Cat/Choosing a cat

Choosing a cat for a pet i Most cats are of a varied genetic background and are divided simply into either 'domestic shorthairs', the most common cat in almost all parts of the world, and 'domestic longhairs'.

There are a number of fully established purebed breeds of cat, in which a cat or kitten is not only of a recognizeable sort but comes with registration papers from cat fancy organization.

Which type of cat?

Longhaired cats are preferred by the many people who find them especially beautiful. Domestic longhairs generally require more grooming than shorthairs, though- and are much more likely to have problems with hairballs.

Health Considerations: Feline viruses

Currently there are at least two problematic viruses passed through the free ranging cat populations of the world. One is so-called Cat AIDS, or Feline Immunodeficency Virus, and the other is the cat leukemia virus. The danger from these viruses is not to people, but to other cats. These viruses are fatal, but the animal can be infected with either or both for months or years before illness is apparent. This does mean that if a ketten or cat is adopted as a stray or from a shelter there is the possibility of that animal harboring one of these viruses, and passing it to other cats it then comes into close contact with, perhaps other cats in the home or neighborhood.

Further Reading

1. Michael Pollard: The Complete Encyclopedia Of The Cat. Parragon Publishing. Bath. UK. 2005 ISBN 1-40544-388-X

External Sites

Adopting a rescued cat or kitten:

USA

Petfinder.com is a portal to a great number of combined rescue groups and shelters. Searchable database (with pictures) of domestic animals that are available for adoption. [1]