A Vet’s Top 3 Most Important Tips Before Getting a Puppy or Kitten
Written by Alessandro Didiano (doctor in veterinary medicine, MRCVS)
Disclaimer: This article is personally written by me, a licensed veterinarian with more than a decade of clinical experience. It’s for general information only and not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a vet for health concerns or emergencies.
"He just won't let me sleep", said the exhausted young man during a routine consultation.
He had recently adopted an eight-week-old kitten and needed help because the kitten was waking him up every single night wanting to play. When I asked him about his daily routine, everything made sense. He lived in a small studio flat and was out of the house from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for work. After returning home, he would have dinner, watch some television, and then go straight to bed at 10 p.m. His kitten had been left alone for twelve hours with no interaction, no stimulation, and no chance to release normal kitten energy. Naturally, the moment he went to sleep, the kitten was wide awake and ready to engage.
This scenario is, very sadly, incredibly common and highlights how easily new pet owners can underestimate what animals truly need.
In this article, you can find my 3 most imporrtant things to know before getting a puppy or a kitten.
1. Getting a Puppy or Kitten Is a Deep, Long-Term Commitment
As a veterinarian, I cannot emphasise enough that adopting a puppy or kitten is a major and long-term commitment. Too many people fall in love with the idea of a cute animal without fully considering the responsibilities that come with pet ownership. A puppy or kitten will depend entirely on you for the next fifteen years or more. Their feeding routine, training, safety, enrichment, medical care, emotional development, and overall wellbeing all rest on your shoulders. This is not something to enter impulsively!
Before adopting, ask yourself whether you have the time and stability to care for a dog or cat long-term. Responsible and loving pet ownership is not creating your pet's Instagram account, but rather being fully prepared for every stage of their life, from the high-energy puppy or kitten months to the complex needs of a senior pet. They rely on you completely, and they deserve someone who understands the reality of lifelong care.
2. Don’t Overlook Their Mental Health: Puppies and Kittens Need Stimulation
One of the most overlooked aspects of new pet care is mental and emotional wellbeing. In my veterinary experience, most behaviour problems in puppies and kittens stem from unmet mental needs rather than disobedience or “bad behaviour.”
Puppies require regular walks, socialisation, training, and daily play to build confidence and prevent issues (such as separation anxiety, reactivity, destructive behaviour, etc). Without these experiences, their world becomes too small, and they struggle to develop into balanced and calm adult dogs.
Kittens also require far more stimulation than many people realise. They need opportunities to climb, explore, hunt through play, and interact with their environment. I personally believe that many cats thrive with outdoor access because it allows them to express natural behaviours. However, if you choose to keep your cat indoors, whether for safety or preference, this becomes a significant responsibility. Indoor cats should not be left alone for twelve hours a day with no enrichment or social interaction. This leads to stress, frustration (and night-time hyperactivity, like in the case I discussed at the start of this article)
For both puppies and kittens, proper mental stimulation is essential. Boredom is one of the biggest causes of behavioural problems, and prevention always begins with understanding their emotional needs.
3. Think Seriously About the Financial Side: Pet Insurance Is Essential
This is the part I often say gently, but firmly, because I see the consequences every day as a vet. Veterinary care is expensive. I have discussed the complexity of this topic in other articles, but we like it or not, for a variety of reasons, this is how things are at the moment.
I have witnessed far too many heartbreaking situations where a family cannot afford the treatment their pet urgently needs. If you are thinking of getting a puppy or kitten and you are not confident you can comfortably handle unexpected veterinary bills, then you must have pet insurance. Not “should”, must. Every pet, at some point in their life, will become ill or injured. This is not a possibility; it is a certainty. Insurance protects you from financial stress and ensures you can always choose what is best for your pet, rather than what is most affordable in the moment. It is one of the most responsible decisions you can make as a new pet owner.
Final Thoughts: A Vet-Approved Message for New Pet Owners
Puppies and kittens bring incredible joy, companionship, and love into our lives, but they also require time, commitment, emotional attention, and financial preparation. Before bringing home your new companion, make sure you understand the full reality of responsible pet ownership: a long-term commitment lasting over a decade, the importance of mental enrichment and daily interaction, and the need for financial readiness through savings or pet insurance. If you are prepared for all three, then you are ready to give your new puppy or kitten the healthy, happy, and fulfilling life they deserve.