How To Choose The Right Kitten
June 22, 2016
Are you thinking of becoming the proud owner of a new bundle of fluff? And now want some tips on how to choose the healthiest and right kitten for your home?
Congratulations, you are on the road to becoming the proud owner of a kitten. If this is your first time on the cat loving train, then be warned; once you let a cat into your heart and home you will forever be in need of a purring companion. Cats are wonderful pets to be in the company of. With their special characters and impressive talents, each one (and breed) is different and is sure to leave a lasting impression on you and your family.
How to Choose the Right Kitten?
It is important that you sight your kitten before you take them home. If you are purchasing from a cat breeder and the kitten is being delivered, please make sure you ask all the relevant questions and ask for plenty of photos to ensure your kitten is coming from a good cat breeder. The basic fact is that the cat breeder will ask you endless questions. Good cat breeders do not breed cats for money; they do it for the love of the breed and will only want their kittens to go to the very best of homes. So do your research first and make sure you are buying from a good source.
When rescuing or purchasing a kitten there are a few health signs to look for:
- Clear bright eyes free of discharge
- Happy, energetic kitten
- Pink gums and white teeth
- No runny discharge from nose
- Clean ears with no smell or discharge
- No sneezing or problem with breathing
- Good size, not underweight
- No sign of abnormalities, lumps, bumps or injury
- Also check the mouth for sores or ulcers
- Clean, shiny fur free from bald patches and mats
When you meet your kitten, take a look at all of the other kittens and also the cats. Ask yourself:
- Do the cats seem happy or stressed?
- Are the litter trays clean?
- Is there an over-powering smell or overcrowding?
- Are the kittens outgoing or are they shy and timid?
Your instincts are vital when choosing a kitten from a good home. Remember that kittens can also suffer from behavioural problems due to the environment which they were born in. However, don’t be discouraged if you are rescuing a kitten and are unsure of the surroundings and situation they were born into. Timid kittens can grow into loving cats, but it may take a little more time and patience. When rescuing a kitten ensure they are healthy. Then research your kitten’s temperament and be sure you can dedicate the time needed to integrate them into their new loving homes. Rescuing a kitten is a very joyous experience, and with so many kittens in need of forever-homes you are sure to find a kitten to suit any personality and living environment.
With all kittens, please make sure that you de-sex your new feline friend. A single pair of cats and their kittens can produce as many as 420,000 kittens in just seven years! With statistics such as these, neutering your new bundle of fluff is very important.
A BIT ABOUT THE BLOGGER:
Nadia Crighton is a well-known and accomplished Australian journalist and Pet Magazine editor. As a busy mum of four humans, two dogs, 50 sheep, one cat, a handful of chickens and a goat named Billy (and let’s not forget the axolotls!); she simply adores pets of all shapes and sizes. These are her personal thoughts and advice from many years of pet-ownership and working within the pet industry.
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