Buying a kitten can be a bit of minefield. There's so much to consider such as how to find a reputable breeder to begin with and what questions should I ask? At Purina, we've created this guide, complete with handy checklists to give you all the information you need. If you're looking to buy a pedigree kitten from a breeder, there are numerous factors to consider. Before even beginning the search, you'll need to make sure that you have enough time in your busy schedule to dedicate to a new kitten from this day onward, as they mature into a wonderful adult cat. For those that are seriously considering buying a kitten from a breeder, we've created this guide to lead your through the entire process, so you can come out with a healthy and happy four-legged friend to cherish for many years to come. Buying a kitten checklist Before you start thinking about buying a cat, you'll need to consider your own personal circumstances before. You need to ask yourself the following questions: • Are you ready for a cat? • Are you prepared to deal with the costs? There are vet fees to bear in mind, such as neutering/spaying and vaccinations. If you choose a long-haired breed there may be grooming costs. Additionally, there will be daily costs such as feeding to consider too. • Are your circumstances right for a cat? This includes your current working hours and your home environment - if you work long hours, is there someone else at home to care for your cat?. • Can you make a lifelong commitment to a cat? On average an indoor cat's lifespan will be between 13-17 years, so you'll need to be able to commit for this amount of time. You'll need to ensure that you can answer yes to all of the above questions, otherwise a cat may not be suitable to you. Which cat breed is right for me? Whilst you may already know what cat breed you want to get, you may find yourself unable to choose (which is hardly surprising as there are so many cute cats out there!). Each breed of cat has their own characteristics and care requirements to bear in mind. These are some good questions to consider:

Do you need a bit of inspiration to find the perfect name for your new charcoal puppy? We put together a list of the best dog monikers out there. Is there a new black dog in your life? If you've always wanted a charcoal pooch, the top thing on your list must be finding that perfect black dog name. Don't worry - it's out there and we'll help you find it. If you feel stuck and need a bit of inspiration for your new furry friend, we put together an easy guide to black dog names that will help you navigate this important decision. Onyx: an oldie, but goodie black dog name If you prefer to take the classic route to dog naming, Onyx is a name that has been around for a while, but for really good reasons. Short and easy to say, this is a black dog name inspired by a precious black stone. No wonder so many owners look into those precious puppy eyes and get convinced there's just no better name. Midnight: the ethereal black dog name A cool name that suits any charcoal pup, Midnight could be the one for your mysterious ball of fur. There is no better puppy to pull it off. And if they always try to keep you up at night for a late game of fetch, those dark looks have indeed found their name match.

There are so many benefits of having a dog, of course there's the obvious benefits like extra exercise and a best friend for life, but they can also improve your physical and mental health! It's known far and wide that dogs are man's best friend. Their adorable faces and happy go lucky attitudes fill our lives with such joy, but did you know that there's actually numerous benefits of having a dog? From helping you to get fit to meeting new people, your puppy can actually help to improve your health and social life. Want to find out more? Keep reading to discover the benefits of dogs! Life is better with dogs Nothing beats a long walk with your four-legged friend on a fresh, spring morning. Or seeing the joy on their faces when you pick up a ball and they know it's playtime in the local park! Even relaxing at home feels better in each other's company. There's an old saying, which is certainly true, that dogs repay the love you give them ten-fold. Before you rush out and adopt a dog, it's important to think it through very thoroughly. Caring for a dog can be hard work and it's a lifetime commitment, as your dog will be relying on you for many years to come. Once you're sure you have the time and lifestyle to include a dog in your life, and you've done your research about different dog breeds and personalities it's time to look at all the benefits of owning a dog. Having a dog can help you stay active One of the key benefits of having a dog is that they significantly increase the amount of exercise you do on a regular basis - and you might not even notice it! While it can be difficult to motivate ourselves to go for a walk alone, when we know our puppy needs exercise, we often don't think twice. All those strolls through the park and adventures in the wood add up. Even playing games with your dog counts as exercise. You've probably noticed how tired you feel after a long game of 'fetch', even though your dog is the one who's been running around. One of the biggest benefits of dogs is the way they encourage you to be more active, which supports your health as well as theirs. Having a dog is a great way to meet new people One of the unexpected benefits of dogs is the way they add to your social life. Going to obedience classes, saying 'hello' to other dog walkers when you go to the park with your canine companion - there are dozens of ways in which your dog makes you more sociable.

