There are lots of things to consider before purchasing a pet as pets are for life so you need to know what you are letting yourself in for and what a commitment pet ownership is.

Cats are very clean and can make very good companions for many people, but some of them will damage your furniture and your carpets with their claws and not all cats like to be stroked or handled.

However, most cats do love companionship - most of them like to be with other cats or you and your family for at least part of every day.

In return, you have a responsibility to make sure your cat is offered a balanced diet every day and a constant supply of clean, fresh water.  Your cats will also need a safe place to excercise and play every day, away from unsafe, bury roads.  A cat kennel could be the answer to this if you have a garden that is large enough to take one.  A cat kennel will allow you cat to be in the fresh air, but will also ensure that she doesn’t stray or get knocked down. Just place your cat’s favourite cat bed in the kennel area and a few cat toys and/or a tree branch in the cat run area and he will have his own den to rest and play in !!

Wherever you cat is, she will need somewhere warm and cosy to sleep in and there a lot of wonderful cat beds to choose from.  There are faux fur cat beds, cosy little teepees or maybe a fleecy donut.

Your cat’s fur will also need grooming to keep it in tip-top condition. Long-haired cats need to be brushed every day and shorter haired cats on a regular basis. This process will help you to develop a bond with you cat and also ensure that her fur is clean and tangle-free which will make her feel so much better.  

Just like humans, a cat’s teeth can build up tartar so try and help to keep your cat’s teeth clean by either brushing or rubbing her teeth with special cat toothpaste or take her to the vet for regular teeth checks.

Because cats are independent creatures, they like to come and go as they please so purchasing a cat flap is a good idea.  Your cat will also have to be trained to use a litter tray if she is going to be kept in the house for long periods of time.

A kitten or adopted cat should be microchipped in case they stray or get lost or even stolen and cat neutering should be carried out as early as possible in order to avoid unwanted litters. You should be aware that most cats are sexually mature at six months, but some cats have been known to become pregnant as early as five months !! Therefore, the ideal age to neuter your cat is between four and five months old to prevent any “accidents” 

You will be responsible for taking your cat to the vet if she becomes ill or is injured and also to ensure that she has the relevant injections to prevent her catching any serious diseases. Your cat will have to be Wormed and get used to regular flea treatments.

If you go away on holiday, your cat will have to be well cared for whilst you are away - this could be with the cat kennels or a neighbour taking her in for you. 

All cats love to play and whilst some cats go mad for catnip toys, others will love to climb and hide.  A good quality cat activity centre is a good idea but if this breaks the bank, then a cardboard box is just as good !!  Cats also love to scratch, so a scratching post in the house or the cat kennel is a good idea as this can help prevent you cat from scratching the furniture and the carpets.

It’s worth remembering that indoor cats need more entertainment than outdoor cats, so why not make dinner time more of a challenge by feeding your cat biscuits through a puzzle feeder toy.  Again, if this is too expensive, take a plastic drinks bottle and cut biscuit sized holes cut into it - Your cat will soon learn that batting the bottle around will releases the biscuits and he will love having to play and work for his food.