What should I take into consideration when choosing a kitten?

Answer 1

You should really consider how soon it was taken away from its mother and if it was raised alone. Kittens that are taken away from their mothers (and raised alone) too early do not fully develop mentally. They end up having behavioral issues. Let someone with experience take care of kittens like that. Also have you thought about how much money it costs to have a cat? You have to get a physical exam, all vaccines and boosters, litter,litterbox, food. So if you are short on cash you better reconsider. If you have thought about all of these than good luck with your new kitty take care of it!

Answer 2

A lot of good information and things to consider already posted here, but I like Jenny's the best, since it's not necessarily something most people would think about. A lot of people want to get a kitten as young as possible, but are unaware of the problems with taking a kitten too young. Unfortunately, if you are getting your kitten from someone giving away 'free to good home', they also usually want to get rid of them asap.

The very youngest a kitten can leave its mother is 6 weeks (but you shouldn't consider taking one that young). Eight weeks is better, but 10-12 weeks is even better. Kittens learn so much from their mother and their littermates. They learn to use the litterbox (I'm sure that's an important one for you!), they learn social skills, like bit inhibition (so it won't be one of those cats that bites you too hard all the time when playing), etc. etc.

I would also suggest you consider adopting from a shelter (and perhaps even consider a cat instead of a kitten). Failing that, you're better off getting one from a reputable breeder. People giving away free kittens have usually not put much into their care and/or don't have the knowledge to have given them a good start with a proper diet. By the time you get a kitten, it should be eating primarily a good quality dry food.

Definitely make sure the cat seems healthy; eyes, nose, ears and rear end should be clean, kittens should be active (unless having a cat nap!) and inquisitive (the fearful ones may not be the best pet, especially if this is your first or you are looking for an affectionate one).

Answer 3

the most important thing is WHERE TO GET IT FROM - getting a kitten from a pet store is one of the WORST places, since pet stores are in the business for making a profit they will tell you what ever you want to hear so they get the SALE.. they dont put the animals best interest first, and most importantly you will pay WAY TOO MUCH for a lower quality animal (no good quality breeder would EVER sell to a pet store they would sell directly to the pubic)
Breeders - if you want a purebred go to a breeder, the main reason for wanting a purebred is so you can show it and bred it later if its done well at shows
Free from News paper - not a good choice, free kittens cost more in the long run, and may be sick, have worms,earmites, or fleas, usually they are free because the owner didnt do anything positive for them , and if mom cat wasnt spayed she probably hasnt been vaccinated or dewormed... kittens have not been seen by a vet so may be ill or have internal unseen health problems

Adopt from SPCA or Animal Shelter - the BEST ! you have a lot of selection, knowledgeable staff who put the animals best interest first so you know they will be honest if a kitten isnt well.... the shelter would have had the pet vet checked, vaccinated, dewormed, and as they are NON-PROFIT you will be getting value for your money often the adoption fee is LESS than the cost to get all this done on your own (since SPCA's get vet discounts) often you get spay/neuter coupons and HEALTH GUARANTEES - plus if ever there is a problem you can call them for HONEST advice.

ok what to look for - gender - males might spray when older but are cheaper to neuter, females are better hunters
age - younger kittens are going to be more claw agressive and playful, so if you have kids, getting an older one may be better choice.
breed - certian breeds have good/bad traits, Manx for example have more bowel problems, Persians and Hymalayans are more laid back but purebreds may have more urinary behavior problems - generally your mixed or domestic cats are best
color - not important except to your likes and dislikes
hair lenght - all cats should be brushed, long haired cats DO NOT shed more but their hair is longer so you notice it more

overall - playful and active, you can pick it up and hold it, no crust on eyes or nostril, clean inside ears... (check the litter box - stools should be firm and well formed)
remember if picking a kitten its behavior/personality will change, if you want to KNOW what the behavior/personality is - get an adult

NEVER NEVER pay for any animal that has not been vet checked and vaccinated

Answer 4

Consider the costs: food, litter, flea and tick medication, visits to the vet, other amenities.

Consider your living space: is it suitable for a kitten, if you rent are allowed to keep a cat.

Consider the time you will have to invest: this cat could potentially live 20 years, and when it is a kitten it will require a little more attention than an adult cat.

In choosing the cat itself consider: whether it has any obvoius health problems, it's temperment, where it was born and raised (kittens born outdoors tend to like the outdoors, and kittens that were handled by humans from the start tend to be more people friendly)

Answer 5

Make sure that it is friendly and not withdrawn if it comes up to you and doesn't mind you holding it. If the parents are available see the temperment of them as this usually will tell how the kitten will be as it gets older. Make sure it looks healthy and has no issues of sickness. Decide if you want a short hair, long hair, one that has hair rather then fur as the shedding is limited as well as allergies. If you want female or male as males sometimes spray to mark their territory, if getting them fixed usually less expensive to neuter male then spay female. Do you want double paws or regular. Last but not least that it is litter boxed trained if you plan on having it for house cat as some cats won't use a litter box and need to be trained

Answer 6

Can I afford the vet bills?
Am I working very long hours, will the kitten be left alone most of the time?
You must have either a male or female neutered, can you afford it. Male cats spray their scent, and females have kittens, so neutering is a must.
Am I prepared for the mess of an animal.. Even though cats are clean, they still shed tons of hair, bring dead things into the house, scratch on furniture, miss the box..

Cats are a fantastic addition to any household, we have 5, but they can be expensive, messy and they really really tie you down.

Answer 7

decide what you want.

For instance, I wanted a cat that would be interactive. one that would talk to me, and play. etc.

So when I went to visit people who were selling cats. I watched for those personality traits in the kittens. I have found, through owning many cats in my life, that the best cat/pet is the cat that picks YOU.

So when looking for a cat, wait until a cat comes over to you. Go sit on the floor in the middle of the room and see what the cat does. I went to a shelter once and this one cat was just not interested in me at all. Eventually I found a cat that came right over to me, sat in my lap, purred and gave me a little love bite. (cats will bite gently to express affection, its weird).

good luck

Answer 8

Get one that allows you to hold it. Ones that don't like being held can end up being not the best pet. Make sure it is healthy. Check it's eyes, ears, skin, and mouth.

Answer 9

its personality, special markings that you like. Remember you will be taking care of it till it grows old and passes. This cat will become a memeber of your family... Best of luck

Answer 10

Hopefully make sure you aren't allergic first.