Perthshire animal rescue centres have issued an urgent reminder that “a pet is for life, not just for Christmas.”
In an age where people’s homes are already filled with gadgets, more and more are choosing to buy their loved ones a four-legged friend.
While most owners in the region are responsible, some underestimate the financial and time commitments when they bring home the new furry addition to the family.
Both the Perthshire branch of Cat Protection and the Perthshire Abandoned Dog Society (PADS) are almost full to capacity with unwanted animals and volunteers are anticipating a surge in the next few months.
Anyone struggling to cope with their new puppy or worrying they will not be able to afford their cat’s next vet bill should get in touch with the appropriate charity now while their problem can still be solved.
Perth Cat Protection co-ordinator Michelle McFarlane said, “We can give people advice on cat welfare and the right food, that doesn’t cost the earth and is nutritionally balanced.
“We try to encourage people to take out pet insurance, to cover unexpected trips to the vet, and explain the benefits of neutering.”
She added, “If people phone us when they first encounter problems, before they feel they have to get rid of their cat, we can help make things easier.”
Ms McFarlane urged people to think twice before becoming a pet owner and warned that it was “irresponsible” to buy an animal as a surprise for someone else.
She said, “If you think your mum or aunt would benefit from having a cat, buy them a starter set of bowls and a litter tray but let them choose the animal.
“People need to meet the cat to see if it’s the right one for them.”‘Wonderful’ animalsShe added, “Cats are wonderful, affectionate animals but it’s important to remember they can live for 15 years and vets bills will increase as they get older they won’t always be a cute fluffy kitten.
“A few weeks ago I received a call from a member of the public to say they had seen a little cat hiding behind the trolleys at Tesco on Perth’s Crieff Road.
“It was around -14C and the little thing was confused and starving it had obviously been dumped there.”
Around 30 volunteers foster stray and abandoned cats in Perthshire but new, permanent homes are desperately needed.
Ms McFarlane said, “We are expecting a rise in the number of unwanted cats in the spring, when people start to lose interest in the one they got for Christmas, so we would ask anyone interested in re-homing to get in touch. We have some lovely cats waiting for a new owner.”
The branch are also seeking volunteers in Crieff.
Staff at the PADS kennels in Forteviot are keen to speak to anyone struggling to look after their dog or keen to re-home one of their current tenants.
Deputy manager Louise Perrett said, “It’s great if we can talk to someone and help them keep their dog but unfortunately that isn’t always the case.
“We usually pick up more young dogs in the spring-time, some of which were bought as Christmas presents.”Suited to older couplesShe added, “When they get to a few months they start chewing things if they aren’t exercised enough.
“Some people don’t consider the fact they work from 9am until 5pm.
“The slogan “a dog is for life, not just for Christmas” is very relevant especially now when people have already bought all the electrical gadgets they need.”
Ms Perrett said, “We have a range of different ages and breeds we won’t put a healthy dog down unless it has severe behavioural problems.
“Most of our dogs would be suited to active, older couples, who don’t have young children.”
To contact PADS, arrange a visit or make a donation call 01764 684491 or go online.
More information on Perthshire Cat Protection can be found online or by calling the helpline on 0845 862 2206.