Читать книгу The Cat Handbook - Karen Leigh Davis - Страница 26

Having considered the pros and cons of a purebred versus a mixed-breed cat, an adult versus a kitten, male versus female, and so forth, it should now be obvious why acquiring a cat demands some careful planning and forethought. After all, you are adding a new member to your family that will require your care for years to come–perhaps a decade or two. You want to make sure you find a cat that will be a good fit for the way you live, as well as where you live. Following are some other equally important points to consider:

Your future plans: Acquiring a cat deserves a commitment on your part to take care of the animal’s needs from kittenhood through old age. With modern veterinary care and good nutrition, more cats are living longer, an average 10 to 15 years, so look ahead into your own future and ask yourself if you will be willing and able to provide your cat with shelter, food, and regular veterinary care. Of course, predicting the future is impossible, but you can make some reasonable guesses. For example, if you anticipate that a future job change or promotion might require you to move across or out of the country, perhaps you should postpone getting that adorable cat or kitten, unless, of course, you’re absolutely certain you can take the animal with you when you move. Likewise, if marriage is in your future, make sure your intended spouse likes cats and that your new lifestyle and living arrangement together can accommodate your pet.

Housing concerns: Make sure that your housing situation is suitable for owning a cat. In some situations, certain restrictions may apply to, or even prohibit, the keeping of pets. Sneaking a pet into a rented residence without permission or without first checking out the rules could get you both evicted. If you rent, your landlord may require an additional fee, plus a pet damage deposit in case your cat claws the draperies or carpets. This practice is neither uncommon nor unreasonable. As a cat owner, you are liable and responsible for any property damage or personal injuries your animal may cause. To avoid hassles, find out what rules and ordinances apply in your area, then decide whether you can comply fully, before you acquire a cat.

Travel and time spent away: Animals, like children, need special attention and someone to look after them when you’re not around, so before acquiring a cat, consider how much time you normally spend away from home. If you travel often, do you have a trusted friend or relative who is willing to care for your cat while you’re away? If not, can you afford to board your cat or hire a pet-sitter to care for him while you’re away? Are you home enough to spend quality time with your cat and give him the love and attention he needs and deserves? If not, owning a cat, or any pet, could become a constant source of worry and guilt for you, especially if you tend to feel bad about not being able to spend enough time with your pet.

Pet allergies: Many people are allergic to cats, some more than others. Unfortunately, many cats are surrendered to animal shelters each year because their allergic owners cannot tolerate the severity of their allergy symptoms. Proteins produced by the cat’s salivary and sebaceous (fatty oil) glands trigger the allergic response. These proteins are deposited onto the cat’s fur when the cat licks himself during grooming. When dry, the proteins flake into easily inhaled airborne particles called dander. This cat dander, rather than the cat itself, is the true allergen, or allergy-causing substance. The tiny particles settle primarily into carpets, draperies, upholstered furniture, mattresses, walls, and ceilings.

So, as you consider getting a cat, think about you and your family members’ allergic tendencies. Even if you have no allergies, consider others close to you who may no longer feel comfortable visiting your home because their asthma or allergies worsen in the presence of felines. It would be grossly unfair to the cat if you had to give him away later simply because your social life suffers.

For the person who experiences only mild or intermittent allergy symptoms, certain compromises may allow a comfortable coexistence with cats. Suggested coping strategies include vacuuming frequently, replacing carpets with hard floors, replacing upholstered furniture with vinyl or leather, washing the cat in distilled water once a month, applying antiallergy wipes or sprays to the cat’s fur, using an air purifier in the home, and keeping ductwork, furnace, and air-conditioning filters clean. Many people effectively manage their symptoms with various allergy medications or desensitizing allergy shots prescribed by their doctors.

Your age and health: Certainly, most people expect to outlive their pets, but this is not guaranteed. Consider what would happen to your cat if you died suddenly or became incapacitated by an injury or illness. Too often, an animal faces neglect, abuse, or abandonment if the owner has not planned ahead for its care in case of an emergency. This is especially true for pet owners who live alone. Give a trusted person advance instructions–and keys–to enter your property immediately and assume care of your cat if you should die suddenly or become disabled.

Your will and your cat: To further ensure that your pet will be cared for if something unexpected happens to you, include your cat in your will. More and more people are recognizing the importance of doing so. In fact, legal experts recommend that you will your cat outright to a friend or relative who has agreed in advance to comply with your wishes regarding its care. In your will, appoint that person as your cat’s guardian. You also may wish to bequeath a modest sum of money to that person to cover the cost of your cat’s care during its remaining years. For more information about wills and the laws in your state, consult a lawyer.