Introduction.
Chapter 1: Are You Ready to Get a Cat?
Time and Living Commitments.
Financial Commitment.
Environmental Requirements.
A Good Match.
Chapter 2: Choosing a Cat.
Moggie versus Pedigreed.
How Big Will the Cat Be?
Male or Female?
Longhair, Shorthair, or No Hair?
Kitten or Adult?
Breed Overview (and List).
Where to Find Your Cat.
Picking Out Your Cat.
Chapter 3: Preparing for Your Cat.
Indoor Cat or Indoor-Outdoor Cat?
Where Should Your Cat Stay?
Stocking Up on Cat Supplies.
Choosing a Veterinarian.
Chapter 4: Cat-Proofing.
House Checklist.
Garage Checklist.
Backyard Checklist.
Safety Shopping List.
Chapter 5: Bringing Your Cat Home.
When to Bring Your Cat Home.
When Not to Bring Your Cat Home.
The Car Ride Home.
First Stop, the Veterinarian.
Introducing the Family.4
Introducing Other Cats.
Introducing Dogs.
Introducing Other Pets.
Chapter 6: Family Education.
The First Few Days and Nights.
Basic Manners with a Cat or Kitten.
Teaching House Manners.
Chapter 7: Keeping Your Cat Healthy.
Understanding How to Feed Your Cat.
Going to the Vet.
Exercise.
Grooming.
Socializing.
Chapter 8: Emergencies.
Emergency Checklist.
How to Restrain Your Cat.
Assembling a First-Aid Kit.
Treatments and Transport for Common Cat Injuries.
Family Disaster Planning.
Chapter 9: Litter Box Behavior.
Types of Litter.
The Nose Knows.
Litter Boxes and Other Technicalities.
Where to Put the Litter Box.
Solving Litter Box Problems.
Chapter 10: Having Fun with Your Cat.
Clicker Training for Kitty.
Introducing the Clicker.
Tricks You Can Teach Your Cat.
Setting Up a Kitty Obstacle Course.
Fun Games to Play with Your Cat.
Chapter 11: Problem Kitties.
Preventing Problem Behaviors.
Aggression.
Counter Creeping.
Vocalizations.
Fear of Thunder and Loud Noises.
Spraying and Inappropriate Defecation.
Scratching.
Leaving behind Killed Animals.
What If It Doesn't Work Out? Options for the Cat Owner.
Chapter 12: Your Cat As Part of the Family.
Identification.
Vacations.
Boarding Facilities.
Pet Sitters.
The Workplace.
Appendix: Useful Resources.
How to Use This Appendix.
Cat Breed List.
Vaccination Record.
Veterinary Record.
Chore Chart.
Emergency Veterinarian Numbers.
Pet Sitter Journal.
Kennel Information Sheet.
Index.
