Tag Archive for: new kitten

How to Choose a Cat That’s Right for You

How to Choose a Cat That’s Right for You

Welcoming a new animal into your home is a big step. So how do you make sure that the cat you’re adopting is the right one for you? We’ve put together some of the most common factors in choosing a cat that’s right for you.

Size


How big or small is your space? Cats do best in pairs, do you have enough room for 2 cats? While cats don’t come in as varied of sizes as dogs, some breeds like Maine Coons (8-25lbs) are much larger than your standard house cat (8-11lbs). Do you want a large cat or a smaller cat?

 

 

 

Activity Level


Not all cats are lazy. Some cats really like to play – like Bengals. Are you looking for a more sedentary cat or do you want one that’s always on the go?

 

 

 

 

Physical Maintenance


Some cat breeds require more grooming than others – especially long hair cats! Are you able to keep up with a regular grooming schedule? For example, Persians need groomed one a month.

 

 

 

 

Age


Kittens require the most training and attention and can be a wild-card for personality. While an adult cat will give you a better idea of their energy level, attitude, and temperament. How about letting a senior cat spend their golden years with you?

 

 

 

 

Breed


Do you want a purebred cat? What about a domestic house cat (aka a mutt)? If you’re looking for a specific breed check with local rescues in your area that specialize in that breed or research reputable cat breeders.

 

 

 

Congratulations on your new friend! We hope you two have many happy years together. Despite what many people may think, cats can’t be left alone for days at a time. If you’re planning on going out of town, Wet Noses Pet Sitting can help with cat visits. From short visits to overnights, we can custom tailor a schedule for you and your cats needs.

If there’s any other important tips for choosing a cat that’s right for you that we missed, let us know in the comments.

5 Tips to Picking a Veterinarian You Love!

 

Adding a new pet to your family is very exciting. It’s important to find a good vet and start their care as soon as possible. But it is likely that you feel a little overwhelmed when you see the long list of vets in the directory. It’s not too hard to narrow down the search if you know what to consider when choosing a vet.

1. What kind of accreditation do they have?

The best veterinary hospitals are accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). They regularly evaluate the practices on about 900 different standards of excellence, which means the level of care is the best in the industry. Visit their website to find an AAHA accredited vet near you.

Many clinics are also starting to offer a Fear Free certification. This is a course that teaches veterinarians to work with animals in such a way as to minimize the fear and stress involve in a vet visit. Find a Fear Free certified veterinarian near you.

2. How convenient are their hours and location?

There’s no doubt that we are busy people. That is why it is important to have a veterinarian office that is located near your home or on your daily commute. Moreover, make sure that they have the hours that fit your daily schedule. If you work long days, find a location with evening or weekend hours.

3. What type of emergency care do they offer?

Accidents and sickness happens. We can’t plan for them and unfortunately they also can happen at all hours of the night. Make sure to have a plan in place for emergency care. If the vet you choose has AAHA accreditation, there is a good chance they have 24 hour emergency services.

4. Do they have in house medical equipment and lab testing?

The best offices have in house testing and equipment. If your pet needs lab work or x-rays, the results will be faster; meaning you will know what is wrong and how to treat it as soon as possible.

5. Are there good online reviews and testimonials?

Nothing beats a face to face encounter to tell how much (or how little) you are going to like any particular office. However, in the great day and age of the internet, we have sites like Yelp.com that help shine the light behind the doors. Read reviews on community sites as well as testimonials on their website as well. This will help you get an idea if the practice is a good fit for you family.

 

After you’ve picked a vet, go for a regular check to assess the level of care. If they are a perfect, then great! If not, try again until you find the one that is just right for you.

Do you have any recommendations for veterinarian offices in the Fort Collins or Loveland area? Sound off in the comments below and let us know!