How to choose a kitten

You’re thinking of welcoming a kitten into your heart and home – that is exciting! Here are some key milestones, health considerations and general information to help you. Asking the rescue centre and breeder what experiences your kitten has had from a socialisation perspective is important – this includes handling, seeing different people and hearing different noises. A kitten can be playful, have lots of energy and climb curtains so thinking about whether they are right for you (and all members of your family), compared to an older cat is the most imperative first step.

Health

Any kitten that has discharge from their eyes and ears is likely to be unwell. Observing them in their environment and looking out for any signs of diarrhoea and uncleanliness are all red flag’s.

Roundworms

If a kitten has a pot belly it may be that they have roundworms. Roundworms can be passed on through their mother’s milk. They can be noticed in a cats faeces. Symptoms of worms can include weight loss, coughing, or lethargy. 

Coccidia

Kittens can catch this from faeces that have been contaminated. Diarohhea can be bloody and the kitten can be dehydrated and loosing weight.

Breed

Really thinking about the breed is important. Some kittens suffer from health conditions and have been bred in a way that can compromise their health and wellbeing. Here is a guide. Bengals need a lot of attention and many are not suited to indoor life. I feel that there is a common misconception that kittens and cats are the easier pet. I don’t think they are: they have different needs to dogs. They still need positive predictable social interaction, and an environment that minimises their stress.

Lifestyle

Thinking about your current lifestyle and whether that fits in with having a cat is important. Do you travel a lot? If so do you have  someone who you trust and who  understands cats and can stay with your cat, or visit them daily for shorter periods such as a cat sitter? A cattery can be an option for some cats if they’re introduced to it from a young age but I feel cats are happier at home.

 Equipment

Here is some of the equipment you’ll need

·      A corrugated cardboard scratching post

·      A cat tree

·      A litter tray and bags and a scooper

·      Gloves

·      First aid kit

·      Carrier – read more here

·      Cardboard box and comfy bed

·      Litter

·      Food bowl and food and a water bowl. I don’t recommend double bowl’s that sit next to each other.

Indoor or outdoor life?

A kitten can get pregnant from around 4 month’s old, and can get pregnant from any Tom cat. They can even have kittens with a brother or relative from her litter, therefore if your cat goes out then speaking to your vet about neutering options is important.

Tom cat’s especially can roam far from home and are at risk of road traffic accidents so a catio can be a great option to allow a cat to go outside.

There are costs and benefits to living indoors or outdoors including safety and loss, but an indoor lifestyle unless managed can lead to boredem and inactivity leading to obesity.