All you need to know
Pet Page
about Kittens
This is the time of year that most kittens are born and many people may be thinking about getting a kitten to join their family.
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ou can buy a pedigree kitten from a breeder or get a regular moggy from rescue centres, adverts or friends. Kittens from rescue organisations should have had a health check by a vet and been treated for worms and fleas, an adoption fee is asked and they will usually do a home visit. Make sure your kitten is healthy with clear bright eyes and no sign of sneezing or diarrhoea. Kittens are old enough to leave their mother at 8-9 weeks.
to share. If your family would like two cats, brothers and sisters will probably have a better chance of getting on as adults but this doesn’t mean they will automatically get on once they grow up and you may experience behavioural issues as they get older. If your family would rather have a single cat, then take one kitten and give it plenty of love and attention so it will grow up very happy. Two cats are twice the cost of one in every way and it is important that you can afford the proper care for your cat.
If your cat will live indoors, you will need to provide a great deal of stimulation and occupation for it to compensate for the lack of exercise, play and interest it would get from outside. Without this, your cat may develop behavioural problems as they are very independent natures which cannot be trained to be the type of cat you want. Choosing an older cat may be better as their personality has formed and you know what you are getting.
It doesn’t make any difference whether you choose a male or female as long as your kitten is neutered at around 5-6 months. Both may spray or wee in the house if they are anxious or stressed. Un-neutered male cats will roam, fight and smell awful and females will come into season as early as 5 months, if your kitten has kittens during her first year it puts immense strain on her as it is too soon.
Many cats contentedly live together but many really do not wish
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If your family would like two cats, brothers and sisters will probably have a better chance of getting on as adults
Once you have your kitten, register it at your vet as it needs vaccinating against Cat Flu, Enteritis and Leukaemia and will require an annual booster throughout its life. You should have your kitten micro-chipped before it goes out of doors and it will need to be neutered at around 5 months. Your cat will need to be regularly treated for worms and fleas. Pet insurance will help cover non-routine veterinary bills and enable you to provide the best possible care for your cat. Kittens can make a delightful addition to any family but think carefully before you decide to have one. Your cat will live for many years and deserves a committed and responsible owner for life. By Griselda Winn MSc
www.discoveringbourne.co.uk | June 2012
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