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Complete Cat Care Manual

Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover's Soul: Stories of Feline Affection, Mystery and Charm

ASPCA Complete Guide to Cats: Everything You Need to Know about Choosing and Caring for Your Pet

Embrace your warm and fuzzy side.

Having a cat as a pet can be a truly rewarding experience: cats bring playfulness, affection, and companionship into any home. But not all cats are the same. Before you get your heart set on one, it’s important to learn:

How to choose a cat that’s right for you and your family
Where to get a cat and how to get it settled in your home
How to groom and train your cat and get the best veterinary care

Is a Cat the Right Pet for You?

Cats are loyal and loving long-term companions, but they’re not always the “low-maintenance” pets you may have been led to expect. Cats demand more than just your attention and affection—they also need food, litter, veterinary care, and a long list of toys and supplies that can quickly become costly. Before you bring a kitten or cat home, be sure to consider the expenses and responsibilities you’ll take on as a new cat owner.

Questions To Ask Before You Get A Cat

To make sure you and your family are ready for a cat, consider the following questions:

Do you have time for a pet? If you travel frequently, work long hours, or are away from home for the majority of the day, your lifestyle may not accommodate a cat. Feeding, litter box maintenance, playing, grooming, and regular vet visits all take time.
Are pets allowed? If you rent an apartment or house or live in a condominium or co-op living establishment, make sure cats are permitted.
Is there room in your home? Though cats don’t typically require a lot of room to roam, all cats need at least some private space away from general household traffic for their litter box and food and water bowls.
Will allergies be a problem? Cat hair, skin (called dander), saliva, and urine can cause allergic reactions. If someone in your home has allergies, be sure he or she has the chance to meet the cat and assess any allergic reaction before bringing it home.
Do you have small children or other pets? Cats can tolerate children and other pets, but some do so better than others (see Ten Popular Cat Breeds).
Can you afford a cat? Purchasing a cat can cost anywhere from $25 (from a shelter) up to $1,000 or more (from a breeder). And basic care, food, and supplies typically cost a minimum of $1,000 per year, regardless of how much you originally paid for the cat.
Is this the right time? If a major life change, such as a relocation or a new baby, is in your future, you should postpone getting a cat. Though cats adjust well to change over time, they need a stable environment when joining a new household.
Can you commit? Cats typically live 10–15 years, and it’s not uncommon for some to live past 20. Get a cat only if you’re ready for a long-term commitment.

Myths About Cats

There are a number of common misconceptions about cats that may prevent some people who would be absolute cat-lovers from even considering getting a cat.

Myth		Truth
Cats are unfriendly		Each cat has its own individual temperament and personality, which can range from ornery and independent to friendly, loving, and devoted (see Ten Popular Cat Breeds).
You can’t have a cat if you have allergies		Regular grooming of your cat and thorough house cleaning can minimize allergic reactions to cats. Your doctor can also prescribe medicine to reduce symptoms of allergic reactions.
Cats require no maintenance		Though more self-reliant and lower maintenance than dogs, cats still require frequent care, including feeding, litter box maintenance, grooming, and periodic vet visits.
Cats belong outdoors, not just in the home		Indoor cats live much longer than outdoor cats. Cars, poisons, parasites, diseases, and dogs and other predators are among the reasons why your cat may be happiest and safest indoors.