Cats need their contemplative moments (see Figure 1-3), of course, as do we all. A cat needs time to think — about how much she loves you … or how tasty that little mousy would be. But anyone who has lived with a cat will vouch for the sincerity and constancy of a cat’s affection.
People who don’t like cats often complain that a cat chooses a cat hater’s lap out of a whole room full of cat lovers who’d love to offer theirs. This behavior is often given as an example of the independent — or even malicious — nature of the cat. The truth is that something else is at work: Cats feel threatened by direct stares and avoid strangers who take such liberties. In a room full of cat lovers and one cat hater, probably only one person isn’t looking invitingly at the cat — and that’s the one who gets the cat’s vote.
“Cats love places, not people”
Well-documented stories abound of cats traveling hundreds — even thousands — of miles to return to an old home after moving. This amazing behavior leads many people to believe that cats prefer places to people. Sadly, the same belief prompts some to leave their cats behind if they move, figuring that the animals are happier at the old house and hoping the new residents take them in.
Most of these abandoned cats join the sorry ranks of the free-roaming unowned— or are taken to the shelter to be euthanized.
Grayheart/Photo by Randy Anderson
FIGURE 1-3: Although cats can seem distant at times, they crave companionship.
That cats are very territorial and mark their own property certainly is true — they even mark you with their scent, as they rub against your legs, hands, or face. Their territorial behaviors don’t mean they prefer places to people, but they do suggest that cats need time to realize the humans they love are in their new home — and may try to find you in your old house until they’re settled.
Your cat loves you just as much in your new home as in your old one — but he needs time to adapt.
Moving a cat to a new home requires planning, patience, and care. For information on how to make the move work for you both, see Chapter 12.
“Cats can take care of themselves”
Unquestionably, cats are easy-keepers. But anyone who adopts a cat thinking that cats are like houseplants, just more furry, is in for a big surprise. Kittens and cats seek and need attention and affection. They also need both preventive and routine care for any number of common ailments. Behavior problems such as litter-box avoidance are more common than most people think. To care for your cat well, you need a few basic supplies, a high-quality diet, and a veterinarian you know well enough to ask the questions you need answers to if problems arise, and who can help you establish a preventive-care plan to catch and prevent disease.
Although cats do need care, they are still low maintenance compared to a lot of other pets. Cats are wonderful pets for people who work, people who travel, and people who just want the easygoing companionship a cat can provide. Your cat always keeps up his end of the bargain — make sure that you keep up yours.
Can You Have a Cat If You Have Allergies?
Even as more people than ever before have come to appreciate cats, one group of cat lovers keeps its distance — and wishes they didn’t have to. That’s because one of the biggest barriers to keeping a cat is allergies. More people are allergic to cats than to dogs, and cat allergies are oftentimes more severe as well. For people — and especially children — with asthma, cat allergies can be life-threatening.
The first thing you need to know about allergies is that the fur isn’t what causes the problem; it’s primarily an element called Fel D1 found in cat saliva and anal gland secretions and deposited on skin and fur when a cat grooms. This allergen becomes part of the dander — flakes of skin and secretions and saliva that a cat spreads wherever he wanders and that become airborne as he’s petted or when he jumps or shakes.
The second thing you need to know relates to the first: Because the allergen-laden skin flakes are what cause the problems, it’s unlikely you’ll find a cat who doesn’t trigger someone’s allergies. Cats with little or no fur can’t help you, allergists say — even though some breeders of cats such as the hairless Sphinx or the lightly furred Cornish and Devon Rexes insist otherwise, and some Siberian cats seem to be less likely to trigger allergy attacks. Different people react differently to each individual cat, though, and you may luck out with the cat you choose.
Still, some people live with both cats and allergies, and if you’re considering doing so — or struggling with the situation already — find an allergist who doesn’t greet you with, “First, find new homes for your pets.” In some cases, for some people, that unfortunately becomes the ultimate — and only — resolution of the problem. But giving up your cat needn’t be the starting point for attacking animal allergies. It’s your life, after all.
Here are some other tips for living with cats and allergies:
Don’t neglect your other allergies. Working with an allergist to get them under control may give you enough “breathing room” to make life with a cat bearable. Remember always that allergies and asthma are serious health problems, not to be taken lightly.
Establish your bedroom as an “allergy-free zone.” More than one-third of our life is spent sleeping, and so making that time less stressful for the body is very important. Close off your bedroom and reduce dust-collecting surfaces by removing carpets and rugs, wall hangings, stuffed animals, and collectibles from the room. Invest in an air cleaner and keep air ducts and ceiling fans clean. Banish feather pillows and down comforters. Use zippered, dustproof covers on the mattress and pillows. Combat dust mites by washing bedding frequently in hot water.Make the bedroom completely off-limits to pets at all times. Although there’s not a pet lover alive who doesn’t enjoy a purring cat on the bed, keeping the bedroom “allergy-free” is probably a necessary compromise for allergy sufferers.
Try to limit exposure to other allergens. Avoid cleaning solutions, aerosol products, cigarette smoke, and strong perfumes and consider using a mask while doing yard work and housework, especially at the height of the pollen season. Better yet: Get someone else to mow the lawn, do the vacuuming, and clean the litter box. Again, keeping all allergies under control can help your body handle your cat more easily.
Keep your pets clean and well groomed. The best situation is for a member of the family who doesn’t suffer from allergies to take over these pet-care chores. A weekly wipe-down with unscented baby-wipes helps keep the dander down and is just as effective as bathing a cat.
Pay attention to new developments. At the time of this writing, there was some promising news regarding a cat food that lowers allergy triggers. While this and other advances may or may not pan out in the long run, there is always a chance for a game-changer just around the corner.
The Indoor versus Outdoor Controversy
With the evolution of the