Hill's Science Plan Adult Small & Mini Dog Food with Turkey is a complete premium pet food for adult small dogs from 1 year old that are prone to weight gain or slightly overweight. This deliciously smooth mousse is formulated to deliver the appropriate amount of energy to support weight maintenance in adult dogs.
HILL'S SCIENCE PLAN Hypoallergenic Small&Mini Adult dog food with Salmon is complete pet food for adult small dogs 1–6 years old. It's formulated for dogs with delicate skin and stomach, with limited high quality novel protein sources & no grain.
Hill's Science Plan Perfect Digestion Small & Mini Adult Dog Food with Turkey is a complete premium pet food for small breed adult dogs aged 1–6 years. This deliciously smooth mousse is precisely balanced to deliver the appropriate amount of energy and to support digestive health in adult, small breed dogs.
Precisely balanced nutrition with a unique weight management formula and clinically proven antioxidants to help keep neutered cats in great shape.
Hill's Science Plan Sensitive Stomach & Skin Adult Cat Food with Chicken is a complete pet food for adult cats, supporting their digestive health & optimal skin care.
Hill's Science Plan Adult Cat Food with Salmon is a complete pet food, specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology.
This food is specially formulated to fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life.
To make a protein, amino acids are linked together in a long chain. The chain is then bundled into to a three-dimensional structure, like a tangled ball of yarn.
In people, the right diet is very important. If you are eating the wrong way for your metabolism, activity level, age and lifestyle you could end up with health issues.
Learn what your pet's microbiome is, how it contributes to your pet's gut and overall health, and why nutrition is important in maintaining healthy microbiomes.
Staff Author
|May 04, 2022
When you adopt a cat from an animal shelter, you don't just gain a best friend; you are also saving a life. Research suggests that at least 131,000 cats enter UK shelters per year, a number that is thought to have increased after the COVID-19 lockdowns were lifted. With so many wonderful cats to choose from, getting a rescue cat from a local animal shelter makes so much sense.
You have lots of options when looking to adopt a rescue cat. Large animal welfare charities like Cats Protection, RSPCA, Battersea Cats’ Home, and Blue Cross have centres all over the UK. Your new feline friend will usually be vaccinated, microchipped and spayed or neutered before adoption, or these services may be provided for a small fee. You can also search the Association of Cats and Dogs Homes (ACDH) database to find shelters in your area, including specialised shelters that care for specific breeds of cats or those with certain needs, e.g. senior, “orphaned” or disabled cats.
Each facility sets its own adoption guidelines and fees, so check with your local shelter for more information on how to adopt a cat and what you need to do before you bring them home.
Not even close! While some cats may be relinquished as a result of behavioural problems, many cats often end up at animal shelters through no fault of their own. In fact, the most common reasons involve their former parents. They may have a change of circumstances that means they can no longer take care of the cat, such as moving into a new home where cats aren’t allowed, or moving in with someone who is allergic to cats. Illness or the passing of a pet parent are other unfortunate reasons a cat may end up in a shelter. Whatever the case, most shelters will gladly reveal the reason why a particular cat is up for adoption and can give advice on how to best integrate a potential pet into your home.
Cats in need of a new home are often the perfect choice for first-time pet parents. Most of these cats have already lived inside, and therefore know the routines of a household like yours. Animal shelters provide a wide range of cats to choose from too, allowing you to find the perfect companion for your lifestyle.
Knowing what to expect, or at least what a given cat has been exposed to in the past, is another great benefit of adopting an adult cat from a rescue shelter. Most shelters will take note of the temperament of resident cats and keep a record of background information for owner-surrendered animals. They can then use this information to help you find your best match.
When looking for a great rescue cat at your local animal shelter, a cat who best fits in with your home, family and lifestyle should be your number-one priority. Reputable shelters will only adopt out healthy animals, though some of these may have special needs such as a specific diet, daily medication or modifications in the home. Be sure to clarify these with shelter staff before you fall in love with a cat that you may not be able to care for optimally.
Spend some time with the cats so that you get a feel for their individual personalities. Be willing to listen to the advice of shelter staff and volunteers who have spent lots of time with the cats.
Each shelter has a different process for adopting cats, so check the organisation's website (or call them) for specifics before you go. The following steps are pretty common parts of the process:
Getting a cat is a big commitment. As a parent and guardian, you'll be responsible for your cat’s wellbeing for the rest of their life. Knowing the costs and time commitments for cat ownership is an important part of the adoption process.
Adoption fees are your primary initial investment, and range from around £35-£60. This usually goes towards the cost of spaying/neutering, microchipping and/or vaccinating your cat, although some shelters may require you to pay for these services separately or arrange them yourself. The following is a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay, but it’s wise to contact local vets in your area for a more accurate picture:
The Battersea Cats Home recommends budgeting around £120 per year for routine health care, which includes flea treatments, worming, annual vaccination boosters, and a yearly wellbeing visit to the vet. They also estimate around £24 per month for pet insurance to cover any unexpected accidents, injuries or illnesses.
Good-quality cat food provides all of the nutrients your cat needs to stay healthy. Depending on the size, breed, age and health needs of your cat, Battersea Cats Home says you can expect to pay £20-£55 per month for food. You may also need to buy food and water bowls for a one-off cost of £10-£20.
Other essentials include things like litter, toys and a bed. Battersea Cats Home gives the following estimates:
Cats usually groom themselves, but brushing your cat’s coat regularly helps to reduce the amount of hair they swallow, which can lead to hair balls. You can get a good-quality grooming brush for around £10. If they’re a long-haired kitty, they may need regular grooming appointments with a professional to keep their coats soft and tangle-free.
Grooming starts at around £25, depending on the size and breed of your cat and your location.
You will also need to trim your cat’s claws regularly to help keep them from scratching you or your floors (you know how much they love digging into the carpet!).
What about a time commitment? You don't need to walk your cat, but you should look forward to spending quality time each day with your adorable friend. Grooming, playing, feeding, and simply enjoying your time with them is essential to creating that special bond with your newest family member.
Cats offer companionship, affection, and enjoyment, and they ask so little in return. So, adopt a rescue cat. As they say, this could be the start of a beautiful friendship.
One of our staff authors prepared this article for you
Hill's Science Plan Sterilised Cat Mature Adult Cat Food with Chicken is specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology. It is a precisely balanced nutrition tailored to meet the needs of mature adult sterilised cats, ages 7+, and to promote graceful ageing.
Hill's Science Plan Senior Cat Food with Chicken is a complete pet food, specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology.
This food supports healthy aging during the golden years. Contains a special ingredient blend to help keep older cats agile, more alert & interactive.
Hill's Science Plan Oral Care Adult Cat Food with Chicken contains clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build up.
Hill's Science Plan Urinary Health Adult Cat Food with Chicken supports the health of the whole urinary system. Suitable for sterilised cats.
Good nutrition is about the right balance of nutrients. Learn more about health issues when feeding a cat food that has an improper nutritional balance from your friends at Hills Pet Nutrition.
Feeding time can be a wonderful bonding opportunity for you and your cat. Find out how to make the most of it and create a healthy habit with HIll's Pet UK.
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Selecting the right food for your kitten is a key to quality nutrition and a long, healthy life. Learn more about how to select the right kitten food.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.