Top 10 things every potential cat and dog owner should know

Pet owners have spilled the beans on the things they wish they’d known before welcoming a furry friend into their homes. Despite over half of pet parents acknowledging that their four-legged companions have boosted their physical and mental health, there are certainly some lessons they wish they’d learned beforehand. According to the study, it seemed dog owners were more likely to have to alter their lifestyles for their pets, compared to cat owners. This included tweaking daily routines for walks and reconsidering holiday plans.

Seven out of ten dog owners even described the initial months of pet ownership as a “crash course in canine chaos.” In the survey of 2,000 pet owners it was revealed that dog owners regretted not being clued up about the need to keep poo bags on you at all time in case of emergencies. They were also surprised by with their dog’s “selective hearing,” and the sheer amount of fur they would find at home.

Other unforeseen routine changes, included braving every type of weather for walks, instantly losing their spot on the couch, and enduring ungodly early morning wake-up calls.

Cat owners weren’t without surprises either; 29% were taken aback to discover that no amount of scratching posts could save their furniture. And 20% shared that their feline friends took pleasure in regularly knocking items off shelves, seemingly for the sheer joy of watching them fall.

The study by Pet Health Club also revealed that 27% of cat owners have noticed their feline friends often choose a humble cardboard box over the most luxurious cat bed.

Vet Holly McKinley from Pet Health Club noted: “Every pet comes with their own quirks – and while many of these become the things owners grow to love most, they can take a bit of getting used to at first.

“Whether you’re a seasoned dog or cat owner, or bringing home your very first pet, there’s always something new to learn,” McKinley further remarked. This learning curve was particularly steep for those who welcomed new furry companions during the pandemic.

During lockdowns, pets and their owners established solid routines, but Post-lockdown life hasn’t been easy as 18% of owners reported changes in their routine were difficult for their pets to get used to.

Despite any hurdles, the consensus among pet parents is overwhelmingly positive, with the primary rewards of pet ownership being the unconditional love and companionship (29%), the pleasure of seeing their pet thrive, and the sense of fulfilment from providing a loving home (20%).

“It’s easy to underestimate just how much care pets need behind the scenes,” Holly revealed. “In reality, every day is a learning curve, and it’s completely normal for owners to feel a bit out of their depth at the start.”

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