats. They make good pets cause they are pretty independant. They come to you when they want attention and when they need to be fed. Dogs have a little bit higher needs then cats.