Well, there are probably two worst mistakes. The first is to buy a cat or acquire a cat on a whim in the first place. Many people think it is a good idea to get a cat for Christmas as a present for a child, but don't think through caring for the cat afterwards. Many cats and dogs and other pets are abandoned after Christmas when the reality of buying food, cleaning up and being tied to looking after a pet sinks in.

The second mistake a new cat owner can make is not to buy or get a neutered cat or not to have the cat neutered straight away. An unneutered male will spray in the house as he claims it for his territory, leaving a foul smell which is virtually impossible to get rid of.

A female that has not been spayed will want to stay out all night and will cause a nuisance calling loudly and attracting other cats into the garden and even the house.

Of course, the other consequence is a litter of kittens. If a cat becomes a lot of work, then 10 of them will be ten times more work.

 We are cat sitting every couple of days for 2 cats. The owner leaves them in the garage with plenty of water and food and 2 separate litter boxes. The owner says we can allow the cats to go into the house but at night they need to be back in the garage. Are we suppose to move the litter boxes into the house when the cats are in there for say 4 hrs.? Thanks Mary Milan

 Well, I sure would! After all, you don't know when the cats last used the box when you put them in the house and you don't know when they last ate, or how much they've been drinking. When ya gotta go, ya gotta go, even if you're a cat, right?