Choosing a pet
MALCOLM ANDERSON
The SPCA is overrun with kittens and I cannot think why you would get a kitten from anywhere else unless you wanted a pedigree one.
It was a very mild, albeit wet, winter and our four-legged friends have had an unusually long period to mingle. The result is there are loads of kittens and puppies around this month.
It also seems to be a time of year when families think about getting a new addition to the house so everyone has the summer and holidays to get to know your new friend.
So what should you choose when those pleading children won’t stop?
Firstly consider:
❚ Physical environment (for example, flat vs house)
❚ Finances (unexpected costs)
❚ Lifestyle (for example, toilet training, chewing)
❚ Time (are you away a lot, will the children really do it all? – no, probably not).
So now the fun part. What do I get?
Cats: These little bundles of fun are very affectionate and very cute.
Most kittens can be quickly trained to use a litter tray and are usually very tolerant of boisterous younger children (that is, they survive some pretty smothering cuddles).
Cats, just like any mammal, vary in their individual personality but it is uncommon to get a mean ‘‘Scarface claw’’.
Pedigree breeds of cats do differ in their personality from the more independent hunters to the sleep-onyour-lap types, so ask first about this before choosing one particular breed.
The SPCA is overrun with kittens and I cannot think why you would get a kitten from anywhere else unless you wanted a pedigree one.
They are vet checked, vaccinated, neutered and you can spend some time with them all to find the one that you really want to give a home to. And you will be helping a charity that needs everyone’s support and epitomises all the best values that most of us want to promote.
Dogs: These guys come in an endless array of sizes, shapes, coat type, colours and temperaments (and prices). So the initial choice should be well planned and definitely not an impulse.
Within all breeds, every individual will be different, but by carefully selecting the breed or the breed cross, a lot of problems and heartache can be avoided.
Then think about all the other aspects of owning a dog, such as exercise, fencing, finances, fitting in with your partner or children and their 10- to 14-year lifespan.
Trade Me has become a huge source of really nice puppies but the one downside is that you may not get to meet the mother and father and assess both them and the puppy’s temperament.
Don’t always believe the breed descriptions, either. Labrador crosses can often be a primary breed with a little bit of labrador (maybe). And never choose the shy puppy – he may look like he needs loving but a nervous dog can be a dangerous dog.
Rabbits and Guinea Pigs: I think these make great pets. But it is important that they are regularly handled from a young age to ensure that they are friendly and not too frisky. Remember that hutches do cost a little and they took me a good few weekends to build.
Birds: Budgies, cockatiels and canaries are a common choice. Remember, though, that some birds like to announce the start of the day a little earlier than you may be used to.
Fish: Yes, these are pets, but not of the interactive type. And there are some cool accessories to put in the tank.
Mice: Great for young children to watch and handle and the houses come with some amazing fluoro-coloured accessories, including wheels and tunnels. A great starting point for learning to care for a pet, although a reasonably short lifespan can mean that a small ceremony may be likely after two to three years.
I think they are great as first pets. Hint: Get girls as the boys are very smelly.
So there is lots of choice and lots of fun to be had. Pets are one of those things that add that special something to life and make a house a home.
If you need any help choosing a pet, call us at the hospital. And definitely get a vet to check any new addition within the first 24 hours just to check for any problems right at the start.