Cats for Dummies (For Dummies Series)

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The content was good. It had funny anecdotes. I feel like a learned a lot. I will save this book and use it for reference in the future. This book was published around the turn of the century, so I'm sure some of the technology stuff is outdated, but I'm sure the vast majority of the information is just as true today as it was 19 years ago. Random-bred or pedigreed, grown cat or kitten, whatever gender, fur length, color, markings, or variety you choose, we want you to be in love with your cat for years to come. So read on. Kitten or Cat: Which Is a Better Choice for You? Although some cat critics claim that the animals are in it only for the food, any cat lover knows otherwise. Cats are in it for the warmth, too. Laps, beds, and even the tops of TVs and computer monitors offer many opportunities for taking nice long naps, which cats spend most of their time doing (see Figure 1-2). If you’re ready to welcome a beautiful cat into your home, read this guide! Cats might seem relatively independent and low-maintenance, but they actually need plenty of interaction and care. Whether you’re considering adopting a cat or buying a kitten and watching them grow up, you’ll want to make sure you can provide for their needs for the rest of their life.

Does your cat need heartworm prevention medication? Ask your veterinarian. The answer may hinge on your cat’s lifestyle and where you live. No one likes to give unnecessary medications. However, in this case, the cost of not erring on the side of giving medications may be high. Although heartworm infestation is rare in cats, it is also not easily treated. In most cases where heartworms are present in cats, veterinarians choose to not treat and simply let the disease take its course because the risks of treating are high. Your cat is counting on you, and we know that if we help you — and we’ve written this book to do exactly that — you and your cat will both be so much happier. Icons Used in This Book Kitty Litter made Lowe, who died in 1995, a millionaire many times over. The name of Kaye Draper’s cat somehow escaped being recorded for posterity. We think a little credit is due to him (or her), too. Take one small mouse from the freezer. Thaw. Put in blender and purée. Serve at feline body temperature on a clean plate.”

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Remember One of the most compelling reasons to adopt a mature cat is that many of these adults have little hope of getting a second chance after they hit the shelter, no matter how healthy, beautiful, and well mannered they are. Kittens are so adorable they’re hard to pass up, and so many people never even look at the cages of adult cats when they’re at the shelter. Nonjudgmental listener and ever-affectionate companion, the cat makes a difference in many lives — and with relatively little investment of time and money. Truly, the cat has found a niche again — this time, to stay.

We also want you to be able to avoid the things you don’t need. The popularity of cats is wonderful, to be sure, but it also means that a lot of products out there are a waste of your money at best and dangerous at worst. We want to help you navigate the pet-food aisle to find the very best food for your cat. And we really want you to have a good relationship with your veterinarian so that you can prevent health problems before they are too serious to be resolved.Just a second: You have more to consider. Before you get to imagine Your Perfect Cat, you must determine whether a grown cat would work better for the life you lead than would a kitten, no matter how adorable. Before you consider whether a random-bred or pedigreed cat will suit you best, you must consider the issue of fur: long or short? And what about gender? Do females make better pets, or do males? You may think you know all you need to know about cats, but we’re guessing that’s not really true. You may think you don’t need to know anything more, and we know that’s not true. That’s because we know how much you love your cat, and how much you will benefit from the information provided by some of the very top experts in feline care. You see, the primary focus of the experiment is that prior toobservation, the cat is both dead and alive simultaneously. If you don't want your sofa shredded, or your new Louis Vuitton bag ruined, invest in a scratching post.

A happy, healthy cat and a happy cat owner: We ask for no greater legacy for our work. About This BookThroughout the book, we’ve put icons in place to make it easier to find the information you’re looking for and to emphasize material that’s important not to miss. If you want to go deeper into a topic, we’ve flagged that material too. Here’s how to navigate these icons: Certified Feline Training & Behavior Specialist, Certified Cat Behavior Consultant, Fear Free Certified Trainer, Certified Reiki Master /Teacher We know you love cats or you wouldn’t be reading this book. Let us help you live a better life with your feline companion, with the best information you’ll find anywhere. Caring for a cat takes more than just the love you have for your feline friend. You have to make the effort to learn about and prepare for health-related issues that you may encounter. You also need to get in the habit of practicing preventive care, and you must be ready (and have the means) to take your cat to your veterinarian when emergency care is required.