Check her eyes, ears and coat for any signs of irritation or illness. You'll want to know about any health issues before adoption so that you're fully prepared for the time and resources the kitty will need from you. Have the essentials ready before bringing home your kitten. You'll want to cat-proof your home place power cords and window blind cords out of reach, secure window screens, close off unsafe rooms , and have fresh water as well as a clean litter box and extra litter.
A cat's scratching and hunting instincts run deep; provide her with scratching posts , toys and even a plain old cardboard box — she'll love it! Remember that her diet is key to maintaining this energy level. Choosing the best kitten food will establish a lifetime of healthy eating habits.
Take your kitty to the veterinarian soon after adoption for a physical screening, and so you can discuss a vaccine schedule with the vet. You might also consider microchipping which, as the Chicago Cat Clinic notes, is the best way to find a lost cat. Your kitty may be shy at first, but she'll start to feel at home — on her own timetable. Once she feels comfortable, you'll have a tough time getting her to stop playing. One of the easiest ways to get a kitten acclimated to your home is to start small — keep her in a small enclosure when you don't take her out to play or use the litter box and gradually expand that space over time until she's ready to have run of your entire home.
Figuring out how to choose a kitten can be overwhelming when there are so many sweet kitties to pick from, but with these tips, you'll be sure to find your furry, forever friend! Christine O'Brien is a writer, mom, and long-time cat parent whose two Russian Blues rule the house. Her work also appears in Care. Find and follow her on Instagram and Twitter brovelliobrien. Select Your Region. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Instagram Youtube. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.
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Finland - Suomi. Kittens in particular should be visited when they are still with their mother and should look healthy, alert and sociable. You can find out more about what you should be looking for in our guide. Buying a cat: Find out more. It can be difficult to resist getting a kitten. While they are cute to look at and full of energy, they also demand a lot of time and patience from their owners.
If your household is more suited to a more laid-back character, it is best to choose an adult cat. Adult cats are usually more settled and less likely to get up to mischief than kittens. Some of them will even be keen to cuddle up on the sofa or lounge around at your feet. By the time a cat is grown, their personality is well established. You may even be able to find out from their previous owner about their food intake, litter tray habits and character, making it easier for them to settle into their new home.
Mature moggies, or cats that are older than seven years old, are ideal for quieter households. They are likely to be quieter throughout the day, sleep through the night and less likely to wander from home. Take a look at our visual guide. All cats have differing personalities, in the same way that humans do. Some are content to be handled, making them the perfect pet for children or older people. Others will shy away from attention, only interacting when they choose to. Do you have children at home, or even other pets?
Choosing a cat that will settle into family life is vital. Cats and kids can become great companions as they grow and having a pet can be of great benefit to little ones. While children might be enthusiastic about homing a cute kitten, kittens need plenty of care and attention as well as regular supervision. You can also ask for some of its bedding as the familiar smell will be reassuring, especially when travelling. Find out more about preparing for your kitten in our guide.
Kitten care. Kitten socialisation. Buying a kitten. Download The Kitten Checklist. It will also be, where possible: wormed vaccinated microchipped neutered Find out more about adopting a cat with Cats Protection. On meeting the kitten, you should check they are: sociable alert have bright eyes have no visible health issues Buying a pedigree kitten If the kitten is a pedigree, there are rules which the breeder should adhere to.
Visit the GCCF website. Consider the following: when was the kitten born? They should experience: different people at least four, ideally including a male, female and child handling including handling by a vet, looking in their ears and handling their paws sounds litter trays and types of litter different types of toys Find out more about kitten socialisation.
Visiting the kitten Once you make a visit to your potential kitten in its home, use the kitten checklist to guide you on things to look out for. You could consider questions such as: can you see the kitten with its mother?
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