- Cat Type Facts
- Type Description:
This type of cat can be pure black, have a solid black body with intermittent markets, or even be a chocolate brown color that looks black without the benefit of direct sunlight. - Varieties: Black cats come in a variety of breeds including domestic short-haired or long haired.
- CFA Group: There are 37 CFA groups for the championship status, many of which can include the black cat. One of the most prominent of these groups is the American short hair.
- History: Domesticated cats have been domesticated for a much shorter time than dogs or other household pets. When these animals became domesticated, it was because allowing cats to share the household was a better alternative than having rats and other rodents in the home. The cats were allowed to remain and kill the mice, rats, and other rodents.
- Physical Traits: Depending on the breed of cat, black cat breeds may have short or long hair. Cats are four-legged animals that are born with claws, which are often removed.
- Shared Characteristics: Cats have many shared characteristics. One of these is that they are very independent. Because they are good hunters, they can take care of their own feeding needs. Cats are also meticulous groomers. They bathe themselves on a daily basis and dislike having a dirty litter box or anything unclean around them. The sound that they make, a "meow" differs based on their emotions.
- Child Friendly: As with any pet, some cats are child friendly and some are not. If the child is a new face to the cat, it may hiss or become afraid. Children might also play rough or pull the cat's tail, causing it to scratch or bite. Supervision should always be available when children and cats are together.
- Benefits: One major benefit of having a cat is that it can kill any rodents that may find their way into your house. Cats are also amusing and can be good companions.
- Liabilities: Scratching, biting, and marking of territory may occur when you have a cat as a pet. These can cause injury or damage to your home.
Health Issues: Cats must be properly attended to by a veterinarian when they are healthy as well as when they are sick. They need yearly vaccinations and have a tendency to develop diseases such as feline leukemia. - Specific Care Needs: Cats need very little in the way of personal attention because of their independence. You need to provide them with fresh food, water, and some squeaky toys to keep them occupied. You may want to brush your cat regularly to prevent hairballs.
- Special Household Needs: Remember that cats like to scratch and provide a scratching post to prevent your furniture and carpets from being torn up. Clean your litter box regularly to prevent odors from forming.
- What to Look for: Look for a cat that shows no outward signs of disease such as red and watery eyes, excessive fatigue, or mucus production. If a cat is outwardly aggressive, it may be wise to choose another cat for your home.
- Supplies: You will need food and water dishes, toys, a scratching post, litter, a litter pan or box, a litter scoop, and a brush for your new pet.
- Expense: Cats are relatively inexpensive when they are in good health. If they become ill, the veterinary bills may be expensive.
