| Before getting a cat, make sure you know what you | | | | 5. What will happen to your cat when you go on |
| are letting yourself in for. Despite their perceived | | | | holiday or visiting friends? Catteries cost money and |
| independence, cats do need looking after. Here are | | | | there may not always be friends that can help. |
| some things to consider: | | | | 6. Feeding your cat will cost a minimum of $10 per |
| 1. Your cat can live for up to 20 years. Can you offer | | | | week. Can you afford this expense throughout the life |
| continued love and attention for that period of time? | | | | of your cat? |
| remember, as your cat gets older, so do you. They | | | | 7. Additional items may be needed - a litter tray, |
| need looking after as they age, just like we do. | | | | bedding, bowls, collars, cat toys and special treats; |
| 2. Where will you be in 5, 10 or 15 years time? Will | | | | have you got the room and the money to provide |
| there be room in your life for a cat? | | | | these? |
| 3. Can you afford the veterinary fees if your cat gets | | | | 8. Some cats need additional treatments- for example, |
| ill? Yearly check-ups are the minimum and your cat will | | | | a long haired cat may need regular grooming; is this a |
| need regular vaccinations and should, ideally, be | | | | commitment you are prepared to provide? |
| neutered. | | | | Owning a cat is a lifelong experience. We all want |
| 4. You cat will need de-fleaing, de-worming and other | | | | cats to have a good home and a good life. Make sure, |
| routine health maintenance. This all cost time and | | | | however, that you can provide that for your cat, |
| money. | | | | before you buy. |