How To Choose A Pet
Before choosing the right pet for you and your family, it’s very important that you familiarize yourself with the specific requirements each species needs. For example, diet and nutrition, environment, health concerns, handling, as well as behavior and suitability for children.
Find out more about which species may suit your lifestyle and home:
(1) Choosing A Dog
- Why are you looking to own a pet dog? Companionship? Protection? Service?
- What kind of breed do you have in mind?
- Does your home provide adequate space for the size of dog you’d like?
- Do you have enough time to exercise your dog each day?
- Can you afford to look after your dog properly, making sure they have an appropriate diet and access to regular veterinary care?
- Do you want to adopt?
Often, new pet owners find it hard to adjust their lifestyles when they haven’t considered how a new pet will affect their daily routine, and that can lead to pets being abandoned or given up for adoption. Ultimately, the pet’s welfare is a priority and we would advise you to make sure that you are ready to take responsibility for a dog.
Active Lifestyles
If you enjoy sports and regular exercise and are looking for a running partner, then smaller breeds such as poodles and Chihuahuas are probably not going to be a good option for you, as they simply won’t be able to keep up! Instead, a larger dog would be more appropriate, such as American Staffordshire Terriers, Australian Cattle dogs, Labrador Retrievers, Boxers, and German Shepherds. Bear in mind that larger dogs will require more living space, as well as food.Small living spaces
Living in apartments and small houses means that you should consider noisiness, energy level, and also social skills as your dog is likely to come into contact with other dogs and people regularly. Here are some of the most popular small breeds:Basenji dogs are very quiet and rarely grow taller than 18 inches. This breed does require regular attention, otherwise they can be known to be mischievous if left alone for extended periods of time.
Bichon Frise dogs tend to grow no taller than 12 inches and are energetic, loving playtime and require regular exercise. They also shed less than other breeds, making them particularly suited to small homes.
Boston Terriers can grow to around 18 inches and are known to be quite hyperactive, so require regular brisk walks to help them burn off their energy.
Chihuahuas are famous for their small size and require less exercise than other small breeds. They enjoy being close to their owners, which is ideal if you are looking for a close companion, but they can also be weary of strangers, which means they should be supervised in social situations with new people.
Pomeranians are a feisty dog with lots of energy and are particularly well behaved on their own, making them a good choice for pet owners who spend time out of the house during the day. They are particularly good at barking, meaning that training them early on is important, particularly if you live close to neighbors.
(2) Choosing A Cat
A few questions to ask yourself
- Why are you looking to own a pet cat?
- Do you have a breed in mind or are you looking to provide any time of cat with a home?
- Can you afford to look after your cat properly, making sure they have an appropriate diet and access to regular veterinary care?
- Do you want to adopt?
- Do you have other pets?
- What’s your home life like? Do you have a young family that’s full of energy or boisterous?
Young Cats
Kittens and young cats are mostly playful, curious, and love to explore their surroundings. If you have young children in the home, then it’s important to make sure your kitten is trained early on to use litter trays and that your home is safe from hazards, as your kitten will reach for areas high and low in the pursuit of adventure.Cats can live well with other animals such as dogs and other cats, but they’re also adept at living by themselves, provided you give them attention and regular playtime. This can also vary depending on the breed. Positive interactions early on with your cat will ensure they are used to being around humans and become loving companions.
Adult Cats
As cats mature, they may be happy to explore their local surroundings, and may even have a second home! However, they will be happy if they are given regular attention and playtime, and of course fed well.If you adopt an older cat, then it may take longer for them to adjust to living with other pets, if you have them, as they may not be used to sharing their owner.
Some cats may be shy or less sociable, and suit homes where there is less noise or activities. Routine and gentle affection will suit them best as they adjust to your home and living with you, and they often enjoy the company of another cat in the home to make them feel more secure and provide an additional companion for themselves.
Best cat breeds for small apartments
As space is limited, cats that require less space for running and exercise will be best suited to small apartments. Pets can be very territorial, so choosing a cat that is less bothered about this will better suit your living arrangements.Here are a few cat breeds that live well in small homes:
Persians: Persian cats tend to be relaxed and loving towards humans, and can be trained to use litter boxes easily. They do require a lot of attention and should also be groomed daily as their long fur can become matted easily. As Persian cats have a shortened nose and flatter face (they are a brachycephalic breed), they are prone to breathing difficulties, which can result in shortness of breath.
Russian Blue: Russian Blue cats are very independent and are less bothered about sitting on your lap or seeking your affections than other breeds of cat. This makes them a good choice for pet owners who are often out during the day, as they can occupy themselves well. Boxes and uncomplicated toys are particularly good for this breed, and they’re less active than other cats. They are, however, normally very loyal to their pet owners (or whoever feeds them). Reports by pet owners of Russian Blue cats having a strong appetite mean that it’s important to be mindful of how much food they are given to avoid over-feeding.
British Shorthair: British Shorthair cats are very good at adapting to life with humans in apartments. Typically, they are friendly and quiet, as well as affectionate, and they enjoy sitting on your lap- perfect for a pet owner who is looking for a cuddling companion! This breed is thought to have a higher risk of polycystic kidney disease, as well as feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is a common heart disease in all cats.
Ragdolls: Ragdoll cats are generally relaxed and kind, enjoying time on their own as well as with humans. They aren’t demanding generally, and will enjoy sitting on your lap whilst you give them affection. They do require regular grooming to ensure their medium-long hair doesn’t mat. Ragdolls can be prone to urinary problems, mainly from kidney/ureter issues, as well as lower urinary issues.
Javanese: Javanese cats are loving and affectionate, making them particularly good companions for people living on their own. Senior pet owners should also consider the Javanese breed as they like to bond regularly, and while they won’t mind you being away for some of the day, if they are left for a long time, they can become unhappy. Some common genetic defects to be aware of include deafness, joint issues, early-onset arthritis, hip displacement and cross-eye.
(3) Choosing A Bird As Pet
Birds can live for a long time, so it's important to be sure that you can look after them in the long term. As they are such a diverse species, it's important to discuss the breed you may be interested in with the breeder beforehand. For example, you should consider any specific dietary requirements; where the bird has been reared and kept; whether the bird is tame etc.
Birds that are bred in captivity will be much more used to domestic life. If the bird has been hand-reared, it will already be hand tame. This means they are likely to be more expensive, but will be easier to introduce into the home.
Many dealers and breeders ensure that birds have been tested for certain diseases. As avian medicine is particularly specialized, it's important to consult your veterinary clinic before visiting, to check that a veterinarian experienced in avian medicine is available.
Comments
Post a Comment