If you are interested in becoming the owner of a pedigreed kitten, the following may help you understand a little about these cats. A breeder is definitely the best source of information on their own breed of cat.
Anyone who has ever been owned by a pedigreed cat states, most emphatically that theirs is the very best in the world. These cats do not know it is an animal but thinks it is a human being, and by so doing, is entirely different from anything you have previously owned.
It is best to buy a kitten from a reputable breeder who is also a registered member of the Feline Control Council and registers their queens and studs with this body. They are very strict and will only register reputable kittens.
The kittens are usually 12 or more weeks old when sold. They should have had two of their first three immunisations, be wormed and also toilet trained. For the first few days they may cry a little as they will be quite bewildered by the strange new surroundings, smells and the fact that their mother and other siblings are not with them. Others may come into the new home, look around, check out every nook and cranny and then say, "O.K., this will do me, where's my food, litter tray and your bed?"
Some breeders neuter their kittens before leaving for their new homes. This saves the new owner the trouble at a later date, but it is made quite clear to the owner that the kitten MUST be neutered by 5 or 6 months unless it is being sold for breeding purposes. This up to the breeder to decide whether or not the kitten is suitable.
You, your family and friends must also learn NEVER TO LET ANY KITTEN OR CAT OUT TO 'FREE' ROAM - They can run across the road and get run over, get frightened by a dog, motor mower, motor bike and even humans who do not like cats. They can become confused and frightened by thunder storms and lightning, then hide under someones house or in a shed and accidentally be locked in and you may not find your cat for days. There may also be other cats around whose owners don't care about them, un-neutered, un-immunised and carrying such problems as the Feline Aids or Leukaemia virus. These cats often start fights and could give your cat a nasty virus or bites and scratches which could become infected. The cat could then become very sick and may have to be put to sleep in extreme cases. There are also occasionally people wandering around picking up cats for many reasons (not always good).Your cat loves you and does not want another owner as they may not as kind to them as their own family.
THE SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS -the new kitten will probably sleep with you, under the doona and lie very close to you to keep warm. Most have not slept with a human before but should take about 1 or 2 nights to become used to the idea. The kitten may wriggle about a bit until you are trained to their sleeping needs. You will not squash the new kitten when you roll about as they will soon let you know by touching you with a claw or soft paw. All this sleeping arrangement will take you a while but within a week you will both be adjusted quite well. You will need quite a bit of training until you learn to live with your new kitten.
The kitten will play with you, sleep with you, eat with you, talk endlessly to you and keep you constantly amused. It will always be faithful to you and it will be the very, very best cat in the world.
Don't forget to register your cat with your local council. The fees vary but they are not very much for a neutered cat. A really good way to ensure your cat can always be found (if it should get lost) is to have the microchip put in its neck. This will not hurt the cat as much as a collar could. Besides, your cat will not need a collar as long as it is kept in the house.
Your cat can be taught many tricks, while still maintaining its own dignity and individuality. It is warm-hearted and loving to its human friends. Cats make excellent companions to the sick or elderly, as they will talk to their owner, at great length, in their own particular voice, which can be deep-toned to quite musical and varied. They will always answer when addressed, and usually come running when called. They have excellent hearing and make good 'watchdogs' as they can hear visitors approaching long before anyone else and often give a low growl in their throats before running to the door or window.
Siamese are stimulating yet soothing, exciting yet relaxing, provoking yet satisfying, exhausting yet exhilarating. How could anyone live with such a creature? How could anyone NOT live with such a delight? Yes, the Siamese is the king among cats...everyone who has ever lived with, or ever known a Siamese cat must agree with me, and never again could they be without such a friend at their side.
Persians are very individual cats, need plenty of grooming, but oh! it is worth every minute to see these beautiful creatures sitting on your best seat telling everyone to please look at 'me'.
Burmese are the playful cats - they like high places and like to view the world from atop the fridge, mantelpiece or high cupboard. They will drop on to your shoulder when least expected but you will never growl because you will just tell him/her they're the best cat they have ever owned.
Abyssinian are often a one person cat although they will love all the family and be wary of strangers. Their ticked coat is very beautiful and they come in many colours.
British - well what can one say about these very regal cats. Very much an individual and very little grooming to their beautiful plush coat. The blue is the most popular but can also come in many magnificent colours.
There are many other types of cats and these can always been seen at the many Cat Shows held in the suburbs and country arears during the year. Information is always available from the Feline Control Council of Vic. Inc.
If you have already lived with a Pedigreed cat, I am quite sure you will make very good parents and always love and look after your new kitten. Cats are very clean and are toilet trained before leaving for their new homes.
Enquiries may be obtained (for any breed of cat) by telephoning the F.C.C. office during office hours on (03) 9281 7444.
Written by Mrs Janet Wood-Bradley
Jayling Siamese. 9894 3531
When your cat needs to go in the car to visit the vet or go on holiday, PLEASE, always use their carry cage.