Getting a kitten - advice please

[bushbaby_de]

My family always had cats when I was a child but I've been living pet-free for the last 12 years. I am soon moving into a house and will be getting a kitten. I'm overwhelmed by the amount of advice on the internet - can anyone please give me any basic advice or point me in the direction of a good resource that they have personal experience of? I want to make sure I get everything right to give my kitty the best start in life :) Thanks in advance.

[nungate]

I was advised, (after getting a kitten) that I should have got two as they would be company for each other and playmates, so would you think about having two? Ask your vet for advice on rearing your kitten, find out if they have a kitten check up when you get your kitten. Don't over feed them. Little and often if needed, their tummies are only about the size of a 50p at about 6 weeks old, don't give them cow's milk it's bad for them. I've spent a fortune over the years on cat beds and the like - they never use them in my house, they sort out where they want to sleep. There are lots of people on here who have cats (or should that be the cats have them) so there's usually someone around to point you in the right direction if you need any advice. Of course you will have to post photos when you get your kitten, for the cat lovers on AB we love to see them.

[Zeuhl]

I assume you will be getting rescue kitten(s)

Blue Cross for example are 'almost overwhelmed' with kittens at the moment

[bensmum]

Kittens need lots of attention so it's not really fair to leave one alone for hours on end, will someone be at home at regular intervals during the day? I've found (from experience) that having 2 helps as they play together (although that can be double the trouble!)
Will they be indoor or outdoor cats - you need to make sure, if they are going to go outside, that the garden area is secure. Get a vet sorted out as soon as you get your cat, they will need worming, flea treatment regularly and injections. Don't buy lots of expensive toys - kittens play quite happily with improvised toys. It will need a comfy bed, litter tray - be prepared for accidents although cats are often very good with training.
I would always advocate going to a rescue centre to get a cat - they have loads of kittens and cats of all ages (have you considered rehoming an older cat, it's very rewarding). Good luck, cats are lovely pets

[Kiki-frog]

If you're out during the day, then two kittens are a really good idea, as they will spend a lot of time chasing each other around rather than trashing the house. But cats are by nature solitary, so if you are at home to keep an eye on what they are getting up to, then one on its own would be fine. Kittens need lots of things to amuse them, otherwise they will start making their own "entertainment", e.g. climbing up and shredding curtains, like mine did when he was little. So it's a good idea to have plenty of toys - mine loved playing football with wine corks.

A good website is the Feline Advisory Bureau:
http://www.fabcats.or...ers/kittens/index.php

Expect a bit of naughtiness and wanton destruction, though - that's all part of a kitten's charm!

[mightymouse]

Wherever you get your kitten (s) from, don't just choose the cutest. Get one (2) which responds and is friendly, do NOT get one that seems timid as it could take a long time.......if not forever for it to be the lovely affectionate puss that you would like. Agree......two kittens are better than one, but remove any ornaments from shelves until they are a year old!!! Plenty of toys, just rolled up newspaper is great, vet's advice on food, don't use tinned stuff, get the dry biscuits which they love, and PLENTY of water, this is so inportant. Keep us informed!

[bushbaby_de]

Thanks for all the advice, some great stuff there!

To answer some of the queries....

We'd be getting the kitten from a friend who unexpectedly had two pregnant cats before she could neuter them (she thought she had three girls but apparently not!!!)

We're thinking of only getting one because when I was at home we got two kittens (one for me and one for my sister) and they were so competitive they would wolf down their food then vomit it up, and peed absolutely everywhere - I'd think one is less likely to do this to the same extent?

The house we're moving into doesn't have a cat flap and no way of putting one in without removing several pairs of double glazed doors so we're thinking it will be a predominantly indoor cat, but that we could let it out maybe during the day when we're at work and whenever we're at home if it wants to go out? (obviously not when it's a kitten - I understand you keep them in until they're at least 6 months old - so I'd get a timed feeder for work days I guess)

I'm a bit concerned about the comment saying the garden needs to be secure - I thought cats generally went roaming far and wide when you let them out - are they meant to be kept in your own garden now?!

We're thinking that we can put a covered litter tray in the kitchen, and in a different area of the kitchen put its food and water bowls, and then buy a cat bed and put that in the lounge, as I heard they like their food, toilet and bed all separate (and I don't like the idea of shutting the kitten in the kitchen all night either - I'd feel better if it had the run of a couple of rooms)

And of course I'll post some photos!

So any more little gems for me please?

Thanks

[bensmum]

Hi bushbaby - a cat will roam anywhere and everywhere if it has a mind to so no garden is totally secure. What I meant, although I didn't explain myself, is that if you live on a main road for example there should be a gate to the back where the cat goes so that it can't rush straight out on to a road. Sadly some cats seem to like playing on a road though as I've learnt from experience :(

[237SJ]

Just to add - you can get catflaps that go into double glazed doors. My mum has one. OK, it cost £200 to get the glass replaced but it`s worth it. The cat loves her cat flap. You give the catflap to the glaziers and they fit it into the glass and then fit the glass into the door.

[Brinjal]

Cats are by nature solitary animals so I don't think it matters if you get one or two. However if you do want two cats it is better to get them both at the same time. It quite often doesn't work out bringing a new kitty into the household when one is already established there

[Messalina]

I got a catflap installed in my double glazed French door for £180 - still have to get up to open the door for Smoke to come in & go out although he uses the catflap if no one is around. Still, why have servants & open your own doors...

[ummmm]

lol...very true messalina.

[hippyhoppy]

I was going to waffle on about getting a rescue cat before I read about your friends unfortunate pregnancy (albeit cat related). We got Perry when he was about 8 months old.. and he's a hoot... lots of grisly gifts over the last couple of years but I believe that part and parcel of having a cat as part of the family... Good luck xx

[bushbaby_de]

Haha the lack of cat flap will prevent the presents getting in the house though :)

[ummmm]

I don't think it's fair to keep cats in the house. They need to roam....that's what they do.

I got my cat when, I thought, he was 10 weeks old. Took him to the vets and they said he's much younger and should've still been with his mum. He's fine...but seems to think I'm his mum now.

I don't think there are that many rules with cats. Let him/her move in and they will decide how they're going to rule you!!

[B00]

I've a house cat. At £370 the damn thing isn't going anywhere, plus I don't think it's fair to inflict the evil monster on my neighbours!

[ummmm]

She's still a baby though.

Brian would go stir crazy if I kept him in. He likes to flirt with people in the street.

[horseshoes]

Be prepared for lots of tears of laughter!

[B00]

And tears of pain when the ruddy thing has had enough of you lovingly stroking it and sinks it's fangs into you, that could just be mine though!

[ummmm]

No...not just yours B00. My cat has never attacked me....he does attack my OH though.