Dr Harry: Kittens and Cats 101
If I’ve talked you into or at least made you think about getting a furry feline, you might be wondering - where should I get one? Do I get an adult or a kitten? And how will it get on with our dog? It’s worth thinking about. Here are some tips on how to accommodate a new feline in your life.
Where to find a pet kitten or cat
Most people like to buy a kitten simply because they’re ‘cute,’ and that factor wins every time. A lot of my clients have opted for a Moggy, and there are plenty of places to get hold of one of these little rascals. Welfare organisations like Animal Welfare League and Cat Protection Society are usually overflowing with likely candidates. Their colours are varied, and they cost a lot less than a purebred individual.
There are also plenty of cats that are still not desexed roaming around, and they are non-stop breeders. You will often find kittens advertised on social media or simply word of mouth. Pet shops will offer a large range too, with some being thoroughbreds. Veterinary Hospitals often offer kittens too. The age will usually be a little over eight weeks and usually desexed, wormed, and vaccinated.
What to look out for when you pick a kitten or cat
How do you go about choosing a kitten to suit your needs? Well, I use feathers. There are two things cats and kittens really love, and that’s feathers and those little furry toy mice you can buy almost anywhere. Take a couple of feathers, about 10 to 15 cm long, tape them together at the quill and tie on a bit of hat elastic. You then simply dangle the toy in front of the litter and look for reactions. The amount of energy they put into playing is a pretty good indication of the energy levels they will have as they grow. Boys tend to be more active than the girls, so pick what suits you and the family.
You must have a good look over the kitten you have chosen. There are two diseases you need to look out for - the first is ringworm. It’s not a worm at all - it’s a fungus and shows up on the kitten as bald or hairless patches, usually around the face and the front feet. It’s contagious to you and me and the kids, and produces circular itchy areas on exposed skin. It’s treatable, but a pain in the neck, as it takes time to clear it up totally. Next, have a really good look at the nose and the eyes - is there any redness or discharge, is there a sneeze?
Vaccinations are available, but there are occasions when protection may not be effective. Talk to your vet about the sort of vaccine you should use on your kitten.
Many from shelters and pet shops will already be vaccinated, but they won’t be fully protected till they have completed the vaccination course.
Mature cats are readily available at all the above outlets. You will have an idea of the cat’s temperament right from the start once you handle these furry felines. Adopting a mature cat is a really kind thing to do and you are giving that animal a second chance at life. Their carers will be able to guide you as to which particular individual will fit in with your household.
If, like me, you crave a Burmese or perhaps a Rag Doll, then ninety percent of the time you will be buying from a breeder. Try to check out the parents if you can. The temperament of both, but particularly the mother, will very much influence the behaviour of the litter. You can often choose your ‘pick’ at a young age and collect it later when the kitten is around ten weeks of age. You’ll get all the paperwork, including pedigree, and information on diet, worming, vaccination, grooming etc. Some may already be neutered.
Things you need when you buy a kitten or cat