Adopting a cat can be fun and rewarding, but there are also lots of challenges associated with pet ownership. There are a few things you should think about before adopting a cat, as explained in more detail below.
Look At Your Finances
Cats aren't the most expensive pet you can adopt, but they can cost a substantial amount of money. Make a list of everything your pet will need, and estimate how much it will cost weekly, monthly and annually.
- When most people think of taking a pet to a vet for treatment, they imagine cats or dogs, maybe rabbits and guinea pigs, or perhaps even smaller furry creatures. One animal that's not often considered is the humble goldfish. Goldfish have long been popular pets, but the trouble is that people see them differently to other animals. There's a pervasive belief that fish are fine if they're pretty much left to their own devices and if they get sick there's nothing much that can be done about it.
- Bleeding from the nose in rabbits can be a sign of a serious underlying health condition, and if left untreated, it can cause anaemia and respiratory problems. Rabbits tend to be more prone to experiencing bleeding from the nose if their living environment is not kept clean or if they have a weakened immune system. However, there are a number of possible causes including blood clotting disorders, bacterial or fungal infections, a tumour in the nasal cavity and a tooth abscess.
- Brushing your dog regularly has a host of benefits, such as giving you an opportunity to detect any abnormalities (lumps, for example). However, some homeowners who have just acquired their first dog may not know how to select the right brush for grooming their dog. This article discusses the common types of dog coats and the frequency of brushing needed. Long-Haired Breeds Does your dog have long hair? Long-haired breeds, such as Tibetan terriers, need to be brushed on a weekly basis.
- A cat's teeth and gums are vital parts of its anatomy, and without a fully functioning set of pearly whites, your cat can have severe trouble with eating, grooming and other activities. As such, it's important to try and protect your cat's oral health against any and all diseases, and one of the most damaging and dangerous oral diseases a cat can suffer from is feline stomatitis. If left untreated, this condition can even threaten your cat's life, so if your cat is showing signs of stomatitis, then working closely with veterinary dentists to manage the condition is vital.