Raising kittens

Step one: choosing your kitten

Before buying a kitten, there are some very important points that you should consider. Your environment must be a safe and patient one. If you are often away from home, then purchasing a kitten may not be the right choice for you, as kittens must be provided constant attention. A crowded home is not an ideal environment for a small kitten. Kittens are sensitive to their surroundings.

Another important thing to consider is where you should purchase the kitten. If you decide to adopt one off of the street, it is crucial that you get it checked by a vet and vaccinated to prevent disease. It also needs to be checked to confirm whether or not it has heartworms. It is okay to accept free kittens from owners that are working hard to find a good home for them. A good owner will ask questions about your ability to care for the animal before they give it away. Adopting from a shelter is also a wonderful idea. Kittens from shelters make just as good pets as kittens from pet stores. The kitten will usually not be released to the owner until they have been fully inspected by a vet. The coats should be scrutinized for parasites and fungal infections, and vaccinations should be offered. A blood test will also be performed. This is to ensure that leukemia and feline Aids are not a problem. Note: Laws vary in the U.S about how old a kitten must be before it is purchased. It is always a good idea to check the state laws before buying. Tiny, fragile kittens are not a good idea to buy.

Step Two: A kitten’s needs

Kittens don’t require much more than an adult cat, excluding nutritional items.

  • Food (you can find special kitten food at your local pet store. always ask your kitten’s vet before giving your kitten certain foods so that you know exactly what to buy)