How To Pick Your New Kitten

Well, it’s that time of year again, it’s kitten season!!!

Are you thinking about becoming the staff of a new cat in your life? Well, if so here’s a few things that you need to think about before you pick your new companion.

Here at UKMadcat we recommend that you rescue a cat from a local shelter rather than buy from people or local breeders.

Getting a cat is a long commitment, cats are a member of your family that will be with you for the next 10, even 20 years. That’s a lot of food and time.

What type of cat do you want?

One that loves to play, or one that will sit on your lap in an evening, or maybe even one that likes to spend a lot of time outdoors?

Here are some ideas that may help you choose between an adult cat or a kitten.

Adult cats are much calmer and quieter than kittens and their personality has had chance to develop, so usually if you are looking for specific qualities such as loving, quiet, playful, outdoor you should consider any cat that is older than 12 months.

Cats develop their own personalities. Some are loving, some are mellow and like to be picked up, some will only interact with you on their terms, when they feel like it. Think which of these would fit into your expectations.

Kittens are little cute things that love to play, are very curious and definitely full of energy!!! If you can, try to spend some time with the litter and see if one fits into the things you are looking for. It is also important to keep in mind that adorable kittens turn into adult cats that will outgrow their kitten personality.

Check the kittens age. Experts say that a kitten should stay with it’s mother for 12 weeks. Any younger and their weaning process is not complete.

Are the kittens healthy?

Check the skin and coat, it should have full soft fur with no bald bits.

Check their ears, they should be clean and the cat should not be shaking it’s head or itching it’s ears

Look for bright eyes, running noses and coughing. Any of these and the kitten could be unwell.

Check their bum! It should be clean with no signs of diarrhea.

Is the kitten timid? Do you have a busy house or young children? A timid cat will struggle to adapt to a busy house, as it’s not in their nature. Also kittens and young children don’t usually mix well. Kittens are fragile and toddlers can be heavy handed when trying to interact with the kitten, and this may lead to the kitten getting scared and maybe swiping at the child to leave it alone.

What type of coat do you prefer?

Short haired require less brushing than a long haired cat. If you go for a long haired cat be prepared to have to brush it every other day, especially if they go outside. Get your cat used to brushing as soon as possible. We use the zoom groom for the UKMadcat cats. It’s nice and soft so it will not hurt their skin, however it does get through to the undercoat. This is excellent for short and medium haired cats.

So, you’ve picked your cat. Have you got everything ready for its arrival?

You need to have a food bowl and separate water bowl. Place the food and water as far apart as you can.

Litter tray and litter. You can choose between clumping and non-clumping. It’s down to preference between you and your cat.

Bed – at least 2 places to sleep. Preferably in a quiet area of the house with little footfall will make your new arrival feel safe.

Some toys, brilliant for interacting with your cat.

When you get your cat home, show it the food and water bowl and also where the litter tray is.

Now – Go have fun!!!!