Article - 5 Tips from a Pet Expert on Finding the Perfect New Cat

Article:5 Tips from a Pet Expert on Finding the Perfect New Cat
by Anonymous

Lake Forest, CA July 26, 2004 -- "If I were adding a new cat or kitten to my household, one of the first things I would do is head for Kim Thornton's book. Ms. Thornton's knowledge of felines, clear and easy writing style and just plain common sense make her a perfect resource for both experienced and novice cat fanciers. Hopefully her book will guide and ease the addition of many cats to new and loving homes."
Deb M. Eldredge, DVM, recipient Gentle Doctor Award from Cornell
University, award winning writer and small animal practitioner

"Whether your new cat is your first or one of many, you and your pet will benefit from this book's cutting edge information about all things feline. This book is a gem and is a must for those who want to fully share life with their precious cat."
Nancy Peterson, Issues Specialist, The Humane Society of the United States

"Kim Thornton writes from the heart. She is an experienced-and an exceptional-pet journalist whose work provides timely, authoritative, and accessible information. You can rely on Kim's writing to entertain, inform, and celebrate the love we share with our special pets. I am a fan."
—Amy D. Shojai, author of 18 pet care books including Complete Care for Your Aging Cat and Complete Kitten Care

Sterling, VA: A big pair of shimmering, round eyes gaze at you longingly through a gated door, drawing you in for a closer look. Before you start falling for the charms of a cat at your local shelter or breeder, make sure you pick the right cat for you, based on information and not beauty and charm. "Life with a cat is a special adventure," explains Kim Campbell Thornton, an award-winning pet writer and the author of the new book "Your New Cat: An Expert Answers Your Every Question." "But there is more to cat ownership than just good times."

In "Your New Cat," Thornton helps potential cat parents discover the best new cats for them and provides all of the necessary information to care for them well. Here are her five tips for finding the right cat for you:
1) Getting a kitten versus a mature cat. "Kittenhood has its pleasures, no doubt, but if a peaceful, gentle pet is what you're looking for, skip over the two or three years that kittenhood can last and go right for the adult cat."

2) Buy a pedigree or help a shelter/ rescue group cat. "It's perfectly acceptable to purchase a cat from a reputable breeder if she has what you're looking for. There's no doubt, however, that you do a lot of good when you adopt a cat from a shelter or rescue group. What's most important, however, is for you to be satisfied with your new cat."

3) Boy or girl? "Both male and female cats can have wonderful, sweet, loving personalities. It all depends on the individual cat, although in my experience males tend to be more loving. Gender does have a one-time effect on your pocketbook. Neutering is generally less expensive than spaying. Other than that consideration, your best bet is to choose a cat based on personality first, gender second."

4) Personality Match. "While cats don't vary quite as much in temperament and personality as dogs, they are highly individual and vary in temperament from breed to breed and individual to individual. Besides breed, other factors that can affect a cat's personality include early experiences and environment, the amount of socialization received during kittenhood, and the parents' personalities."

5) Cats and kids. "Generally, personality is the main consideration, but some breeds do have a reputation for being good with kids. They tend to be particularly easygoing and tolerant of being carried around or dressed up in doll clothes. Others are usually energetic or trainable. Many breeds fall into the good-with-kids category, including the American and British Shorthair, the Maine Coon, the Manx, the Ragdoll, and the Scottish Fold. Take your child's personality into consideration as well."

Bringing a new cat into your life is an exciting time. You want to provide for your cat, establish a relationship with him, and learn how to live together happily. But you have so many questions about how to integrate a cat into your life while taking care of his needs. Whether you bring home a cuddly kitten or a mature cat, "Your New Cat" has all the answers you need. Written in a Q&A format, information is easy to find under each of 15 topical chapters.

Janine Adams, author of How to Say It to Your Cat and a member of the Council of Directors of the Cat Writers' Association, says, "Kim Thornton knows her stuff. Through her terrific writing in numerous books and articles, she's been helping people care for their pets for many years. 'Your New Cat' will help new cat owners handle any possible scenario they might encounter with their new feline family member."

Kim Campbell Thornton is an award-winning pet writer and cat expert. She has published 14 books on cats and dogs, including "Your Aging Cat" and "Why Do Cats Do That?" She is a past president of Cat Writers Association of America, the winner of the Muse Medallion and winner of a special award for writing from Cat Writers Association of America. She is a frequent contributor to the AKC Gazette, Cat Fancy, Cats USA, Critters USA, Pet Product News, and Veterinary Practice Staff. In addition, Kim has won several writing awards from Dog Writers Association of America, including the Maxwell award. She lives in Lake Forest, California with her husband, 1 cat, 3 dogs, and 1 bird.

Your New Cat:
An Expert Answers Your Every Question
Kim Campbell Thornton
June 2004 ISBN $14.95
Paper, 5-1/2 x 8-1/2, 260 pp. + b/w line drawings

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