Under the Gumtree

Gumtree Pets – part 2

Here’s the next instalment in our series of pet blogs. This week we’re looking at how to happily settle in a  new cat or dog to your home.

Preparing your home for a new arrival

Moving to a new home can be stressful for your new pet, so be patient and understanding and provide lots of affection. Here are some pointers to help you get your fluffy new family member settled in happily:

Cats – For the first few days in your home it’s a good idea to keep your cat in one room whilst he gets used to his new surroundings and family. Prepare the room with a cat bed, litter tray, food and water bowl, a few toys and a place he can hide if he becomes anxious. Bringing bedding from his previous home will help him to feel more settled.

Dogs – Your dog will be excited and anxious about his new home so giving him time and space to get settled in is important. Bedding with scents familiar to him and a place he can shelter if he becomes overwhelmed will help him feel more at home.

Safety – Make your new home safe by being mindful of  household hazards that may harm your pet. A safety gate is useful for preventing curious young dogs exploring unsafe areas of your house such as the cleaning cupboard.
Looking at your house from the eye level of your pet may help you to spot any possible dangers.

Veterinary Care

Register with a vet as soon as you can, and learn basic pet first aid.

Cat and dog Care Essentials

Your pet will give you a lifetime of unconditional love and friendship. In return he counts on you to provide him with food, water, safe shelter, regular veterinary care, exercise, companionship and more. Follow our top tips and you’re sure to develop a rewarding relationship with your furry friend.

1. Give your pet with a collar and ID tag that includes your name, address, and telephone number. No matter how careful you are there’s a chance your pet may become lost – an ID tag greatly increases the chance that they will be returned home safely.
2. Take your pet to the veterinarian for vaccinations and regular check-ups.
   Spaying or neutering your pet is also an option. Animals that have this routine surgery tend to live longer, be healthier, and have fewer behaviour problems. By spaying or neutering your pet you’re also helping to reduce the problem of pet overpopulation.
3. Groom your pet often to keep their coat healthy, soft, and shiny. Although it is especially important to brush long-haired cats and dogs to prevent their hair from matting, even short-haired pets need to be groomed to remove as much loose hair as possible.
4. Ensure your pet has a nutritionally balanced diet, including constant access to fresh water. Ask your vet for advice on what and how much to feed your pet.
5. Give your dog proper shelter. A fenced yard with a doghouse is a bonus especially for large and active dogs; however dogs should never be left outside alone or for extended periods of time. Dogs need and crave companionship and should spend lots of time inside with their family.
6. Give your dog enough exercise. Most dog owners find that playing with their canine companion, along with walking him twice a day provides sufficient exercise. If you have questions about the level of exercise appropriate for your dog consult your vet.
7. Set aside time to play with your cat. While cats do not need the same level of exercise that dogs do, enjoying regular play sessions with your pet will provide him with the physical exercise and mental stimulation he needs as well as strengthening your friendship.
8. Be patient with your New pet. Make sure the expectations you have of your dog are reasonable and remember that the vast majority of behavioural problems can be solved. If you are struggling with your pet’s behaviour, contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice.

If you’d like more information you can read our previous blog post in this series, or a guest blog post from our friends at the RSPCA.