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I have an opportunity to adopt a cat. She's 5-6 years old. I house sat for the current parents a few years ago, but I don't remember her very well, so I'm going to see her tomorrow. I've never had an indoor kitty-growing up we had outdoor cats.
What do I need to consider as I make this choice? What questions should I ask the previous owner?
Posts: 862 | Registered: Oct 2003
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Does she like to scratch things? or is she declawed? (if she is she has to be an indoor cat) Is she up to date on vaccinations? Any health problems? Anything she likes to play with?
Those might be a few good questions.
Enjoy the kitty! Posts: 306 | Registered: Jun 2003
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Does she throw up often or miss the litterbox sometimes? How is she around other animals, children, strangers?
Posts: 1990 | Registered: Feb 2001
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That depends on the cat! Especially if it isn't declawed. That is a good question to ask. My cat, for example, opens cabinets and drawers to make a mess, and he can close doors and get himself locked in a room. He likes to play with toilet water. I've made a few little changes to my apartment, obviously. Most cats aren't quite as active as mine, though.
Ask if he knows not to jump on kitchen counters and the kitchen table. Ask if there are any other no nos he should already know. Ask how they punish him if he does jump up. Mine gets squirted with water, for example.
Posts: 1990 | Registered: Feb 2001
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Oh, yeah, some plants are poisonous. There is some flower so poisonous you shouldn't ever, ever have it in the house. I forget which one. The lily? If you have plants you might ask if she likes to nibble plants and you can look the plants up online.
Posts: 1990 | Registered: Feb 2001
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Also, if you are still looking for a husband keep in mind that cat allergies are quite common. You could easily end up with someone who can't tolerate cats and then you'd have to get rid of the cat.
Posts: 1990 | Registered: Feb 2001
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I'd ask about temperament. Is the cat active or lazy? Demanding? Whiny? Chatter a lot? Need to be fed at specific times during the day, or does s/he graze? Indoor, outdoor, or indoor/outdoor? Is the cat used to sleeping on the bed with a human? Does s/he spray? Preferances for brands or types of kitty litter or cat food?
If/when you adopt the kitty, you should know that changing a cat's diet suddenly can make them sick. Better to change it gradually, replacing old food with new something like 10% more a day. You can also get spray thingies that makes a cat more comfortable in its new surroundings.
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Oh, my porch garden is still alive It's just the indoor ones that I murder.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I really wouldn't have thought to ask many of these things. I'm not sure if I'll take her, it will really depend on her temperament and my body's reaction to the cat. If she has long hair I can't do it, but I usually fare well with short hair cats.
Posts: 862 | Registered: Oct 2003
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"...or is she declawed? (if she is she has to be an indoor cat)..."
Cats that have been declawed CAN be outdoor cats as long as they still have their back claws. They use those more for defense than the front. Declawed cats still mange to mouse and catch rabbits even! Just don't want you to limit yourself by making the cat stay indoors. However if you decide to let cat outside do a double check on it's vaccine status. Many vets don't recommend the same spectrum of vacines for indoor cats as they do for outside cats. For example FIV and feline luekemia are not necessary to prevent against if the cat is the only one in the house and has no outside contact. As for other things you need to think about... Just be aware that there may be a lengthy (up to a few months) transitional period when the cat may hide a lot or shy away. It's hard to tell, they all have such unique personalities... It might be really clingy too. Eventually it will balance out and regularly ignore you except when it wants attention or food. All cats to that. =)
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