Before taking on a pet - there are a few rules to responsible pet ownership

You want a kitten? - yes they are cute and cuddly, but all kittens grow up into cats, and they live a long time - up to fifteen years - can you make this commitment - and keep to it - through "thick and thin"

Chose a good vet, don't just look in yellow pages, visit neighbours or friends who have pets and ask their opinion of their vet

Pet First Aid - www.scarsdalevets.com

Make sure when you get your pet it is vaccinated, if not, you must get it done - for the health of your pet - and to save any heartache later on

No, it is not kind to let your pet have "just one litter".  One of the ways of cutting down stray animals is to ensure your pet is protected.  In 6 years a dog and her puppies can produce 67,000 offspring, and in 7 years a cat and kittens can produce 420,000 offspring.  Also if they are spayed or neutered they are not likely to suffer from cancerous diseases as they get older.  They also live longer and tend to have better temperaments,

Don't put your pets in intolerable situations - or you will end  up, losing  it   sooner   than you think.  It also works   both ways,  do you already own any pets that it is likely to take a fancy to?

If you live near a main road - get a cat from a shelter or rescue centre which is used to living indoors.

Yes,   a   shelter or a rescue centre, do not support shops or puppy mills,   they   are   more  interested in profit than the welfare of the animal

A mature cat makes an excellent pet for most people, sadly as   they   get   older many end up at rescue centres and die there.   as   kittens  get selected first.   Examine the longest staying or eldest ones first , and ask about their characters, as they will take less looking after, as they are already house-trained, and you may find one more ideal for your lifestyle.

Don't kill your pet with "kindness". Feed your pet a healthy diet Both overfeeding and chocolate kills! YES - it is real and NO - this is not a Hospice cat!

In hot weather, white, pale coloured or ginger cats need high factor sun cream on ears and noses to prevent skin cancer

If you chose a white pet, make sure it has been checked for deafness, as you need to be aware so it is not living near traffic which it can't hear.

If you want a pedigree pet - don't buy before you visit.  Make sure  it is from a reputable breeder and you receive all papers including vaccination certificates

AND REMEMBER

Maybe  this   is  a little "white lie"  - the food aspect I mean - but also remember - animals need "friends" too, especially if they are left on their own for any length of time, and if everyone thought like this, we would halve the number of animals needing homes.

If not, please leave me for someone who can.

Still want to home an animal - great - then click on "next"