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There is no doubt that baby kittens are very appealing, however, if you are thinking about sharing your home and life with a kitten please remember that they are this cute and fluffy for only a very short period of time and that the average lifespan of an adult cat can be 12-16 years and, therefore, is not a decision to be entered into lightly. Have you considered the following points?
When you have made the decision that you have the right environment, time, lifestyle, money and commitment to give to a kitten/cat consider the following -
Unless you have your mind set on a male or female kitten there is nothing to suggest that either make a better pet, as long as they are neutered, as they are both just as affectionate Click here for more info! Pedigree kittens are bred to a certain type of personality and temperament, therefore, are popular with people who desire an exact type of cat. For example, the Ragdoll cat is rather floppy when relaxed and is a very laid-back cat - hence the name Ragdoll! The Siamese cat is unmistakable with their brilliant blue eyes and their dramatic colouring and sleek body. They are intelligent and very affectionate.
Ragdoll Kitten Siamese Kittens Moggy & Kitten Finding/Choosing your kitten If you have decided that you want to purchase a pedigree kitten you will need to contact a reputable recognised breeder. These can be contacted through specialist pet magazines and individual cat breed clubs. You should be able to see both the mother and the other kittens and also let a vet examine the kitten of your choice before you complete the finer details of the purchase. A pedigree kitten should be fully inoculated and no younger than 12 weeks old when leaving its mother. If you decide to get a moggy (non-pedigree) a kitten can be found through advertisements in local papers, notices in your local shops or by word of mouth. When looking for a kitten please bear in mind the following -
There is also the option of adopting a rescue cat. Unfortunately there is never shortage of rescued cats looking to be rehoused. Perhaps if you are looking for an older cat a rescue center will be an ideal place to find her. Staff there go to a great deal of effort to match the cats in their care with the right family environment. Welcoming your new kitten home Before setting out to collect the new addition to your family ensure that you have all the equipment you will need. It is important to set out the littler tray and feeding bowls where you intend to permanently keep them so that your new kitten is able to establish their whereabouts immediately. These need to be placed in relatively quiet areas where your kitten will not feel that she is about to be trampled on and can feel relaxed and also not in too close proximity to each other. Knowing the kitten’s previous diet before collecting her is also important so you can obtain this food beforehand to avoid upset stomachs. Try to arrange collecting your kitten when you have time at home so that you can help her settle in and become accustomed to one another. Collect her in a suitable pet carrier. It is helpful to put one of your old towels in the bottom of the carrier so she can get familiarised with the smell of her new home on her journey there.
The first few days . . . On arriving at her new home your kitten might understandably be a little nervous. Let her make her own way out of the pet carrier in her own good time. When she has done this gently show her where her littler tray, food and bed are. It is then a good idea to let her explore at her own pace. She may well find a quiet confined space to squeeze into where she feels safe, however, gradually she will venture out for longer and go further as her inquisitiveness’ takes over. Now she is a member of your family you may want to register her with a veterinary practice so that you can get information on inoculations, neutering and microchipping for your little addition.
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