Rehoming kittens

[Kiera]

Want to get two kittens. Thinking of getting them from a cats home.  Understand they come to vet your house first before they will release the kitten to you. What does the vetting entail, the downstairs only or the whole of the house and what are they looking for?

I want the kittens to be indoors. Have not got a cat flap as yet but will have it fitted end of August after getting the kittens, would this be a disadvantage when the people from the cats home come to vet the place?

Thanks

[PurplePixie]

I'm a home checker. When I come to meet potential cat owners, I'm there mostly to answer any questions, and to make sure the owner really understands the commitment of pet ownership.

Having a cat flap is certainly not important to me...and actually not having one would make the settling in period safer as the kittens can sometimes break out of even a locked catflap. I also need to be sure that the people have a basic knowledge of cats needs & can advise on feeding & other things like that.

I have turned down a few people, 1 guy admitted that he was only going to be in the country for a couple of years & then intended to sell the cat!  Another had a dog that hardly any fur & they hadn't even considered taking it to the vet...I wasn't going to hand over any of my cats to that situation. Also 1 woman wanted a kitten for her children & when I met the kids I was lucky to get out alive so I couldn't subject a kitten to that environment.

Don't be too worried about the visit, if you are genuine & have thought about getting a kitten responsibly you will have nothing to worry about & the home checker will see.

[Mrs_Pegasus]

I have had all of my kittens from rescue homes.  2 of my recent kittens came from the cats protection league.  I was happy for the inspection but was surprised when the lady came to inspect because she brought the 2 kittens with her!!!  She didnt look around the house, she asked about us and where they would sleep/eat etc and asked about the volume of traffic on the estate etc.  I think they get a 'feel' just from chatting to you so I wouldnt worry too much about it.  I was a little disappointed because they said they would re-visit in a few months and 2 years down the line we have heard nothing.  I think they should.

[FP]

Hi,  I am a home checker as well.  Like Purple Pixie the main thing is to ensure that the prospective owner understands the commitment they are taking on, and to give advice to new cat owners.    As long as I feel the animal is really wanted and will be adequately provided with shelter, food and warmth and of course, lots of attention, then there are no problems.  I certainly don't look all over the house.  It doesn't make any difference whether an animal is going to live in a palace or an apartment.  Most animal rescue organisations will require you to sign a form agreeing to have the animal vaccinated (and more often than not neutered). Like Purple Pixie I look at the way that other pets in the house are treated. 

If a house is on a really busy road then I might feel it would be in the cat's best interest to be an indoor cat or only allowed out supervised.  Too many cats perish on the roads.

Cat flaps are not always a good idea.  Personally I feel that cats are better kept in overnight as most road accidents take place at dawn or dusk when the cat goes hunting and gets more adventurous. 

Please don't worry.  We are nice people who are there to help.  I have only turned down a few people, one being a man who wanted to adopt an GSD - his back yard was full of broken bottles and the inside of his house was not much better.

[animal_agent]

Its perfectly fine all you want to do is love the cats and they check for people who can't cope or their living conditions aren't so perfect. DON'T stress over it!

[lilyfrog]

I am really glad you want to rescue a kitten instead of buying one, but please dont rule out an adult Cat as they are often much harder to home and may need you more than a kitten.

I wanted a cat last year and called the RSPCA and asked which two needed to be homed the most and would be happy together. 1 week later my two moved in and they are the most rewarding and loving aniimals ever. They have everything a kitten has and more, and they came trained to use the litter tray!!

Whatever you get good luck and remember cats appreciate a nice warm spot to sleep and plenty of affection much more than expensive trimmings. Let meknow if you need any suggestions for names!

[Kiera]

Thanks everyone for all your helpful advice. Will bear them all in mind