Things to consider when adopting a pet

SLEEPING area: It is important that your new pet has an area, either inside or outside the house, which is its own to rest in if it wants to lay down for a while.

In the case of a dog, this can be an outside kennel with adequate bedding, raised off the ground to prevent any rainwater from entering the kennel and wetting the bedding, or an outside room with a basket and blanket.

Alternatively, if the animal sleeps inside the house, provide an area with a box or basket with bedding so that the animal can rest. Cats or kittens will usually find their own preferred area to sleep. Providing them with a soft blanket or towel should be sufficient.

It is important to remember that young animals, like human babies, sleep a large percentage of the day and children should be prevented from carrying them around all the time, as this can cause them to stress and may also make them irritable.

Wandering: It is recommended to keep newly adopted cat indoors for the first five to seven days to prevent the animal from wandering off.

The cat should be provided with a sand box (litter tray) and the windows should be kept closed to ensure the cat does not escape. If the cat has a nervous nature, this period indoors should be extended. This time spent inside your home is to allow the cats to develop a homing instinct to where it now resides. Placing butter on the bottom of the paws to prevent it wandering is an old wives tale and should not be depended upon.

It is advisable to allow your new cat out for the first time during the day, just before it is fed, so as to encourage him/her to return. Cats should not be put out for the first time at night.

Cats may spray – this is a natural way for the animal to mark its new territory. The sterilising of cats reduces this habit dramatically. Excessive spraying may indicate stress or a urinary infection. Veterinary advice should be sought.