| Cats can make great pets, they have personalities of | | | | There will also be the vets fees should your cat |
| their own and can be a brilliant companion for families | | | | become injured or ill, you may even decide to take |
| or older children. But what things are important to | | | | out insurance to cover this, which are all things you |
| consider before owning a cat? It is important to take | | | | should research and consider. Lastly there are the |
| many things into account before giving your feline | | | | one off costs, or the initial outlays of owning a cat. |
| friend a new home. | | | | Microchipping, to ensure you can prove the cat is |
| Cat behaviour: | | | | yours should it get lost, vaccinations, not just as a |
| It is important you actually like the way cats behave | | | | kitten but also throughout the life of your pet. There |
| before even considering having one. Cats can be | | | | are also the sundries, such as bowls, toys, and |
| affectionate and loving but they are also independent | | | | bedding. |
| creatures that may spend a lot of time outside. You | | | | Other considerations: |
| should be aware of this before getting a cat to avoid | | | | After thinking about all of the above you should also |
| being disappointed. Cats also can be quite demanding | | | | think about the members in your family. Are they all |
| in many ways, asking for food, to be let out or in at | | | | prepared to take responsibility for the pet? Are they |
| the strangest times. They also like to hunt, not all | | | | all comfortable with the idea of having a cat? You |
| cats will be good hunters, but if you aren't willing to | | | | should also think about any pets you already have |
| clear up after their escapades this could be an issue | | | | and if they will get along with the new family |
| later on! Cats are also fairly playful, although they will | | | | member. Another point to think about is if anyone in |
| sleep often many cats will love to be entertained | | | | the household has allergies, if so you should think |
| when they are awake so you need to make sure a | | | | very carefully if having a cat would be suitable. |
| member of your family will be happy to play with | | | | Obtaining a cat |
| your new pet! | | | | Once you have thought about all of the above and |
| Lifestyle: | | | | having decided to get a cat, you should think about |
| You also need to take your lifestyle into | | | | where you are going to get your new feline friend |
| consideration. Cats dislike change so if you have to | | | | from. During the spring there are many adverts for |
| move often you might want to think about a | | | | kittens. Some of these are free to a good home, |
| different sort of pet. Cats also demand a certain | | | | some already have flea treatments and Microchipping |
| amount of time to keep them healthy and happy. | | | | and sometimes the people will ask for a small price to |
| Tasks such as grooming, feeding, medical care (such | | | | cover the cost. This is of course speaking for the |
| as de-fleaing and worming) and of course playing all | | | | majority of cats that are 'moggies', in other words |
| take a considerable amount of time which has to be | | | | the common British shorthair cat, with no pedigree. |
| worked into your routine. Cats are however, | | | | These cats have varied and interesting personalities, |
| independent creatures so will tolerate being left alone | | | | not to mention looks as well! Maybe you might want |
| for a number of hours, providing access to food, | | | | a pedigree cat, which although the care may be |
| clean water and shelter is provided. If you go on | | | | slightly different or more demanding you will know |
| holidays you also need to make arrangements for | | | | what to expect from your new pet. The best place |
| the cats care while you are away. | | | | to source these cats is from cat magazines and |
| Finance: | | | | online private websites from breeders. |
| Although not hugely expensive animals to keep you | | | | Although it is great to get a new kitten, you should |
| should always think about the cost of keeping an | | | | also think about rehoming centres. Many cats are |
| animal before giving it a home. Things to keep in mind | | | | abandoned or given to rehoming centres each year. |
| is their food cost, although most cats are happy on | | | | They are all there for many reasons and there is |
| basic cat foods some may have restrictions, such as | | | | always a huge variety to choose from, right from |
| allergies, which means a higher quality food needs to | | | | little kittens to the veterans, all of which would |
| be provided. You should also consider the basic health | | | | cherish a new loving home. |
| costs, such as regular flea treatments and wormers. | | | | |