Important questions & answers about buying & keeping a cat
Important things to consider before buying+
Does every member of your family agree to getting a cat?
Does anyone in your family have a pet hair allergy?
Do you have the patience to learn thoroughly about the specific needs of this animal?
Are you aware of the yearly costs you will be facing?
Are you able and willing to care for a sick animal, even if the illness lasts a long time and comes with unpleasant side effects, behaviours and high costs?
Do you have someone who can look after your cat/cats in an emergency, during a possible hospital stay or while you are on holiday?
Are you aware of how long a cat can live? With good care, attention and health, 18 years is quite possible.
An animal, a cat, is not a disposable item!
Every potential owner should be clear about this: buying a cat is almost like getting married, you spend a long stretch of life together.
This decision needs to be well thought through!!
I already have a cat. Can I safely add a second one?+
Usually yes, though of course it depends mainly on your existing cat. It can get difficult if she has been alone for a very long time, as she may see a second cat as too much competition. You need to know your cat well, and if in doubt it is better to do without a second cat. Even if you had two cats and one dies, you should bring in a young kitten if anything, as it is more readily accepted. You can't fool your older cat into thinking her beloved friend is still there by getting a similar older cat. In any case, during the first days the new kitten is in the house, give your older cat extra attention so she doesn't get too jealous.
What basic equipment do I need for a cat?+
Besides a litter box and food and water bowls, you'll need a few things: a scratching post for climbing, a few cosy caves or baskets to sleep in, ideally by the window, some toys (fur mice, balls etc.), a brush and dry powder for grooming (little needed for the Birman), and of course a sturdy carrier, e.g. for trips to the vet. By the way, if you know very little about keeping cats, get hold of some reading material first! See also the section Basic equipment
What should I feed?+
Today there is plenty of cat food that is perfectly sufficient to keep our cats healthy. First and foremost I recommend a good premium dry food (e.g. Pronature, Happy Cat). It costs more than many supermarket brands but is probably also better, as it prevents urinary stones and is highly nutritious, meaning cats eat less of it and produce less faeces. Dry food can be left out all the time, as Birmans like to eat small meals throughout the day without overeating. Offer canned food morning and evening, with as much variety as possible; whatever isn't eaten must be thrown away. Occasionally there is yoghurt and quark. As supplements they get Muvitaks and Terrakraft.
My cat lives indoors only. Do I have to vaccinate against everything?+
Yes and no. The risk of infection is of course very low if your cat has no contact with other cats (and the same goes for you!), but you can always bring something in (vet etc.). Vaccinations against cat flu and feline distemper are an absolute must; you can skip leukosis and rabies vaccinations if your cat doesn't go outside or to shows. I strongly advise against FIP vaccination.
What is the difference between a domestic cat and a pedigree cat?+
A pedigree cat is bred to a standard that guarantees certain breed characteristics: besides appearance, these include certain personality traits such as the cuddly, devoted nature of the Birman. Still, every pedigree cat is of course an individual with its own character. In addition, pedigree cats raised indoors no longer have the urge to go outside, which can become a problem especially with a little kitten from a farm.
Why should I neuter my pet cat?+
Of course because you are not supposed to, or not allowed to, breed with it (sales contract), and neutering is almost essential for living happily with a cat. At some point these animals become sexually mature, and even if you keep cats of the same sex, they develop a sex drive. Males would start marking their territory (your home), which is reason enough to neuter them. Two males would also eventually become rivals and would have to be separated if neutered too late. Females come into heat too, and if never mated they can be in constant heat, which can lead to uterine infections and even cancer. Moreover, sexually mature animals that cannot act on their urges are under constant stress, can become irritable and steadily lose condition. I prefer early neutering for the cats I sell.