Adopting a new puppy or dog can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but what can you expect from the entire process? There are so many dogs in animal shelters all over the world looking for their forever homes, including both puppies and older dogs. These adorable dogs may have come to a rescue centre because they've had a rough start to life or their previous owners may no longer have been able to care for them. One thing's for sure though, rescue dogs just need someone who can offer them plenty of love and understanding. If you think you could offer a rescue dog or puppy a warm and happy home, keep reading and we'll answer all your questions, including how to adopt a dog and where to find a rescue centre. Should I adopt a dog or a puppy? Adopting a dog or puppy from a rescue centre can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only will you be supporting the work of a worthwhile charity, but you'll also be giving an unwanted pup a second chance. If you're thinking about adopting a dog, you'll need to decide whether you have time for a bouncy puppy or want to get a calmer, older dog instead. Puppies will demand a lot of devotion such as training, cleaning up, disciplining and will require plenty of attention to give them everything they need. Because of this, it's not a good idea to consider a puppy if you work long hours or if there won't be someone around during the day to care for them. On the other hand, if you adopt an older dog, they will already have an established routine, a degree of training and will generally just be more responsible. Finding a friend for life If you're unsure what kind of dog best suits your lifestyle, home and family, your local dog adoption centre can help with that. When you express an interest in rescuing a dog or puppy, the dog rescue will usually give you a questionnaire to fill out to better understand your current circumstances, then they'll be able to recommend a suitable dog for you. They're well versed in finding good matches for both people and pets, so you can be rest assured that they can help in finding you a friend for life. Additionally, leading charities can offer you lifelong support, so if you ever have issues with your dog, most rescue centres will be willing to help. If your circumstances ever change, most will welcome their dogs back again too.

There are so many benefits to adopting a cat, namely that you're giving a pet a second chance at a fulfilled family life! If you're wondering how to adopt a cat and what to expect during the process, read our guide. You've decided to give a cat from a shelter a forever home-a fantastic thing to do! There are so many pets in the UK that have been abandoned, abused or simply had owners that were no longer able to take care of them. All of these animals are looking for a second chance at a loving home. Whether you're looking to adopt a kitten or an adult cat with a fully formed, unique personality, there are many things to consider before bringing your new family member home. Find out how to adopt a cat and what you'll need for your new arrival with this guide. How to adopt a cat When considering how to adopt a cat, the first thing you need to do is locate a suitable shelter or charity with an established reputation. You can easily find plenty of these by searching for your local centres online. You can also try looking on Cats Protection, Blue Cross and RSPCA websites for your closest rescue centre to you. Once you've located one, most have online directories of the cats they currently have up for adoption, alternatively you can speak to the staff at the centre for advice on the kind of cat which will suit you.

Where some may find them overwhelming due to their large size, giant dog breeds actually make perfect family pets. Discover 10 of our favourite big dog breeds. Tiny teacup pups aren't for everyone - while their teeny paws may delight some dog lovers, there are those out there looking for a little more dog to love. Giant dog breeds can be intimidating, and of course they'll require more upkeep and a lot more space than a Chihuahua or a Shih Tzu, but their large size makes them the best cuddle companions and when well socialised, they can become amazing family members. If you've got room in your home and on your sofa, a giant dog breed can be the perfect match for you. Keep reading about our top 10 big dog breeds. 1. English Mastiff Standing between 27-35 inches tall and weighing around 200-230 pounds, the English Mastiff is among the biggest dog breeds alive today - in both height and weight. Known throughout history for its fearsome beginnings, this breed is descended from ancient war dogs and now warms sofas around the world and makes a loving family member. When they're not snuggled up with their favourite humans, this giant dog breed is also used for security, police and military work thanks to their high intelligence. 2. Irish Wolfhound

