Choosing a new cat

Many people find that their cat chooses them rather that the other way around. If however you are allowed to choose the first decision is –pedigree or moggy.

If your decision is pedigree then next choice is what breed. If unsure, go to a big Cat Show or check the internet for the large variety of breeds on offer. One warning – long-haired cats (Persians) are extremely attractive but they require a lot of grooming. If you can't find the breed you want contact us.

Pedigree cats are often sold at an age when they have received vaccinations and deworming – make sure that you have the details. Many pedigrees will come from breeders who have had their cats blood tested to ensure good health.

If your decision is moggy or you are not sure, contact us. There are a variety of charities looking for homes for cats – Cat Flap, Cats’ Protection League, Cat Action Trust etc. We work closely with Cat Flap. Adult cats carry less behavioural hang-ups than dogs, but go through the following check-list :

• Is your new cat male or female ?
 
• Has he or she been neutered ?
 
• If a she, is she pregnant ?
• Is there any health record? e.g. vaccinations, deworming or defleaing

Bring the cat to us for a check-up with 2-3 days.

If a kitten is your choice, find out what food it has been weaned onto, and if it has been de-wormed, de-fleaed or vaccinated. If you already have a cat and you are bringing in a new cat from a stray background have the new cat blood-tested to ensure it is not a carrier of disease like FIV ("cat Aids"). This kind of disease can pass to other cats, but is not infectious to humans.

It can be wise to visit cat shows prior to purchasing a cat, this is especially the case if considering the purchase of a pedigree cat. Visiting the Scottish Cat Club will give details of forthcoming dates and events.