Animal Care: Cats


Adult cats come in all shapes and sizes, and personalities! Need 2 meals a day, and fresh clean water, but also just as important...

  • Need regular worming, and flea treatment (products from vets)
  • Need regular checks for dental work, and ear mites.
  • Need yearly vaccinations.
  • Must be neutered at 6 months
When choosing a cat, it is very important to bring the family to ensure the cat is happy with all of you all. Most cats like companionship either of another cat or people. If you have young children always consider a cat as opposed to a kitten, because it is important the cat is happy with children, and even though a kitten is brought up with children, it does not mean it is happy with them. Long haired cats need regular grooming, but is also good to groom the short haireds as well. This rescue centre encourages microchipping, and collars with ids. If you are local this Rescue centre will microchip your cat for £12.50, but please ring first. But don’t forget all pets are a commitment, need time and effort, and not forgetting money, particularly vet bills, so please consider vet insurance.



You take pot luck on their personality.

  • Need at least 3 meals a day, and fresh clean water
  • Need regular worming, and flea treatment (products from vets)
  • Need yearly vaccinations.
  • Must be neutered at 6 months.


A lot of kittens cannot retract their claws until older, and a young child could easily get scratched, so if you have a child under 5 years please consider an adult cat. They need human or feline company, and lots of things to play with. A pair of kittens is always better, but of course twice the cost of looking after them. They should not be allowed out on their own until they are neutered and vaccinated. Long haireds need regular grooming, but is also good to groom the short haireds as well.
Vaccinations for feline enteritis and cat flu are essential each year, and talk to your vet about other inoculations. But don’t forget all pets are a commitment, need time and effort, and not forgetting money, particularly vet bills, so please consider vet insurance.

Always contact your local rescue centre when you are looking for a pet.

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Rabbits

Always get a rabbit over 6 months old if you do not have prior experience

  • Hay, grass and vegetables should be main diet
  • Need a fox proof hutch AND run.
  • Need 6 month vaccinations for Myxomatosis
  • Should be neutered


A very large amount of rabbits come into rescue because they bite, this usually starts when they get to about 7 months old, and many rabbits are not happy being handled. Always go for a rabbit over 7months old, and then you will know the personality. Good quality dry food can be given, but hay and grass should always be included. Rabbits need lots of space, and spend a lot of time standing up, so make sure the run is high enough. February and July are the recommended times for vaccinating against Myxomatosis, and talk to your vet about VHD vaccinations. Getting a male neutered will often calm them down, and getting a female rabbit spayed will eliminate the risk of cancer of the womb which is common in rabbits. Look out for deformed teeth, mucky eyes or bottoms, and they need cleaning out daily. Always get your rabbit from a rescue centre, so many rabbits are unwanted when the children lose interest, and rescue centres will always take them back.


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Guinea Pigs

Guinea Pigs Respond well to being handled

  • Need extra vitamin C in their diet
  • Keep an eye out for scabby skin (hay mite)
  • Need a cat/fox proof hutch and run
  • Usually friendly pets.

Guinea pigs are usually better pets for younger children, and respond well to being picked up. They need a good quality dry mix, and carrots or similar vitamin C source daily. Hutch cleaning is required daily. You need to visit the vet if they get hay mite. In Winter they must have draught proof accommodation with plenty of clean bedding. Be careful, cats often think they are rats!

Always contact your local rescue centre if you are looking for a pet.