confusion about cat behaviour plz plz help

bindu1986

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hello, i have a problem,,,,, i want to adopt a cat or kitten, because i love them, i have a lot of photos and videos of cat in my mobile ,a and just  a look on them give me a  huge relaxation, because i have a little depression,, so i want to adopt a kitten friend, but nowadays i read on internet a lot about cat nature, as they asked cats are aloof, selfish creatures and only manipulate us for food and shelter,, now i worry  a lot,,, is it reality? plz plz help me with your suggestions 
 

di and bob

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No, that is not true at all! I have had cats for over 50 years now and can reassure you that just as dogs, humans and all of the creatures of this earth have different personalities, so do cats. They do not 'fawn' or strive to do nothing but please you as dogs do, but are quieter, cleaner, more elegant and infinitely more interesting in their habits and actions. When a cat sits on your lap and purrs, or rubs against you, it is so satisfying because you have earned it! They don't show high emotions like a dog, but watch a kitten play and you can't help but admire the moves and the fun they can invent at such a early age. I would get two if at all possible, they would keep each other company and would entertain each other, and are really no more trouble then one. Neutered males in my opinion are more affectionate and loving, females can be more like primadonnas and they can be aloof and want to rule the roost, but this may be want you want in a cat, not needy but more independent. My favorite cat of all times was a female that scratched me at times! I think you will find a cat can be a wonderful addition to your home, but make sure you watch the candidates carefully to see what kind of personality they have, some are shy, some bold, some independent, some laid back. I'm sure you can find the perfect match! Good luck and keep us posted!
 
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bindu1986

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oh thanks a lot. which is best age for a cat to adopt? I mean which age kitten I prefer? I read some where that if we adopt a kitten in early weeks then there are bright chances of that kitten will make a strong bond with owner. is it right?
 

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Kittens should be at least 10-12 weeks old before they leave their mom and siblings. Shelters will adopt out as early as 8 weeks; but, that is due to high volume.

The age a cat is doesn't equate how strong their bond will be with you. I have several cats whom I handraised from the time they were 2 weeks old and I have several whom I adopted as adults. The ones I adopted when they were adults are just as bonded, if not more so, than those I handraised. So, don't let age be the deciding factor.

When looking to adopt a cat/kitten, think about your lifestyle and your expectations.
Yes, kittens are super cute and funny; but, all grow up to be adult cats with their own personalities. Sweet, playful kittens don't always turn into sweet, playful adult cats. Kittens are also a lot of work (though certainly worth it if you can devote the time!) Can you adopt a pair of cats/kittens or can you only afford one? I find it a common misconception that people think that adopting more than one cat means that the cat will not bond to you or show you affection...this simply isnt true! If it was, I'd never have a cat in my lap. As it stands I usually have 2-3 surrounding me at any given time. Sometimes all 6 of mine will all pile in the bed!
 

di and bob

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I've had all ages and have bonded with weeks old to oldsters. The older cats are very greatfull to be given love and a home, you just have to observe and be around to see how they act and how friendly they are. Older cats, 2 years old and up, are usually more laid back, but can come with some bad habits. With love and the help of this site I don't think there is anything you can't handle though! Chances are greater they will be just fine and will become a member of the family quickly.Kittens are VERY high energy, and although fun and can be trained to your specifications as they grow, they demand a lot of attention and care for the first year or so. Just like puppies and babies they need a safe 'childproofed' home, more feedings, and just more all around attention, but they are SO cute it is worth it! Kittens adopted by humans before the age of 12 weeks or so have not had the time to be 'socialized' by their siblings and mom. Between the ages of 5-12 weeks is the time they learn the limits of how hard to bite, who they can bite, and basically what they can get away with. Playing is what teaches them this. When you hear of a young kitten biting and 'attacking' legs and hands, it is because they have not learned these limits. Sometimes we HAVE to adopt them at a younger age, then YOU have to teach them all these limits. If you adopt two it takes a lot of this training out of your time.  It is really up to you as to how much time you have to invest. Just remember, NO animal is a 'throwaway', they have feelings and emotions just like us, so when you adopt ANY animal do it with a lifelong commitment in mind. Good luck!
 

mani

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I'd spend a little time around cats or kittens if you can, and be sure that you feel this is the way for you to go.  A cat companion can be a lovely idea for uplifing the spirits and having something beyond us to look after and care for, and that is wonderful for depression.  But you really need to spend some time with them to truly know how you feel.

And as Di and Bob says, they teach us about responsibility too, as we take them on for life.

Keep asking questions if you like, as it's important to be really informed.
 
 
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bindu1986

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thanks, my depression problem is about negative thoughts.  my problem is that if i have 10 good reason and 2 bad reason then my mind go through 2 negative reason, this is a main symptom of my inanity and depression, now it also disturb my love for cats,,, because when i read negative thought of peoples about cats they effects me more then good thoughts.  like they say cat owner are fool and cant understand the real nature of cat,, as the cat are expert in manipulate and only show us love because they want food and shelters,, and cats have no emotions like love,  that is my problem,
 

shadowbaby14

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Hello bindu1986,

I just wanted to let you know that every cat is different and every human is different. Some people don't like cats, others do. When it comes down to it, nobody's opinion matters more than your own when you need to make a decision. I agree with Mani, you need to spend more time with cats and do more research to figure out if cats are really for you, and if they are then you need to choose carefully. All I can tell you is that I have had a number of cats, there were cuddly ones, aloof ones, playful ones, emotional ones, and evil ones who would attack my feet when I would walk into my room! Some formed a connection with me and some did not. Of course the ones I had when I was younger were the ones I did not have a connection with, except for one; Poopie. He was a feral cat and he lived on my property when I was around 4. When my family decided to move, Poopie had snuck into my father's car and came to live with us at our new home for a while... Then there was Candy, I got her when I was 12 and she was 6 at the time. She was lovely, she was aloof, but when I was alone she would always come cuddle and sit in my lap. She always knew when I was sad and came to comfort me. Unfortunately Candy has passed away but she always holds a special place in my heart. Now I have Shadow, a 4 month old bundle whom I just adopted. Shadow had not had the time to properly get educated on manners and all so I'm spending a lot of time with her training. This isn't going to be easy. If this is your first time owning a pet I suggest not getting a kitty that is too young. Unless you are really devoted and don't get angry too easily (Shadow tends to bite and scratch a little too much). 

As for cats having no emotion, that is absolutely wrong! I don't know where you're getting this information from... but I can tell you from experience that all my cats definitely had emotion and very specific personalities. They were all unique in their own way and I loved them all even though we did not all connect. But no connection between owner and cat does not mean there is no emotion. 

I hope you take everything I have said into consideration.

:)
 
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