Questions to Ask Before Committing to Owning a Manx Cat

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Pets are some of the most wonderful gifts people give to themselves. They’re loving, kind and they relieve stress. They’re a companion when the rest of the world is busy doing its own thing. They’re a wonderful friend when you’re in the mood to be alone yet not be alone. Cats, while they’re not for everyone, are amazing pets. Even if you don’t think you are a ‘cat person,’ you might be mistaken. Perhaps you’re one of the many people who believe that dogs are more common than cats and that cats are just for crazy old cat ladies who live alone and have no one. Would it surprise you to learn that more households in America have cats than dogs?

Cats are wonderful animals that make great pets, including the Manx cat. However, before you make the decision to either adopt or purchase a Manx from a shelter or breeder – or a friend looking to get rid of their cat – you should know that owning a cat is a big responsibility. Yes, they’re self-sufficient animals that don’t really bother anyone, but it’s still a responsibility, and you should ask yourself whether or not you are the kind of person who is ready to bring a Manx into your home to call your own. Here are a few helpful tips that will assist you in determining whether or not your house is ready for its very own Manx.

Have You Ever Owned a Cat Before?

If you’ve never owned a cat before, it might help you to do a little research to see what kind of animal you’re getting. If you’re looking specifically at a Manx, learn as much as you can about this particular breed. It will be helpful to know all that there is to know so you can take all aspects of this cat’s personality in consideration before you head to the vet, shelter or breeder to pick up your new feline friend.

Do You Prefer Kittens or Adults?

Here is another great question; you might be able to find a Manx at a shelter that’s a little older. However, it might be difficult to find a Manx kitten at a shelter. This means you might have to buy one, and they’re not cheap. Additionally, you should be ready to take on the differences between the two. Kittens are less likely to do well on their own, need to be trained and are a bit more rambunctious than adult cats. Adult cats are less likely to have an issue being left alone throughout the day as you go to work or live your own life, which might make an adult a better cat for you and your personal lifestyle.

Shedding and Grooming

Most people assume that cats are pretty much self-sufficient animals that don’t require much in the way of grooming. However, cats do need to be groomed. While the Manx isn’t a cat with exceptionally long hair, it’s still a cat that has hair and it’s a cat that sheds. While it’s not going to shed as often as certain other breeds, it requires at least twice weekly brushing and it does also require that you brush the cat more often in the spring and fall. For a Manx, this is considered the more common ‘shedding season’ in which the cat will lose more hair. If you decide to skip the brushing, you will just see that the hair seems to pile up a bit more on your floors and furniture. Brushing regularly helps to keep the dead hair in the brush instead of all over your house.

Do You Know How Long Cats Live?

For the record, most cats live a very long time. Some people don’t take this into consideration when they decide to get a cat and once the novelty wears off or the kids grow up, they’re no longer interested in having a cat. Don’t get us wrong; we’re not telling you not to get a cat, Manx or otherwise. We’re simply telling you that if you’re invested in owning a cat for around 15 years or more, you might not want to bother. It’s not fair to your cat to have a home, and then not have a home. Cats live a long time, and that makes them a commitment.

Let’s look at it this way; cats live almost as long as kids live at home. If you’re not willing to feed, water, exercise, play with and provide long and attention (and health care) to something for that many years, perhaps you should avoid buying or adopting a cat (or having kids…). If you love the idea of a long-time companion such as this, then a cat is perfect for you. It’s a wonderful pet to have, but it’s still a bit commitment you should be sure you’re ready to make.

Male vs. Female

Most people want to know the difference between a male cat and a female cat. The truth is that they are a male and a female, and that’s the difference. According to vets and cat experts, there is no real difference in most cats based on gender. Some male cats are larger than females, but in terms of affection, kindness and playfulness, they seem to be pretty even with one another. You will, however, want to go ahead and make sure you get your cat either spayed or neutered (most breeders will require this if you go that route) so that you can keep the cat population down – especially if you have no intention on ending up with hundreds of kittens over the years. Even if your cat is an indoor cat and you have no other animals, it’s the responsible and wise thing to do to get your cat spayed or neutered. Talk to your vet about it when you take your cat for its first appointment. That’s something else you might want to consider; cats need to see the vet pretty regularly, and more often if they’re not feeling well or seem to have something going on that doesn’t seem normal.

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