Are You Ready for a Pet Cat?

It’s no surprise that pet adoptions have risen dramatically during the last year – we’ve all been stuck at home, and a pet is something that can make that home feel more exciting, more comforting and more homely! Cats are among the most popular pets in the UK, so a lot have been adopted and bought over the last 12 months. If you’re considering giving a home to a cat, then it’s worth giving it some thought, making sure you’re ready, and avoiding the sad realisation after a few weeks that you can’t give it a safe, happy home.

Common Health Problems

One thing you need to be aware of and ready for are the common health problems your cat can suffer. There are two classes of problem you should be aware of – dramatic but not serious issues you can care for at home, and serious symptoms that require an emergency vet visit.

When you have a cat or kitten vomiting and diarrhea and other gastric issues can be a regular hazard, but fortunately they fall into the first category most of the time. If your cat eats something that disagrees with it, a short bout of vomiting will clear their system and they’ll be back to full strength soon. You can help by making sure they have plenty of fresh water so they stay hydrated, offering small regular meals to keep them nourished and of course cleaning up the mess (many pets owners favour enzymatic cleaners, which break down the chemicals that cause stains and smells).

You need to call a vet if your cat doesn’t recover within a day or two, loses their appetite, or appears withdrawn and lacking in energy along with the vomiting. Other times it’s important to get in contact with a vet as soon as possible are when your cat is injured, if they appear to be in pain, or if their eyes appear to be irritated or weepy. All of these situations can have such serious outcomes that it’s worth taking your cat for a check up even if it turns out not to be serious – the risk is simply not worth it!

Finances

Before you commit to caring for a cat, you need to make sure you can afford it – there may be an initial adoption fee, the cost of buying the initial important equipment – food bowls, litter trays, vaccinations and so on. There are also ongoing costs in cat litter and food. Finally there are unforeseeable high costs – vet bills in case of sickness or injury. It’s worth looking into pet insurance to help cushion the cost of these bills, or see if your vet offers their own membership scheme.

Check your budgeting – it’s unwise to take on a pet unless you’re confident you can provide for their needs and wellbeing!

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