Cats with blue eyes have captured the hearts of people all over the world, but which cats actually have blue eyes? Keep reading to find out more and discover what can cause them. There's something special about a cat with blue eyes. Dazzling baby blues are a fairly unusual feature in the feline world and it's easy to see why so many people are drawn to them. Blue eyes in cats are generally caused by a lack of pigment, and all kittens are born with blue eyes because cats don't develop eye pigmentation until they're around six weeks old, when the production of melanin kicks in. Some cat breeds with blue eyes (especially pointed breeds) have a recessive albinism gene, which means that they'll always have bright blue eyes. Whereas other breeds have an extra gene which also blocks the coat colour, so these cats will not only have blue eyes but they'll also be white in colour. Here at Purina, we've created a list of cat breeds with blue eyes for all you blue eyed admirers. Balinese This blue eyed cat breed is a longhaired variety of the Siamese. The Balinese has a silky, flowing coat and gorgeously deep blue eyes. The breed's long and elegant body makes the cat incredibly graceful, and it's thanks to this elegance that they're named after the exotic dancers of Bali. The Balinese are known to be an affectionate breed and are extremely friendly toward their owners. They are willing to shower anyone who gives them attention in lots of love. Birman The Birman is a cat breed with blue eyes that's hard to resist. Their glossy blue eyes gives them a sweet appearance which will have you bending over backwards for them. Their common characteristics are gentle, affectionate and playful, making them ideal as family pets.

There's nothing cuter than a cat with big ears. Usually quite delicate in appearance, we think these kitties look nothing short of endearing when sporting bat-like ears, that's why we've created this list of our top 10 cat breeds with big ears - read on to find out who made the list! Cats are known for their delicate appearances with little toe beans, lithe bodies and small, boop-worthy noses. But nothing makes them appear more endearing than when these elegant little features are contrasted with a big pair of ears! We've put together this list to show you the best cats with big ears - some of which almost rival satellite dishes - so if you love your kitties a little more bat-like in appearance, read on! 10 cats with big ears From the playful Abyssinian to the mysterious looking Sphynx, here are our top 10 cat breeds with big ears:

Boasting cute, shaggy appearances that warm the hearts of people all around the globe, wire-haired dogs are nothing short of special. If you're looking for a bristly companion to bring into your life, take a look at our list of the best wire-haired dog breeds. Wire-haired dogs possess strong, robust coats which are a bit bristly to the touch. Aside from their unusual texture, these wire coats were mostly designed to protect them against the elements and kept them free from harm whilst running through the underbrush as the dense wire is much harder to penetrate than smoother coats. If you want to bring one of these endearingly shaggy dog types into your life, you'll likely be wondering what wire-haired dog breeds are out there, which is why we've created this list to show you our favourites. Keep reading to discover everything from fearless terriers to lively hounds! 1. Wire Fox Terrier This wire-haired terrier breed was originally bred to flush foxes out and their tough, intelligent coat meant they were less prone to injury whilst out hunting. Today, Wire Fox Terriers make great companions due to their brave and smart personalities but they'll need to be groomed regularly in order to keep their coat in tip top condition.

Black and tan dogs are truly stunning and their unique colouring has made them popular as show dogs and companions. At Purina, we think black and tan dog breeds are simply wonderful, that's why we've created this list of our top 9 favourites. Black and brown (or tan) is among one of the most striking colour combinations found in dogs. The two colours offer a stunning contrast which gives them a regal and smart appearance and once you see a dog of this hue, it's sure to make an impact. From elegant Dobermans to fearless Miniature Pinchers, we've created this list of black and tan dog breeds which are as wonderful in personality as they are in looks. 1. Rottweiler The Rottweiler is a strong and compelling black and tan dog that was originally bred to herd cattle to market. Due to their strength, they were also used to pull carts for butchers and farmers! Despite their often-fearsome reputation, this breed is very kind, loving and adores their people. Black and tan is the only hue you'll find this dog in and no other colour variations are currently accepted by The Kennel Club. 2. Doberman Perhaps one of the most iconic black and tan dog breeds on this list, the Doberman is a striking and elegant dog from Germany that has roots in guarding. Highly intelligent and very active, these dogs are extremely gentle and are always at their happiest when they're part of a family. Aside from stunning black and tan they can also be blue and tan, fawn and tan and red and tan.