CHOOSING YOUR KITTEN
Are
you likely to be leaving your kitten alone for more than
two or three hours a day? In this case it could be sensible
and kinder to buy two for company. You should get them together
or within a few weeks of each other. Always make an appointment
with the breeder before you visit and let him/her know if
you change your plans. Breeders should be happy to show their
kittens without compelling you to buy. However, don't expect
a breeder to keep a kitten for you indefinitely.If the kitten
is not yet old enough to leave home, the breeder may ask for
a deposit to secure the sale of your chosen pet. This is quite
acceptable, but do ask for a written receipt for the deposit,
giving full details of the kitten which you have booked. Ask
if the deposit is refundable if you change your mind.
Unless cat
breeding is your goal, sex makes little difference since
you're going to spay or neuter the cat anyway. Altered pets
are more docile than whole cats. Neutered males normally never
spray and are more mellow because their not driven by hormones.
Males are always larger than females.
The age a kitten should be ready
to leave it's breeder is 13 weeks by this time it will have
been proparly weaned and have had all it's vaccinations.You
should not purchase a kitten that has not yet received its
vaccinations. When purchasing, you should be provided with
a certificate of vaccination signed by a vet. A
great deal can be learned by watching kittens at play, you
should look for a kitten that is bright mischievous and alert.Choose
one that is adventuresome and friendly, pick one that comes
to you.Kittens that sit with head down and are disinterested
are probably not well.check they do not have a discharge from
their eyes or nose, do not purchase a kitten that apears unwell.Drag
a toy in front of the kitten and watch their response, healthy
and alert kittens will show curiosity and playfulness.
Do ask if the kitten is litter trained, and what type of litter it is used to,
as sudden changes in procedure may upset your kitten's habits.
Is it outside in a cattery, or is it inside with constant attention from the
breeder ? Kittens which have been reared outside may find it very difficult
to adapt to a normal household environment.
Most reputable breeders will register their kittens with either the GCCF or
the fife. This will prove to you that the kitten's sire (father) and dam (mother)
are registered cats. It may act as an indication that you are not dealing with
a breeder who has obtained pet quality cats and is breeding them for profit
purposes.
