Pet Health Information

A 'one stop source' featuring a wealth of animal health information and advice to help owners and potential owners to make decisions about their pets' healthcare.

Cats

• Background
• Getting a cat
• Kittens
• Caring for a cat
• Pet Health Guide
  • Seeking Help
  • Cat 'Flu
  • Chronic Renal Failure
  • Diabetes
  • Epilepsy
  • Feline Leukaemia
  • Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
  • Fleas
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Obesity
  • Rabies
  • Ticks
  • Urinary Problems
  • Worms
• Senior pets
• Travelling abroad with your pet
• First Aid
• Questions & Answers

GETTing a cat

You can get a cat from a variety of sources including breeders and rescue centres. If you’re buying a kitten, ask to see its mother so you can check whether she has a good temperament and characteristics. An ideal age to purchase a kitten is when they’re between 10 and 12 weeks old.

Cost of keeping a cat

In addition to the initial cost of buying a cat, it’s estimated that ongoing costs such as food, veterinary fees and treatments and pet insurance are approximately £10 a week.

Choosing a cat

Before you get a cat it’s wise to think long and hard about whether your new pet will suit your personality and lifestyle. Considerations should include:

• Whether you’d like to purchase a male or female / kitten or adult
• Does the cat you’re considering suit your home, family etc?
• Are you prepared to play with your cat on a daily basis?
• Can you make a lifelong commitment to your cat?
• Will your new cat bond with other pets in the household?
• Lastly, whether you can afford to keep a pet.

The secret to choosing a cat is to do lots of research including finding out more about potential health problems and characteristics.

Why not think about a rescue cat? Have a look at our rescue page to find out more.

Breed guide

Most cats in the UK are DSH (domestic short haired) - or moggies! Only 10% UK cats in the UK are pedigree. There are 44 breeds of cat and these are split into Persian, Burmese, Semi longhair, British, Foreign and Siamese. The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy has more details about pedigree cats.

Hints and tips on new ownership

Once you’ve decided that you’re going to get a cat, do some planning so that your pet’s first days in its new home are as easy and pleasurable as possible.

• Equipment for your cat should include a cat bed big enough for your pet to stretch out in, a litter tray and food and water bowls
• Buy some pet food for your cat – this can either be dry complete food or semi-moist and tinned foods. Buy a food that they have been fed at their previous home; if you change it make sure that it is introduced slowly
• Depending on your pet’s vaccination history, you may need to phone your vet and book an appointment for vaccinations. Your vet will also carry out a ‘nose to tail’ MOT.