Kittens For Adoption vs Purebred Kittens – Which Should you Choose
Posted by Bob NewmanChoosing a new kitten may not sound like a daunting task, but there are a number of important considerations before purchasing one . If you have never owned a cat before, for example, you you may want to read up on different breeds of cat and their characteristics ; basic daily kitten care ; cat grooming requirements and techniques ; what vaccinations they require, etc. You also need to decide whether you are looking for a family pet, a cat for showing and breeding purposes, a longhaired or shorthaired variety, or a mixed breed. It’s a good idea to figure these things out and do your homework before you venture out to choose your favorite furry friend.
If you decide on a pedigree kitten, you will obviously need to find local cat breeders that offer your kitten breed of choice . If, however , you opt for a mixed breed, your local ASPCA, animal shelter or cat rescue is your best destination to find kittens for adoption.
There are advantages and disadvantages to owning either type of cat, but with pedigrees you will at least have a good idea of the cat’s eventual size and disposition. Either way, cat ownership has many rewards, so you really can’t go wrong in inviting a feline friend to share your home. If you are going to be out at work all day, you may want to consider getting two kittens at the same time so that they can keep each other company while you are away.
When you go to view a kitten for the first time, you need to sit back and observe it for a short while. Try to find a cat or kitten that is friendly, outgoing and doesn’t mind being held, touched or cuddled. It obviously takes time for a young animal to get used to someone new, but any kitten that appears to be unusually frightened by your presence, or very listless and sleepy, should be avoided as this could indicate ill health, neglect, or ill treatment of the kitten. If you are viewing several kittens at the same time, it is best to opt for the friendliest one, rather than the one that has the most appealing colour.
Signs of a Healthy Cat or Kitten
A healthy kitten should possess the following qualities:
· A glossy coat – bare patches, or dry, flaky skin could signal an infection, or parasite infestation.
· Clear, bright eyes – excessive tearing and any discharge could indicate infection .
· Clean ears – a tar-like discharge could be a sign of ear-mite infestation, and a pus-like discharge could mean that the cat has a bacterial or yeast infection. (Although these problems are fairly easy to treat and cure).
· A cool and damp nose – sneezing or nasal discharge could indicate a respiratory infection, distemper, or worse.
· Be active and alert – a very lethargic kitten could be suffering from Feline Leukemia or another serious feline infection , and it is possible that it could eventually spread to the other kittens in the litter.
· Pale pink mouth and gums – no ulcers or sores should be present.
· A clean bum – any staining or clingons on the fur in this area could indicate diarrhea .
It is a good idea to have a chat to the owner of the kittens too, before you make a final selection, to find out if they have had any vaccinations, worming treatments, etc. Finally, be sure to get your new cat or kitten thoroughly checked by your veterinarian soon after you bring it home (and before you bring it home if there are other cats in your home.
When you are ready to bring your new cat or kitten home, make sure that you have all the necessary equipment in place At the bare minimum, you’ll need a litter tray and a supply of cat litter , some dry cat food, a few tins of wet cat food, a brush and some cat nail clippers. If you want to really put on the dog for your cat, you can provide a comfy cat bed, a scratching post, a supply of catnip, some unique kitten toys, a collar, and more. You should also keep your kitten indoors for a while too, until it has had any necessary vaccinations and got used to its new surroundings. If you already have any other cats at home, and your kitten’s past is not known, you may also need to keep your kitten isolated until any necessary tests have been carried out on it – otherwise it could spread a disease to your other cat/cats.
Before long you will find that your new kitten begins to bond with you and comes to you when you call its name. Kittens are great fun to play with too, and they make the perfect lifelong companion for people of all ages.