So the time has come and you are thinking of buying a new pet. Petmillions are the leading pet contest online supporting pet charities across the globe. Cats & dogs remain the most popular household pet, with 34% of US households owning at least 1 cat & 7.5 million cat owners in the UK. However every year close to 20% of animals find their way into animal shelters. Stats from petmillions.com the online charity pet contest shows that most cat lovers have at least 2 cats, giving you as an owner that extra responsibility.
So you think you want a cat, well they are certainly clean and make good companions for many people. Their instincts will mean that they can damage carpets and furniture with their claws, unlike dogs its very hard to train a cat!. Cats are more independent than dogs, and therefore may not always want to be stroked and handled.
So is a cat right for you?
Q) Are you out most of the day, evenings & weekends?
Q) Are you buying this cat for your teenage children only?
Q) Are you elderly and buying a kitten?
Q) Do you live in a flat or small house with no garden?
Q) Do you live on a busy road with little garden area at the back?
Q) Do you have a limited income?
Q) Do you move around a lot?
Q) Do you have a lot of expensive furniture and household items?
If you have answered yes to most of the above questions, then you need to rethink having a cat as a pet.
So what do cats need? We have teamed up with petmillions.com and their charity partners to offer some key things you need to remember if taking a cat as a pet.
Companionship, it's ideal that you live in a cat neighbourhood or perhaps are thinking or taking 2 cats. Cats love company with both humans and other cats.
A balanced & nutritious diet - although cats love chicken, meat & fish they do not eat a human diet with heavy salt and rich sauces. There also need to be no bones in their food.
A constant supply of fresh, clean water in a sturdy bowl.
A garden or safe place to play and stretch their legs every day, away from busy roads.
Somewhere warm and cosy to sleep, your bed will probably be the place of choice!.
To be brushed regularly, particularly when shedding their coats. Long-haired cats need to be brushed every day of they can get knotted and can be very painful for a cat.
A scratching post, you can make one yourself using a piece of wood with rope wrapped around it.
Cats like humans need clean teeth, its advisable to take them to the vet regularly to get their teeth checked and cleaned.
You need to let your cat have access in and outside, so a cat flap is ideal and safer than leaving a window open.
To be trained to use a litter tray, it you go on holiday your cat may need to go to a cattery and they will use trays. If your cat was unwell they may need to be kept in - again another need for a litter tray.
To be microchipped in case they get lost, or with expensive cats stolen.
Cat neutering should be carried out as early as possible in order to avoid unwanted litters. Cats are sexually mature at 6 months, but some cats can become pregnant as early as five months. Therefore, the ideal age to neuter your cat is between four and five months always check with your vet and get professional advice.
To be taken to a vet if they are ill or injured, as quickly as possible. Too often to cats get hit by cars and they may appear to be asleep but could be seriously unwell. So if you spot anything different get it checked out.
Injections to prevent certain serious diseases, plus regular worming and regular flea treatments.
To be looked after when you are on holiday by a professional career or someone who can give your cat the time and attention it needs.
Petmillions are the leading pet contest online supporting pet charities across the globe.
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