Choosing A Pet

Pets are much treasured members of the family and bring us a tremendous amount of pleasure, but they are also a major responsibility and can have a huge impact on our lives.

Here are some important things to consider when making your choice of family pet.

How much spare time do you have to care for a pet?
How much space do you have in your home?
Do you have someone to look after your pet when you are away?
Are you aware of the long term cost of food, healthcare, veterinary care etc?

With your answers to these questions in mind, click on the headings below for more specific information on choosing a pet that will suit you and your lifestyle.

Dogs

Cats

Rabbits and other small furries

Reptiles, amphibians, birds and fish

Cats

Cats are entertaining, affectionate and self-reliant, although like any pet they require lots of care.

They are ideal pets for town dwellers as they don't need to be taken for walks and can live indoors, or roam freely with the use of a cat-flap. They make particularly good pets for children or the elderly.

Male or Female?

Female cats are more docile, playful and affectionate than male cats. Male cats are very territorial and will fight for their territory and the females within it. However, male cats, once neutered, will become more docile and "female-like".

Kitten or Adult?

A kitten is more demanding to look after than an adult cat and will need careful watching as well as litter and cat-flap training. However, kittens are more adaptable than adults and easier to introduce to your home, especially if you already have a pet.

If you do decide to buy a kitten, do not take it away from its mother until it is fully weaned, usually at eight weeks old.

Short or Long hair?

A short haired cat is able to groom itself and will therefore make fewer demands on your time. It is also easier to tend to wounds and to remove parasites from a short haired cat.

A longhaired cat looks spectacular but will require daily grooming, otherwise clumps of swallowed hair (hairballs) will accumulate in its stomach. Choose a longhaired if you have plenty of time to fuss and groom.

Pedigree or non pedigree?

Pedigree cats are expensive but as each pedigree breed has its own physical and behavioural characteristics, you will have a good idea of how your kitten will look and behave as an adult cat. If you intend to show your cat, make sure you tell the breeder so that they can identify a potential winner for you as not all pedigree kittens are up to show standard.

If you just want a family pet, choose a non-pedigree, they are considerably less expensive to buy. Non-pedigrees can be just as pretty as pedigrees, and are not as likely to suffer from health and behaviour problems that are associated with particular breeds.

Where to buy a cat

If you are looking for a pedigree cat, go to a specialist breeder. Otherwise a pet shelter or a pet shop. However it is always wise to have a veterinary health check before you make your decision - contact your branch surgery to make an appointment for a free health check.