Cats and dogs make wonderful pets and bringing a new pet home is a rewarding and exciting experience.  Cats are especially good for those who have a busy lifestyle and want to enjoy the companionship of a pet. With any pet, a decision to adopt a new addition should first be discussed with your entire family.

Research your breed. Breeds have certain characteristics and knowing these will help you choose appropriate toys and treats. A good breed book is always an asset.

It’s very important to note that there is no such thing as a free pet. Any animal needs special care and attention, as well as proper veterinary care, food, and other supplies.  At home, you will need to have a place ready. It needs to be comfortable, quiet, warm, secure and private, free from draft and humidity.

So here you are all excited and enthusiastic about the big surprise this is going to be for your family! Is there anything more exciting than that?  However for your new pet everything around is new and strange and probably frightening. They have just been taken from their family. Now a new, strange and unknown environment is in front of them. Noise and words that do not mean anything to your new pet can be intimidating. Speak quietly, keeping your voice low, calm and soothing.

 Remember that a pet is not a toy for the children, and no child under 10 should be left in charge of a pet unless under adult supervision.

It is very common for your pet to cry the first night or two in a strange place. A ticking clock or one of your old t-shirts will often help them settle down to sleep. A small stuffed toy, a blanket or even a hot water bottle will help with the settling process.

Have a strategic housetraining plan and be consistent. It will make a great deal of difference in the future if you do it correctly in the beginning. With puppies decide whether you are going to use a crate or cage to train, or housetraining pads to teach to go in a certain area inside.  For kittens have litter trays placed in a quiet private place. Remember to keep the area around the litter box and crate, clean and fresh. This will ensure a healthy and clean environment for you and your family.

Check what kind of food your pet was fed before it arrives with you. Purchase some of the same food the breeder/pet store/previous owner was feeding even if you are going to switch their diet. Ensure they are fed a complete and balanced puppy or kitten food appropriate to species and breed size. Dry food is recommended, and that it is fed in its dry form.  Free access to water should be available at all times.  Offer food three times a day. If your new pet isn’t hungry that often, reduce the frequency and amount. After ten or twelve weeks of age, feed twice a day. Even adult pets should have their food split into morning and evening feedings. Having food continually available encourages overeating, and pets are more likely to have weight problems later in life.  Canned food is perfectly all right, but usually feeding dry food is cheaper, easier to use, and better for the teeth.

A complete preventive healthcare plan can be put in place by your veterinarian. This includes regular vaccinations at 6, 9, and 12 weeks of age. It is important to remember NO pet is fully vaccinated until 10 days after the full vaccination program has been completed. This means no parks, or public places especially for puppies.

Both kittens and puppies require a worming routine every 2 weeks until 12 weeks of age, to prevent the infestation of round, hook, whip and tape worms. Tick prevention should also be put in place for those pets at risk.  Ideally no pet should be brought home until they have been examined by your vet - while they may look healthy to you, a veterinarian will be able to point out any potential problems, as well as administer vaccinations if not yet been done. Additionally, you may choose to have your pet micro-chipped. This will help to permanently identify them, in case they are ever lost.

Fleas can cause skin problems and are involved in the life cycle of the tapeworm. Prevention is better than waiting until you have an infestation. Puppies and kittens can be protected against fleas with the application of a suitable flea control application such as Advantage or Advantage Multi available from vets and applied following the manufacturers instructions. Care is needed when dealing with kittens and puppies, since they may be sensitive to some ingredients. 

It is important to start grooming early. This will help your new pet get used to being handled and make it better behaved at the vet or groomer. Good grooming products are recommended. Bathing can commence as early as seven or eight weeks. This should be fun time for them and not something to dread. However do not bathe too often as this can lead to skin and coat problems.

It is natural for puppies and kittens to chew as a way to explore and learn. Keep valuable objects that are chewable safely out of reach and provide a satisfactory alternative. Destructive chewing is merely a way for your pet to work off excitement and relieve frustration, not an insidious plan to get even with you!

Don’t forget that many of the chemicals that are used to clean our homes are toxic to animals.  Always be sure to keep the toilet lid down. Many houseplants are also toxic to pets, so be sure to check all your plants carefully and, if in doubt, place them well out of reach.

When your puppy is old enough enroll it in a “puppy” class. This protects your puppy as well as the others in the class.  Consistent treatment from the whole family makes for a better adjusted, happier pet.

The best method of transporting a new pet is to purchase a small carrier from your local pet store. Modern carriers provide good ventilation and comfort for your kitten or puppy, as well as keeping it safe from harm while in the car.

Vets at Jansens hope these helpful hints will start you on the right foot.