Expert: Tina - 12/26/2008

Question
i wna keep cat but i wna know that
Q1 am buying a persian cat so should i buy a kitten or a young aged cat.
Q2 if i buy a young cat or kitten will they bite me.
Q3 can i keep it with my puppy
Q4 is persian cat a good pet i mean can it learn tricks and stunts etc.
Q5 can i sleep with it in my bed
Q6 if it gets heated up what shall i do except sprayed
and what is spraying all about and for what time period it persists.

Answer
HI wajid,

1. I recommend that you get an adult cat as your first pet. Kittens have a lot of energy, they run around all day and all night, and you need to be very careful to kitten proof your home just like you would if there were going to be a human baby in the house.

2. Yes kittens often play bite, but it's not usually enough to break the skin and should be discouraged (see my book recommendations below).

3. Yes most cats and kittens can get along with a dog fine - if they are properly introduced and the dog is trained to be polite to cats. I recommend taking your puppy to obedience school and asking them for specific information on training your puppy not to chase cats.

4. Persian cats are very mellow and no cat is much inclined towards tricks or stunts - cats are very different from dogs. You can train cats but only by positive reward directly for their actions. Persian cats prefer to sleep on your lap or snuggle in bed rather than do active tricks.

5. yes, cats enjoy sleeping on their humans' bed!

6. I think you mean spaying? You should get your cat spayed or neutered before 5 months of age, then she will not come into heat and is less likely to develop unwanted behavior such as urinating outside the litter box.

It sounds like you are going to be a new cat owner, so I highly recommend that you read the following books before choosing your new cat or kitten:

"Think Like a Cat: How to Raise a Well-Adjusted Cat--Not a Sour Puss" by Pam Johnson-Bennett

http://www.amazon.com/Think-Like-Cat-Well-Adjusted-Cat-Not/dp/0140288546/ref=pd_...

"Your Cat: Simple New Secrets to a Longer, Stronger Life" by Elizabeth M. Hodgkins

http://www.amazon.com/Your-Cat-Simple-Secrets-Stronger/dp/0312358024/ref=pd_bbs_...

"Cats for Dummies" by Gina Spadafori

http://www.amazon.com/Cats-Dummies-Miniature-Editions/dp/0762413603/ref=pd_bbs_8...

"Kittens for Dummies" by Dusty Rainbolt

http://www.amazon.com/Kittens-Dummies-Dusty-Rainbolt/dp/0764541501/ref=pd_bxgy_b...