Deciding to get a new cat is so exciting, but also can raise lots of questions. For example, what breed would you like? Can you handle the challenges of a cheeky kitten, or would a calmer senior cat suit your lifestyle more? You've probably imagined all the cuddles you'll have and the games you'll play with your new fluffy friend, but remember that your cat will be a big part of your life for a long time to come, so it's important you do your homework before you fall in love with the first cat you see. You'll need to make some decisions such as whether you want a cat or a kitten, whether they'll be an indoor or outdoor cat, who will have what responsibilities for them and what type of cat will fit in with your lifestyle. So, where do you start and what can you expect from a feline addition to the family? The benefits of adopting a cat? There's no doubt about it, cats make great pets. After all, what's better to come home to at the end of a tough day than a contented purr from a loving bundle of fur?

If it's dog names you're after, you'll find plenty of inspiration here. We've rounded up so many wonderful ideas that you'll surely find that unique, cool dog name in no time. Have a look. Looking for the best dog name ever? We put together a list of the ultimate dog names that will have you saying "this is the one". Find that unforgettable girl dog name you are after or the boy dog name that perfectly matches the awesome new pup in the house. There are plenty of amazing dog names to choose from below, so let's get to it! Male Dog Names Rocky Made famous by Sylvester Stallone, Rocky is a dog name reserved for the strong-willed male pup, regardless of size. Rocky might be a Shih Tzu or a Great Dane - after all, it's not size but sheer determination that counts. So if you already recognise a go-getter in your pup then this famous metaphor for the underdog is also that perfect male dog name you're looking for. Bear Bear is another great male dog name that works for pups big and small. The larger dog breeds will enjoy a moniker that shows off their strength and independence, while small dogs can pull it off as a funny pun on their itsy-bitsy size. Iggy Iggy is such an endearing male dog name that you won't need anything else to convince you this is the one for your dog. But it turns out that the meaning behind the name is what makes many dog owners choose it for the new canine friends in their life. In Latin, Iggy means "the Fiery One", which matches any pup's adventurous side. Rebel If you've got a rule-breaker on your hands, there is hardly a better choice than Rebel. Short and easy to say over and over again even when your tough pup just does as they please, this is one of the cooler boy dog names out there. Hulk The Hulk might be the huge rage machine in the comics' universe, bulldozing everything in its way, but it can perfectly lend his name to a pup determined to do just that, even if on a considerably smaller scale. If you notice your new dog wrestling with their toys, constantly fighting blankets, curtains and table cloths, Hulk might be the boy dog name you are looking for. Female Dog Names Princess A list of female dog names has to include the moniker "Princess". For the elegant, girly dogs that start to strut around the house from the first moment they walk through the door there is just no better way to address them than by using royal terminology. If you're not careful, your new pup will definitely rule your home. Goldie A name inspired by this precious metal is perfect for your treasured addition to the family. If your dog's colour is a match too, then Goldie is truly a no-brainer girl dog name. Luna Luna, which means "Moon" in Latin, is one of the most popular female dog names. And rightly so. You can rarely go wrong with a name that has celestial meaning for a pup with cuteness levels out of this world. Zuzu For a girl dog name that is sweet, try Zuzu which actually means "Sweet" in Yiddish. Plus, it will make you smile every time you say it, so it's got to be at the top of your female dog name list. Just say it out loud a few times and you'll know what we mean.

Marmalade, red, orange or ginger - whatever you want to call it, ginger cats are nothing less than extraordinary. Find out everything there is to know from what's responsible for the colouring of ginger cats to the cat breeds that come in this wonderful shade. It's no secret that ginger cats are among the most well-loved and that all who come into contact with them think there's something special about them. This may be due to the fact that they've played such cheeky characters on TV and film, including Shrek's Puss in Boots, Breakfast at Tiffany's Orangey and of course, who could forget Garfield? As they've made such an impact on us in the land of pop culture, we've found ourselves wanting to discover as much as possible about them and wondering if there are any specific ginger cat breeds. Keep reading to find out everything from the reasoning behind their ginger colouring, to the breeds which are more likely to come in this marmalade tone. What's responsible for the colouring of ginger cats? It may surprise you to know that there's quite a lot that goes into deciding if your cat will have red fur or not. There's actually a 'ginger gene' and it has a lot to do with inherited genes and chromosomes. According to The Spruce Pets, the ginger gene 'O', is responsible for producing phaeomelanin (the red pigment), and this pigment is so dominant it will mask all other colours. In order to produce your ginger cat, the gene needs to be carried to the 'X' chromosome - a male cat has one 'X' chromosome, whereas females have two. Additionally, this ginger gene comes in two variants: 'O' which produces red pigment and 'o' which doesn't. If the ginger cat is male and gets the 'O' type from their mother, they'll be ginger, however if they get 'o' they'll be calico or tortoiseshell instead. For females to be ginger they'll need the 'O' chromosome on both 'X' chromosomes, if they have 'Oo' instead, they'll be calico or ginger. Due to the fact females have so many more possible combinations, they're less likely to be ginger and as such only 20% are. A huge 80% of all ginger cats are male, as there are far less variables involved. Also, ginger males can come from red, calico and tortoiseshell mothers, whereas females need to have one fully red father and the mother will have to be red, calico or tortoiseshell. Are all ginger cats tabbies?

