Cats

A cat is a good companion for:

Children under 5

Seniors

Apartments/Condos

Children ages 5–11

Busy People

Rural Homes

Life Span

The average life span for a cat is 11 to 15 years.

Typical Behavior

Cats are very playful as kittens and tend to get into mischief. As a cat grows older it becomes more independent, but still requires daily affection from its owner. An older cat will start to defend its territory and may hiss or swat at another animal or human that invades its space.

Care Requirements

Most cats groom themselves but those with medium-to-long fur require some additional daily grooming assistance from their owner. Cats with longer fur may require bathing on a monthly basis.

It is recommended that you have one litter box per cat and have a minimum of one litter box per level of your home. This will reduce the chance that your cat adopts household items for its personal litter box.

SPCA International strongly recommends that you have your cat spayed or neutered. There continues to be serious overpopulation of companion animals for which permanent homes cannot be found. This means that every year, millions of animals are euthanized in shelters before they have the chance to live a full and happy life.

Proper Habitat and Habitat Maintenance Requirements

The domestic house cat lineage can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where cats were treated like gods. Because of this history, we know that cats adapt well to warm temperatures. Today, house cats will find the warmest part in the house in which to lie down.

Cats also can adjust well to cold temperatures, but cannot be exposed for very long without showing signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

Dietary Requirements

Premium food is best for all cats. Feeding them food that is based on their activity level, age and health is important when choosing a food.

It is important to start male cats on food that helps prevent urinary tract blockages. These blockages can become costly if not caught in time.

Financial Considerations for a Cat:

Veterinary

Regular veterinary care is recommended for all cats. A yearly check up runs approximately $90; year shots are approximately $60.

It is also strongly recommended that your cat be spayed or neutered. At your veterinarian clinic or local animal hospital, the cost for these services should run less than $250 for a spay and $150 for a neuter. If you need financial assistance, there are low-cost spay and neuter clinics in most areas that will help you defray the expense to between $100 and $200 for a female cat and between $50 and $100 for a male cat.

Grooming

Most groomers will charge $35 to $75 for a cat. Most cats do not like water, but introducing your kitten to a bath at a young age may lower its fear and prevent the need to take it to a groomer.

Animal Sitter

Often a friend or neighbor, especially one who has a relationship with your cat, will happily care for your cat in your absence. Boarding a cat will usually cost around $50 per day, depending on location and services provided.

Food

Good quality cat food can cost on average $10 to $20 per bag. If you are feeding your cat the recommended two to three times a day, you will probably go through an eight pound bag of food every two weeks.

Other Supplies:

To help ensure the life of your furniture, invest in a good quality scratching post for your cat, as well as some toys to keep your cat entertained when you are not home.

Interesting Facts about Cats:

• The average cat can sleep 12 to 14 hours a day.
• Cats do not sweat like humans. They sweat through the bottom of their paws and will often wipe their paws on their human or an object to release their sent and claim the object as theirs.
• A cat’s sense of smell is 14 times more powerful than humans.
• The oldest known living cat was 37 years old.