The Cat Megathread

[Malthus]

I'm thinking of getting a cat.

But before I do that, I'm trying to learn as much as I can about all that is involved. Any suggestions --

Are there any books I should read?

What items are essential to have? From my reading, its good for them to have toys, a place to hide in, a littler box, a scratching post of some kind, and... food.

Should I get pet health insurance? Are shelters the way to go?

Anything else I should read up or research on before I go any further?

Is it bad to only get one? Do cats need kitty companionship?

The big decison is - are you going to let them outside or not?

If not, it may be better to get two. That way, they can keep each other entertained when you are out.

If you are going to get two, I'd get two from the same litter - that way, they are more likely to get along well.

I would definitely go to a shelter. You probably don't want a purebreed. Probably you will not want a longhair either, unless you are really into grooming the thing.

Another issue - do you want to raise one from a kitten, or adopt an adult cat? I've always raised mine from kittens, but it is a lot more effort.

Other than the stuff you mentioned, cats don't really need much.

[Jaron]

I think I couldn't do outdoors. I would always wonder where the cat was or if it was safe. I know they have good instincts and can handle business, but with cars, dogs, cruel humans, weather, or even coyotes I'd rather keep a cat inside.

[Malthus]

I think I couldn't do outdoors. I would always wonder where the cat was or if it was safe. I know they have good instincts and can handle business, but with cars, dogs, cruel humans, weather, or even coyotes I'd rather keep a cat inside.

In that case, I'd consider getting two.

[Jaron]

Thanks, Malthus!

[DontSayBanana]

I absolutely don't do outdoor cats.  There's way too much roadkill around my neck of the woods for me to be comfortable having a pet potentially crossing streets.

Also, the last page or so has been quite depressing, so please accept my submission of Frankie (the white one) and Shea (the muted tux).  Best buddies.

[MadImmortalMan]

The cat just brought a live rabbit kicking and screaming into the living room. It's dragging its back legs. He might have paralyzed it or something. I have it under a plastic container atm. What should I do with it? 

[MadImmortalMan]

Poor thing is definitely crippled. The back legs won't move at all.

[CountDeMoney]

Some vets and shelters handle wild animals;  most do not, but call a couple anyway.  When all else fails, take it to Animal Control.

Or, put it back outside and let it take its place in the Circle of Life.  Apologize on behalf of your cat as this was an unforeseen accident and totally fucked up his odds, but hey, even 1st round draft picks blow out their knees in training camp, and something out there's gotta eat tomorrow.

[MadImmortalMan]

Mr. Bunny has passed away. Later dude. Hopefully your cripplingness didn't hurt too bad.

[CountDeMoney]

Mr. Bunny has passed away.

Explain.

[mongers]

Mr. Bunny has passed away.

Explain.

Shock perhaps, or unseen puncture wounds?

Sad, but rabbits are too common because there aren't enough predators. 

[CountDeMoney]

Mr. Bunny has passed away.

Explain.

Shock perhaps, or unseen puncture wounds?

Sad, but rabbits are too common because there aren't enough predators.

Yeah, thanks Marlin Perkins.  But I want to hear it from him. 

[katmai]

I thought he explained it earlier in thread, his gato dragged in a poor bunny.

[MadImmortalMan]

Kitty puncture killed him I suppose. I was going to take it in to the HS before the wife got home and they would euthanize it but I found it long dead when I got back here.

[CountDeMoney]

Let us pray. :wabbitprayer: