Choosing a Kitten

Choosing a kitten can be a fun and exciting experience. But, it also comes with serious responsibility. Remember that choosing a cat involves many years of care and involvement. Owning a cat can easily become a twenty year commitment. So, with that in mind, let’s look at the ten questions that you need to ask yourself prior to getting a new furry friend.

1. Does Everyone in My Home Want a New Kitten?

   Everyone in your household should want to have a new kitten. Cats are very smart animals that need lots of attention and love. They can sense when they are not wanted. This can lead to unwanted negative behavior and acting out. Prior to getting a cat make sure everyone is going to be involved in your cat’s care.

   Photo by Enrico/One from RM @ flickr.com

   
   
   
2. Can I Handle the Added Costs of Owning a Cat?
   
   Vaccinations, litter, toys, food, and vet bills can all add up to almost $1,000 US dollars per year. Unexpected emergency vet bill can rack up expenses even more. It’s best to plan ahead before getting a cat. You may even want to consider getting pet health insurance to help keep costs in check.
   
   
3. Do I Have the Time to Devote to the Cat?
   When choosing a kitten, remember that they too need your time and attention. If you travel extensively or work a lot, a cat or kitten may not be best for you. Even being a full-time student can affect the amount of time you have to spend with your pet. If you choose to get a kitten despite having little free time, get two kittens. Two kittens can entertain one another while you are away.
   
   
4. What Type of Temperament is Right for Me?
   
   Shy or outgoing. Quiet or loud. There is a cat out there for every type of owner. Pick a kitten that you feel will fit in with your household the best. Just don’t expect that a very shy, aloof cat will suddenly become boisterous. With adult cats, usually what you see is what you get. Very young kittens may change temperaments as they age, as kittens are generally highly interested in play and have tons of energy to expend.
   
   
5. What Is the Cat’s Medical History?
   
   Knowing a cat’s medical history can literally mean the difference between life and death. With shelter cats, it may be difficult to know exactly what medical problems or concerns that cat had prior to coming to the shelter. Getting kitten from breeders, there is more history and you know the lineage of the cat.
   
   
6. Do I Want a Male or Female Cat?
   
   Some people say female cats are friendlier than male cats. Other people say the opposite is true. But, there is really no difference in the temperaments of male or female cats. This is true as long as the cats are spayed or neutered. Of course, if you are trying to breed a cat, then gender does become important when choosing a kitten.
   
   
7. Do I Want a Younger Kitten or Older Cat?
   
   Younger kittens (<6 months) may need more work. They are more playful, rambunctious, and active than older cats and kittens. Older kittens (>6 months) are generally calmer, less prone to infections, and have more even temperaments.
   
   
8. Do I Want a Pedigreed Cat or Mixed Breed?
   
   With pedigreed kittens, you know about the cat’s background, its health history. And if you want your kitten to enter cat shows, a pedigreed cat is pretty much a must have. Moggies (non-pedigreed unregistered breeds) cats can be just as loveable and make great pets. And if you get one from a shelter or rescue organization, you may be saving a life.
   
   
9. Do I Want a Long or Short Haired Feline?
   
   Long haired cats are stunning. Yet, it takes more work to keep their fur it top shape. Long hairs are more prone to tangling and matting of the fur. With short haired cats, a quick brushing is usually all that’s needed for a glossy coat.
   
   
10. Should I Get a Desexed Kitten or an Unaltered Kitten?
    
    If you’re getting a kitten from a shelter, most will come already spayed or neutered. If you are looking to breed a cat, of course, altering them is not an option. Most kittens, however, benefit from being altered. It increases the lifespan and cuts down on behavior problems, such as urine spraying.

Remember…when choosing a kitten have fun and keep an open mind.

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