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The Good, the Bad and the Cuddly Cat owners spill the beans on the bizarre and adorable habits of their finicky feline friends 
Is it possible that 44 percent of cats actually hang around when company drops by rather than dashing for the nearest hiding spot? And could it be that cats aren’t as universally aloof as popularly portrayed, and that 50 percent actually come running when called? “Yes” is the answer, according to new myth-busting data collected from a summer survey of nearly 12,000 cat owners and American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) members who responded to an August online survey (a survey the ASPCA forthrightly acknowledges was completely “unscientific”). Not all myths were busted, however. Fifty-three percent of owners say that when they pick up the cat, she either “tolerates my behavior” or “she wants me to put her down.” Fourteen percent say their cat’s best trick is “marathon napping sessions;” 25 percent say it is “stalking bugs or imaginary prey.” Some other findings with which cat lovers will relate: • 38 percent reported their cats drape themselves across whatever their pet parent is working on or reading. • Angry kitties often give their owners the cold shoulder or take out their frustration on the family dog. • Most say when their cat is meowing, it is signaling the demand for immediate undivided attention. • 58 percent say the cat’s favorite toy is a bottle cap, cardboard box or other do-it-yourself objects. •45 percent say the cat’s favorite activity when no one’s watching is scratching the sofa, armchair or rugs. Owners report that cats’ second and third favorite when-no-one’s-around sports are cuddling or napping with another household cat or dog, or nibbling on the potted plants. Interestingly, a few respondents reported their cats flush the toilet, raid the trashcan or climb the curtains. The survey also drew comments that clearly indicate cats have very different personalities, and while some of those traits and behaviors are enchanting, some are much less so. When asked what one thing they would change about their cats, the answers included: No more love bites or scratches, let me hold her more, play with me more, be more of a lap cat, stop being so mean to my other animals and stop chewing rugs, scratching furniture and knocking over things. When asked, “When I first got my cat, I had no idea she/he would be so (fill-in the blank),” the top answers were: • Capable of bringing me such happiness and joy • Shy/timid • Bossy and mean • Important to me • Attached to me The results were no big surprise to Dr. Emily Weiss, senior director of shelter behavior programs for the ASPCA, New York City. When people choose to bring a cat into the home, its “true personality surprises them in both positive and negative ways,” she says.
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Adopt a pet at
PetFinder.com (Results will appear on PetFinder.com)  Ways to Welcome Home a New Feline
From Allie Phillips of King Street Cats, a cat-rescue group in Alexandria, Va., which holds open adoptions at downtown locations every Sunday
A new home can seem huge, intimidating and overwhelming. So find a room that will allow the cat to get accustomed to the smells and sounds. Placing a cat-calming Feliway plug-in device in the room may also help.
Make introductions slowly
If you have other cats or pets, a several-step introduction is best. First, allow your current pets to see the new cat through a baby-gated doorway or by someone holding the new cat while your current pet is held and petted (to reduce anxiety and jealousy.) Cats will invariably growl and hiss during introductions. Keep petting and talking to all pets. Let the pets decide when they want to get closer to sniff each other, which may take days or even weeks.
Kitty-proof your home
If this is your first cat, be sure electrical cords are hidden or secured to avoid chewing; check tables and shelves for breakable items; beware of lit candles on low tables; and be sure basements and other areas don’t have small openings to the outdoors. Lock away cleaners, chemicals, fertilizers and other toxins with baby-proof hinges. Have at least one litter box per cat.
Provide supervision
During the first weeks of allowing your new cat to roam free in your house, it's best to be watchful. You can help it locate litter boxes and food/water bowls and you'll discover its hiding places. And if you have other pets, you can ensure there are no conflicts.
Give lots of love
Keep your level of attention for existing pets consistent when a new cat arrives. If you suddenly stop or reduce the level of play and interaction with current pets, jealousy can ensue and the new cat could become the target of attacks. Engage in playtime with all the cats together.
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What’s your question? Sharon Peters would like to hear about what’s on your mind when it comes to caring for, training and loving your pet. E-mail 