Choosing a Kitten

Choosing a Kitten

If you have decided that a cat is for you and a kitten is what you are looking for, there are some fundamental rules you should adhere to and these are listed out below to try to help you in your quest. Bear in mind a cat can live up to 20 years so you want to take your time choosing your new friend.

Whether you want to have a pedigree kitten or a moggy is up to individual choice. If you choose a pure breed this can help you know exactly what you are getting but it is important to research the breed characteristics to try to get a breed that suits your family and lifestyle. As a general rule a moggy is generally a hardier animal but it is still important to consider all the points below.

Rule 1. Do not buy a kitten from a pet shop or similar outlet. Ensure you see your kitten in a home environment with the mum present.

Rule 2. Never buy on impulse or because you feel sorry for a frightened or timid kitten. A timid kitten may have poor socialisation skills that could lead to behavioural problems in the future.

Rule 3. Make sure you assess the environment you buy your kitten from. If you are not experienced then take a friend or family member along with you for a second opinion. Be wary of getting a kitten if it has had little human contact as the early weeks of a kitten’s life are important for socialisation.

Rule 4. Never take a kitten home too early, as a rule of thumb a kitten should stay with its’ mother until at least 7 weeks of age. It is vitally important they are with their mother and siblings up to this age and good breeders should warn against a kitten going home with you before this age.

Rule 5. Check the appearance of the mother and kittens. Do they appear healthy; eyes clear and bright, free of any discharge? Are their coats shiny? Check that the mum looks content and happy, taking into account that she has just had kittens and will be naturally protective of them.

As long as you go to choose a kitten with a ‘sensible head’ on and clearly decide before hand what you are looking for you should end up with a kitten that you are happy with. Once you have got your kitten home and it has had the chance to settle in for a couple of days, get it examined by a veterinary surgeon to ensure they are physically well. This is also a great opportunity to discuss vaccinations, worming, flea treatment etc.