Compared to most other domestic pets, cats can be considered very low maintenance. They don’t need to be walked, nor do they need expensive cages or toys such as rabbits or guinea pigs do. However, cats do love attention and affection from their owners. When choosing a new cat, you need to take into consideration your living arrangements. If all family members are either at work or school for most of the day, perhaps you should consider adopting two cats so they can keep each other company.

Once the initial training (for example litter box) is done, cats can pretty well be left to amuse themselves. Cats seem to sleep for most of the day, but in reality they only sleep deeply short periods at a time. This is where the term ‘cat nap’ comes from. Some inexpensive toys such as bells inside a ball that they can chase, some crumpled up paper or something light such as a feather dangling down from the table door handle will keep them amused when you are not around.

A couple of items of cat furniture I strongly suggest you buy early on is a cat tree or scratching and climbing post and some litter furniture such as a litter box for each cat. Training your cat to use a scratching post instead of your furniture will be well worth the investment. Make sure the scratching/climbing post is a sturdy one. If it topples over when your cat attempts to use it, it will frighten your cat and waste your money. I am speaking from experience here. I thought I could get away with an inexpensive scratching post, and it has never been used. The first time my cats tried it it fell over and they won’t go near it now. Having some platforms at different levels on your scratching post will give the cat somewhere to jump onto and curl up to go to sleep. Cats love being up high. It gives them a feeling of safety and allows them to look down on us mere mortals.

If your situation allows it, let your cat roam outside at will. They are very inquisitive by nature and love to explore new smells. If you are going to allow your cat to roam outside, make sure all vaccinations are up to date. I would also suggest some form of identification, either collar with a tag on it, or a microchip.

There is a fair amount of debate as to whether cats should be allowed outdoors or not. Some are concerned about dangers to the wildlife, others worry about dogs, traffic, other cats fighting or diseases. By placing a bell on your cat’s collar, any wildlife should be warned that it is approaching. Both my cats are allowed to roam at will and it is very rare for them to bring in a bird or lizard. They do however, bring in mice every night. I also check them regularly for grass seeds or injury.

Please, if you are going to allow your cat to roam outside, have it spayed or neutered. If your cat is male, it can impregnate many females. Just like humans. If your cat is female, you probably don’t want to have the problem of finding homes for kittens. If your cat is injured in a fight, I would suggest a visit to the vet to have the injury thoroughly cleaned to make sure there is no serious damage.

Some research states that indoor cats live longer as they are not exposed to dangers or disease. However, an indoor cat will need more stimulation to prevent it becoming bored.

Having a cat as a pet is a wonderful experience. Cats can live for anywhere up to 20 years and will repay any love shown tenfold. The more you bond with your cat while it is still a kitten , the better the relationship will be. Cats can be like children, the more you love them, the more they can love you back.