| Owning a cat can be fun and rewarding for any age | | | | cat may not be suitable for young children. However, |
| group. However, bringing a cat into your home does | | | | with the right person, both can make extremely |
| require some forward planning. When he/she arrives | | | | rewarding companions. |
| they will want to explore their new surroundings and | | | | If you spend a large amount of the day out of the |
| get acquainted with everything as quickly as possible. | | | | house, then it might be an idea to consider two |
| You can help to speed up the settling in process by | | | | kittens or cats. Two will be company for one |
| preparing your house before their arrival. Apart from | | | | another, especially when you go away on holiday. |
| purchasing all the necessary equipment, you will need | | | | Having more than one may be additional expense and |
| to cat proof your home, check out your local | | | | work, but in the long run, they will be more content |
| boarding facilities and choose a veterinary surgeon. | | | | and less destructive around the house. |
| There are several basic and essential items that you | | | | Non-pedigree Cats/kittens - come in all shapes, sizes, |
| will require for your new cat. | | | | patterns, colours and coat lengths. There are |
| Litter tray, cat litter and litter scoop - This will always | | | | obviously plenty of rescue organisations looking for |
| be required if your cat stays indoors. | | | | homes for unwanted cats and kittens so, unless you |
| A covered tray will prevent any spillage. | | | | know someone with some kittens that are looking |
| Cat food - It is probably a good idea to find out | | | | for good homes, this could be a good place to start. |
| what food your cat has been used to, so that you | | | | Although the right kitten can make a wonderful |
| can feed the same. This will help with the settling in | | | | companion, one of the downsides of purchasing a |
| process. | | | | non-pedigree kitten is that you will not know exactly |
| Basket and bedding - Make sure it is as warm and | | | | how it is going to turn out - as with all animals, every |
| comfortable as possible. | | | | breed has its own characteristics. |
| Pet carrier - This will make visits to the vets or | | | | Pedigree Cats/kittens - These are obviously more |
| boarding kennels easier and safer. | | | | expensive and with over a hundred breeds to choose |
| Collar and tag - even if your cat stays indoors, there | | | | from, your research could take a little time. Apart |
| is still a chance of it getting out and becoming lost. | | | | from reading through books on cat breeds, you could |
| Brush and comb - It is important to keep your cat's | | | | always visit a cat show, which will give you the |
| coat in good condition. | | | | opportunity to view as many breeds as possible and |
| Toys and scratching post - These are important for | | | | provide you with valuable links to breeders. Buying a |
| your cat's health and well-being. | | | | pedigree kitten also gives you the opportunity to |
| Many of these items, along with food, neutering or | | | | view the parents and see the final size, fur length |
| spaying, annual inoculations and pet insurance, can be | | | | and characteristics of the breed. |
| costly. You must, therefore, consider the cost | | | | When choosing your cat, particularly if you have |
| involved in owning a cat before rushing out to get | | | | young children, make sure that it is used to being |
| one. As cats can live for over twenty years, your | | | | handled and is not frightened. It is also best to check |
| decision should not be made lightly. | | | | your cat/kitten over for any signs of ill health. Check |
| Not buying a dog for Christmas, should also apply to | | | | the eyes; they should be bright and free from any |
| cats. As well as expense, it is important to consider | | | | discharge. The ears should be clean and free from |
| your present circumstances before purchasing a cat. | | | | waxy deposits, as this could be a sign of ear mites. |
| Any major upheavals in your home such as building | | | | Your cat's coat should be clean and soft with no |
| work, decorating or large gatherings of family and | | | | signs of parasitic infestation. Finally, the stomach |
| friends could be frightening for your new arrival. It | | | | should be plump and soft, as any hardness could be a |
| makes much more sense to wait until everything has | | | | sign of worm infestation. |
| quietened down and everyone is more relaxed. | | | | When you bring your new companion home, it is also |
| Deciding on the type of cat you wish to purchase - | | | | very important to introduce her/him to all members |
| pedigree or non-pedigree, kitten or adult cat - and | | | | of the family and that includes other pets. Any |
| where you are going to purchase it from, is | | | | existing pets could begin to feel neglected if the new |
| something else you must decide. As well as personal | | | | cat gets all the attention, so you must ensure that |
| preference, your decision should also be based on | | | | everyone gets their share. Once your cat settles in |
| your circumstances. For example, a young kitten may | | | | to its new life he/she will hopefully become a much |
| not be suitable for an elderly person, just as an older | | | | loved and valued member of the family. |