Why are cat sales contracts so strict?+
In the sales contract the seller reserves the right to check the living conditions at any time and to take the cat back in case of neglect or similar. The buyer also may not simply sell the cat on, as the seller has a right of first refusal. All these points, which may seem a little strange to you at first, serve to protect the cat, because the breeder naturally wants the cat to be well for its whole life. A responsible cat owner shouldn't mind these points, since with good care these situations should never arise. And if problems do come up, you and the breeder can find a solution together.
My cat vomits very often. Is that normal?+
Usually yes, because the cat is trying to bring up hair swallowed while grooming as hairballs. Beforehand she usually vomits a lot of stomach fluid, and eventually a sausage of hair (light-coloured in Birmans) appears among it. This happens more often during moulting. Your cat is only ill if she repeatedly vomits food, usually after eating, without any hairballs. By the way, you should support the vomiting of hairballs by always providing fresh cat grass. Products that move hair through the intestines, like malt paste or the new hairball control foods, aren't so good, as the hair irritates the gut and can lead to inflammation and in the worst case intestinal blockage! Nature has already chosen the right way.
Why should I deworm an indoor-only cat?+
Because she can get worms by catching flies or when flies sit on her food. Deworm cats up to 1 year four times and always a few days before a vaccination, then once a year before vaccination. A good alternative is to have your cat's faeces tested for worm eggs once a year and to deworm only if there is an actual infestation.
What if I go away?+
Broadly speaking, there are three options:
You leave the cats at home and ask someone you trust to look after them. This is certainly the best solution for the cats. But don't forget to leave your holiday address in case of questions! The person should be given thorough instructions before you leave.
You take your cat with you, as long as this is allowed and doesn't involve too much stress (e.g. air travel). Some cats enjoy travelling with their humans and are happy to be close to them, but the accommodation must be completely cat-safe and escape-proof!
A stay in a boarding cattery. However, I would not recommend this, as in my opinion the stress and the risk of infection are too high.
Should I get males, females or a pair?+
It's really a matter of taste. Males have the advantage that neutering is simpler and therefore cheaper and less risky. Males are also usually more forward and, with their sturdier build, more "present"; they attach to you more playfully. Females are often more sensitive and bond quietly with particular people; it's an honour when they give you their heart, and they seem more intelligent. I can't really describe it any other way, but maybe you'll take a pair to experience this for yourself. Both have their charm. In that case, of course, neuter in good time, as females can be sexually mature at around 8 months. With two males I would also neuter in good time, before they might start fighting.
Can I keep more than two cats?+
Yes, certainly, if your home (house rules for tenants) allows it. But all the cats must be able to avoid each other and retreat. Three cats is an awkward number, though, as one is often left out when two get along particularly well. Even in the largest flat or house you shouldn't become a collector, since you still have to be able to care for them all and you quickly lose track. Also, the less pushy cats miss out because the others push to the front. As so often in life, less is often more!
Do I need to worry about my furniture and wallpaper?+
Not really, because the little ones are already taught at the breeder's not to scratch them. (The breeder doesn't want to live amid junk either, I certainly don't.) If they start in their new home, just be consistent and forbid it with a loud "No"; if necessary a water pistol helps. Keep showing the little ones the scratching post and praise them for scratching it. Of course there may be the odd small mark on the furniture when they race through the house, but if you absolutely can't live with that, you'd be better off getting a stuffed cat or an aquarium.
Do I have to give up houseplants?+
No. But you should find out exactly which plants are toxic to cats. Some popular plants are among them (e.g. poinsettia). To stop nibbling on plants, always keep cat grass in the home.
Can my cat go on the balcony?+
Yes, but it should be secured with cat safety netting so that no kitty falls while leaping after a butterfly. Pet shops have solutions for every situation!
What other dangers are there in the home?+
Tilted windows are a great danger; never leave them open, as they can become death traps for cats. Here too, tilt window guards are available. Hot hobs can burn paws, so always leave a pot on them until they have cooled down. Also keep all household cleaners and medicines in suitable cupboards, as you would with small children, because you never know what cats will get into; cats are curious! Some cats develop a liking for chewing power cables, in which case you must cover them well!