A childhood cherished dream, a great pain for parents and just a longing for nature – a pet. Probably each of us was waiting with bated breath as a child for a gift, the only one with such a wet leather nose and kind eyes… Someone got it, someone did not, but the theme “let’s get a cat (doggie, hamster, etc.)” is still relevant.

So, to take this rather responsible step or not? And what do you need to know before the pet crosses the threshold?

Let’s try to determine!

Firstly: what do you need a pet for? Just to play or to make a friend? Or maybe you just want to take it for a walk in the evening? Or looking for a way to make money raising rare breeds? The answer to that question determines who comes into your life.

Question two: who?

Yes, who will be waiting for days of warmth and affection, attention and your free time. And here the main thing is not to be tempted to take the first face that you like. Of course, it is very humane to pick up a kitten on the street. I just want to give you some advice if you’re still looking.

Traditionally: kitty/dog. So, kitty OR doggie? These are two huge differences: the cat will live at home, the dog needs to be walked, and up to five times a day at first.

A cat is a home hooligan (with few exceptions), no bouquet of roses, no Christmas tree, but a vase will not be hidden from her watchful eye. She walks around the house by herself, even if infinitely love you. Here’s an important point: cats and cats are loveable animals. They either need a partner, or you’ll have a lot of problems (howling in the voice, small and not really nasty things, a certain persistent smell). If you do not want to traumatize either animal, or yourself – the way you go to the vet. Pity should be put aside: any veterinarian will agree that the forced abstinence is detrimental to the health of the pet, including the mental. This applies to dogs as well.

A dog is a serious animal. It’s not even about size or breed, just communication on another level. The first year of a puppy’s life determines his future behavior. If it is missed, it will be very difficult – explaining to an adult animal that you have to go outside to the bathroom and chewing on a joint can be just dangerous.

The dog is a pack animal, hence: You immediately determine who the leader is – either it’s you or the dog will decide who; the dog considers your family a pack, so he wants to always be around, he just can’t do it any other way.

Almost traditional: hamsters, rats, chinchillas, rabbits. It’s important to remember that they are rodents – they have a persistent smell, they must be kept in cages (otherwise you can say goodbye to the buttons on the remote from the TV, wiring and other electronics), pairs of pets can productively breed (and specifically, even eating offspring, then you should look at the literature on care).

And another thing: these animals are almost all nocturnal by nature! So this can be a definite irritant at night.

Fish. Most people think that fish don’t cause allergies. This is not true! Allergies can come from dry fish food, as well as from the water in the aquarium (fish, I’m sorry, also crap). You need some preparation beforehand here – temperature, care, light are very important. Also important is the size of the aquarium, the material of the bottom and plants. Information can be found on the Internet, in special literature, or directly in the store to consult (here you can get on an amateur).

The third question: where to buy?

In the market: a kind woman with a bunch of kittens of different ages should not inspire confidence! Here’s why: animals can be collected from basements, usually with different parasites and diseases. Not only that, at the “bird markets” the pets get infections from each other with catastrophic speed. I personally have a very sad experience: the little cat was very sick for two months, I had to go to the doctor often and give him injections with a huge syringe twice a day. The result is sad – after a year (almost without stopping the treatment), he still died.

Better to take the animal in a special club (certain guarantees of the breed for your money), or just the owners (the Internet is full of offers, you can choose and agree in advance). This option has a big advantage: you can see the parents, to assess the character and temperament, to get advice.

Important points for future owners: animals require money and time!!!

To keep your pet healthy and well-fed – vet clinic (find out the address and prices in advance!) + food (a good buy on the advice of a doctor or home food and vitamins). If you want to avoid unpleasant surprises, such as a sudden illness or sudden deterioration of health, you need to vaccinate your pet. And you should ask the doctor at the first appointment for a list of vaccinations for the coming year, even if some vaccinations were given by the previous owner. It is possible when you do the injection yourself, if you are not afraid yourself and there is an example in front of you. The preparation can be bought in a specialized pharmacy, where you can also buy literature, food and accessories – it is safer than at the nearest store.