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Show Christmas Kitty your pel. nwiy also require a lil'C'llSl'. (loud health depends on regular medieal attention, proper nutrition and correct, treatment and handling. A veterinarian should give your pet regular health checkups. He sure family members do not mistreat the pet. Very young children may unknowingly unknow-ingly injure a young animal, often ly "over loving" it. Have your dog or cat surgically sur-gically neutered as soon as your veterinarian says the animal is ready. Neutering helps prevent certain health problems, and usually makes pets less likely to roam or "spot" carpets and furniture. Careful selection, proper planning and responsible care can make pet ownership a wonderful experience for the whole family. Vt , i i If you are planning to give your child a pet for Christmas, the Vmerican Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has a lew suggestions that can make the gift a joy for the entire family. Select a pet that will fit into your family's lifestyle. Decide what size pet you can accomodate in your house or apartment, allowing enough room for the animal to sleep, eat, play and exercise. Kxolic animals such as monkeys, skunks, jungle cats anil certain reptiles rarely make good pets. They can be expensive, difficult to care lor and very dangerous. Their behavior in the home is often unpredictable. I'ets cost money. He pre pared for the day to-day ex penses of food, health care and other essentials. "Free" pels from animal shelters also involve some expense. Any animal you bring into your home should be vaccinated ; 1 1; : 1 1 r s I infectious diseases. Depending upon local laws, |