Everyone loves Disney. The franchise has captivated the hearts of both young and old alike and their effervescent characters are as charming as they are courageous, so it goes without saying that Disney dog names are incredibly popular. Find out our favourites in our list! The world of Disney is full of magical stories that resonate with audiences across time. These tales that we cherish from childhood right up to our adult years provide us with heroes and heroines that inspire, funny and adorable sidekicks and of course, dastardly villains which have us rooting for the heroes even more. So, when it comes to our four-legged friends, it's only natural that many of us turn to Disney dog names to find the perfect moniker. We've got names that are inspired by some of the best Disney characters to date, so whether your pup's a little prince or princess or your furry sidekick that's always there to entertain, there's bound to be a name you'll love! Disney boy dog names Disney heroes are truly one of a kind. They're strong, funny and always ready to save the day - which may make you think of a certain furry friend in your life! These are our top Disney boy dog names:

If you don't have much time to spend hours each day walking your dog, then a laid-back dog breed could be for you. Keep reading to find out which breeds are more than happy to curl up and snooze on the sofa. There are some dogs who are constantly on the go every minute of the day and are always ready to jump into any adventure or activity with all four paws. But there are other calm dog breeds who after a daily walk, are quite happy to snuggle up and snooze on the sofa. If your schedule is far too busy for a high energy dog and you just want a buddy you can chill out with, then you might want to consider a quiet dog breed. Keep reading for our top five laid back dog breeds that you're more likely to trip over snoring, than find underneath your feet looking for games! Calm dog breeds Calm dog breeds are ideal if you have a busy schedule or if you live in an apartment and don't have lots of space for your pooch to run around. Where our top five calm and lazy dog breeds may not require as much exercise as high energy breeds, it's still important that they're regularly walked to stimulate their brains and to prevent any destructive behaviours forming. 1. Bassett Hound When they're not hot on a trail following a scent, this laid back dog breed is usually found lounging on the sofa, patiently awaiting their next snack. They're known for their gentle natures while inside the house, but are also always up for an adventure out on a walk, and love nothing more than to engage their natural instincts and sniff out a trail. Although the Basset Hound is a calm dog breed, it's important that they're regularly exercised and that their diet is monitored as they're prone to obesity. 2. Bullmastiff

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.

Dogs Can Increase Our Happiness and Well-Being You may sense that hanging out with a dog or even looking at pictures of a dog gives your mood a boost, and there’s proof that it does. A chemical called oxytocin, which has been found to reduce stress, fight depression and create feelings of trust, increases significantly – for humans and dogs alike – when they spend as little as 30 minutes together. Glad the feeling is mutual! DID YOU KNOW? Dog owners were found to experience a spike in oxytocin just from meeting their dogs’ gazes. The Huffington Post, “The Health Benefits Of Having A Dog.” http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/21/health-benefits-dogs_n_1421573.html Pets Can Be Good for Our Children • Teaching kids to care for a puppy can make them more cooperative and generous. • When kids imagine how a pet feels, it helps them learn to empathise with their peers and take their feelings into account. • Teaching children to confide in their pets as if they were friends can help children recover from trauma. The New York Times, “HEALTH; Children and Their Pets: Unexpected Psychological Benefits.” http://www.nytimes.com/1990/01/11/us/health-children-and-their-pets-unexpected-psychological-benefits.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm.

Just as feeding your dog the right diet is vital to helping them to stay healthy and energetic, giving them the emotional nourishment they need is vital to helping them to stay happy! Introduction to dog types With over 200 registered dog breeds in the UK* and a whole host of other crossbreeds and types, choosing your perfect canine companion might seem a bit daunting at first. Different types of dogs have different needs. If you have a Terrier, for example, he will love digging, whereas a Scenthound would prefer to follow a trail to a hidden stash! A Livestock Protection dog may be happy on his own for long periods of time, but a Toy Dog needs lots more attention from you to feel content. So getting to know your dog's personality and behavioural needs is vital to keep them as happy as possible. Why are there so many different types of dogs? If you travel around the world and look at village dog populations, you will see far more similarities than differences. Left to its own devices, the domestic dog is pretty similar no matter what country they come from. They are medium-sized, smoothish-coated, of various shades of brown with tulip shaped ears and a tail with a white tip (for easy communication) that is often held over their back. They may be slightly smaller in hot climates and larger with more coat in cold climates but basically, they are all very similar. They live alongside the human population but do not have a relationship with them. By contrast, when you look at the types of dogs we live with today, there couldn't be a wider variety in terms of size, shape, coat-type and personality.

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 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.