Choosing a Kitten

[Homepets]

Hi

We are thinking of getting a kitten and I know that when choosing a puppy you have to watch and see how it interacts with its litter mates an so on - is this necessary with a kitten? and if so what are the key points to look out for?

Many thanks!!!!!

 

[Bloo]

Where are you getting the kitten from ?
The older it is when it leaves the mom, the better - well anything between 8-12 is best, but closer to 12 even better. Find out if it's had any booster shots yet.
Check for overall glossy coat and clear eyes and take it to the vet for a once over, some de-worming (and possibly also de-fleaing) and advice on what the schedule of inoculations should be. If your cat is going to have outdoor access, I would highly recommend and advise getting the additional shot for feline leukaemia.

I'd also advise on getting a microchip when you (hopefully) have the kitten neutered or spayed at the 6-month mark.

But all that is probably more than you asked for.
Post some piccies when you have your kitten

 

[Homepets]

That is great thank you.

We haven't found a particular breeder to buy from yet but are looking around on the internet for ones close to where we live.

This many be a silly question but I have never been around a litter of kittens before, but will it be obvious if a kitten is going to be sociable and a 'lap cat'?

 

[cheekeyarab]

Generally a kitten should be friendly and automatically start purring when you pet it. Don't expect too much though as she/he will probably be far more interested in playing with the other kittens.

Check for discharge around the eyes/mouth/nose. Check the ears and also for a stomach that looks unusually distended (kittens tummies often look slightly distended anyway so if you are not sure compare it with the others in the litter!)

Have you considered getting two kittens, they are often happier and more confident if they have a playmate.

Ask the breeder lots of questions. In particular, if it's not a pedigree ask if they know who the dad is.
If you are getting a pedigree it should have its shots already and shouldn't be rehomed 'til 12 weeks.
Non-pedigrees are often rehomed as early as 8 weeks but if the breeder is willing to keep them longer then go for it.

kittens need to be wormed from an early age so if the breeder hasn't done this yet I would personally be concerned about what else he/she may have not done.

Check what food they give their kittens (so you can give them the same) and examine the mother to see that she is in good health.

Choosing a kitten can take a long time and a good breeder will be patient with you and not minding asking lots of "personal" questions about their cats. If they get irritated or struggle for answers I would be concerned.

I've probably missed a load of things 'cause I'm not thinking straight but the last thing I want to add is:

Good luck, enjoy the thrill of bringing home a new pet (or two?!) and let's see some pictures when you have him/her.

 

[Bloo]

Just forgot to say one thing - if you're going for a pure bred kitten - do your research very well. Look around the net, but also look at WHSmiths (or similar) and buy the Your Cat magazine.
At the back there is a section that lists breeders.

Many new kitten buyers are bewildered and caught unaware by the mix of response when they phone to ask "do you have any kittens for sale"
Be prepared to be met with great caution and to answer a whole string of questions (to just about the colour of your underwear ! )

You might also find that you will have to go onto a waiting list if you want a particular breed of cat from a reputable breeder or put down a deposit to secure a kitten in advance.

Kittens should generally be very sociable and friendly. If you have kids or other pets, it does help (but is not that important) to get a breeder that raises it's kittens in the same manner. Most kittens do adjust quickly.

Last word of warning: there are many "rogue" breeders who are only in it for the money. So if going for a pure bred kitten - do your research

If you're going for a moggie, forget all that and just go for a kitten that looks happy, healthy and friendly

Oh by the way, I saw our local RSPCA advertise kittens in our local Petshop of all places. I would have though the RSPCA would never ever see the need to do so and if anything would have a waiting list. So keep a rescue centre in mind too.

 

[MegTheFish]

http/www.petfinder.com/

 

[Bloo]

http/www.petfinder.com/

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Meg this is for the USA. The OP is based in the United Kingdom......

 

[xxSarahxx]

Where abouts in Surrey are you?? I am about to breed from my maine coon cross female Gallateia. Just looking for a long-haired silver tabby - if anyone knows of one!!!
There is no real way to see if a cat is going to develop into a 'lap cat' a lot of it depends on rearing and experiences as a kittne, well that's what I have found anyway.
If you are going to go for a pedigree consider which breed first as there are so many different choices. I am a huge maine coon fan but they do need special attention at times.
I have a lot of experience with cats, kittens and so on and am also a member of a breeders society. If you would like to get in touch and I can give you some more advice feel free to PM me. If you are near to me, Woking/Camberely way then I can introduce you to some local breeders or let you know of reliable sources of kittens.
Good luck. The only thing I will say is don't rush into anything or act on impulse as far as kittens are conscerned.

 

[xxSarahxx]

Oh...sorry forgot to say...Have you considered going down the rescued cat line? There are so many cats that need good homes and if you are not set on a particular breed, etc, then it may be worth considering.

 

[MegTheFish]

http/www.petfinder.com/

[snapback]869679[/snapback]​

Meg this is for the USA. The OP is based in the United Kingdom......

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Oh...sorry forgot to say...Have you considered going down the rescued cat line? There are so many cats that need good homes and if you are not set on a particular breed, etc, then it may be worth considering.

THATS what I meant to say...LoL

 

[moeldner]

This is an Australian site, but help you limit breeds and so on based on temperament and how much space the cat is going to have, children, other pets etc.

http/www.petnet.com.au/selectapet/catselectapet.html

 

[Bloo]

sorry wrong section reply - oops !

 

[GSD]

i think its the way they ae brought up and handled that will affect the temprement.My kitten Chloe came from an awful backround and was found in a bin by my auntie,she was around 5 weeks old and covered in fleas.5years and lots of tlc later she is one of hte most freindliest cats you could ever meet.If you want a pedigree look for a reputible breeder.But rescue centers often have abused or unanted kittens in looking for a great home.So if your not going to breed you should concider one of them.Just look for a happy.freindly cat what likes to play and isnt withdrawn.And will not scratch or bite

 

[Homepets]

Thank you for all of the above!!!

We have a lot of decisions to make now, although we won't be breeding or showing our cat so maybe a rescue moggie is the way to go

 

[Bloo]

Thank you for all of the above!!!

We have a lot of decisions to make now, although we won't be breeding or showing our cat so maybe a rescue moggie is the way to go

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Great stuff ! Though you'd be surprised how ofthen there are many pure or part bred cats available at rescue centres. Though less seldom in the young or kitten stage.

Good luck and let us know how it goes !