Getting a kitten?

Question

I am new to cats. I'm allergic, and so need some advice. I really want to get a kitten but don't really know a lot about taking care of them. I know about dogs, but not cats, and I can't find any good websites. So...

1. Do you have any good websites where I can get information about raising a kitten?
2. How can I deal with my cat allergy (without getting an exotic cat)?
3. What should I look for when I go to pick out a kitten (at our local shelter)?
4. What kind of care will a kitten need?
5. What kind of toys, etc, will a kitten need?
6. How do I introduce a kitten to a home with (friendly) dogs?
7. What games to cats enjoy playing?
8. Should I get one or two?
9. Any other advice you might have!

Thanks!

Answer 1

Getting a kitten is a good idea. You can go to kiitencare.com for some facts on kittens. Ask your doctor about an allergy medicine there is some that will help with pet dander. When you go to pick out a kitten look for one that is playful and energetic. They are the most fun. A kitten needs the same care as other animals, vets and love. A kitten will love you if you take care of it. I have learned over the years that kittens love toys that hang on a string from a nail or something. They also like balls with bells or something that makes a noise. You will have to introduce your kitten slowly to your dog because they have probably not been around to many dogs. My 15 week old kitten loves to play with her ball. She likes it when I throw it at her. She also like to run up behind me and play with my pants leg while I am walking. If you are wanting to play with your kitten often I only recommend getting one. I recommend you visit searchpal.com and gianteagle.petkare.com. They are both good sites about health and nutrition and play tips for kittens. I also recommend you get your kitten declawed and spayed as soon as possible, they will be healthier and happier. Good luck with your kitten, I hope I helped.

Answer 2

You can certainly get a cat from a shelter, and I heartily suggest that for most people. No need for a pure-bred, but taking into consideration you have an allergic reaction to cats, I'll recommend the cat breed called "Siberian". They have a particular genetic makeup that causes their saliva to be mostly hypo-allergenic to humans, thus making it far easier for a person with allergies to cat dander to have a cat like that.
Most reputable breeders will not sell you a cat until it's fully weaned from the mother, and has had an initial visit to a Veterenarian. The kitten won't need much care...just a conveniently placed litter box, and food and water dishes. The kitten will play with almost anything....yarn scraps, balls, pieces of string, etc.
To introduce the kitten in a home with friendly dogs, I'd recommend keeping the kitten in a secure carry-crate for a day or so in an area where the dogs can sniff it and become accustomed to the kitten, and the kitten to the dogs. Then let the kitten out periodically and see how the dog and kitten react. Usually there'll be some skittishness, but they should get along fine after a bit.
As far as getting one or two kittens, it's really up to you. One is fine, but two can be "buddies" and provide company for each other. Just in case you want to see some Siberian cats, and read about the breed, below is a link to a breeder of them. Good luck.

Answer 3

I'm so sorry you are allergic to cats. Perhaps you have not carefully thought through your decision to get a cat, considering that you do have allergies? You may find that you aren't able to deal with the allergy. My adult stepson loves cats but is mildly allergic to them. He's fine with playing with the cats, picking them up, petting them, etc., until he touches his hands to his face. Then he begins sneezing uncontrollably, his eyes water and his nose begins to run. His sinuses clog up and he is miserable. If he is very careful not to touch his face, and is careful to wash his hands immediately after handling the cats, then he's fine.

Some people have much more serious reactions though--asthma, for example. Do you know how serious your allergy is? It might be a good idea to borrow a cat from a friend for a couple of days and bring it to stay in your home to make sure the accumulated long term exposure isn't more than you can live with. You don't want your cats putting you in the hospital!

I would suggest first borrowing a friend's cat and see how the allergy goes. If you think you can live with the allergy, then borrow some books from the library and read up on kittens and cats. Most any book on kittens and cats will cover the questions you've asked. I'm sure your public library will have several informative books on the topic.

Most certainly you should not get a cat until you are sure you can live with it--and if you can live with the one cat, I would not recommend getting a second cat. That might be pushing your luck too far.

Hope things work out for you.

Answer 4

Good luck. When you are allergic it takes some patients. I have had the best luck with the colour grey. Not tabby, but that slate colour. For some reason it seems to hold less dander. It won't totally get rid of the allergies, but they will be tolerable. Kitties need tons of sleep, and lots of stimulation via toys. When someone gives you flowers, make sure the cat has NO exposure to them. They can be deadly. It is not something any per owner wants to have happen. Before you know it this little kitten will weasel its way into your heart and you would part the sea for it. And I am not even a cat person, just my cat!

oh yeah, clumping cat littler, not the other stuff.

Answer 5

Kittens pretty much take care of themselves. Feeding them is the most important part. If you have allergies to kittens than an allergy medication will help. Picking one out from the shelter should be easy. Looking at their teeth and making sure they are pinkest is a good idea. Showing your new kitten it's food and liter box will help them. Cats love yarn and balls. Because of your allergies I would try one kitten first and maybe later getting another one. If you choose a male cat they tend to spray and are harder to liter train. I found that female cats seem to be more love able. Also a male cat will run off if they aren't fixed.

Answer 6

For kitten care books from the bookstore or library should do. The Cat Fancy Association has pages on breeders and tips on what to look for when buying a kitten regardless of where it cam from.

For your allergy, a bath once a month and groom with a brush everyday to reduce dander in the air. An Air filtartion system will do wonders as well. A humidifier in winter will help too.

Answer 7

You might want to read Dr. Jean Hovfe's article titled "Before You Get a Kitten" to get a general idea about having them.

Unfortunately, people with allergies usually are OK with kittens and the allergies can kick in when the kitten is about a year old. So it would be better for you to visit some shelters and spend time with some cats there to get an idea of how serious your allergic reaction might be.

I have heard too that people who feed their cats a raw meat diet have less problems with allergic reactions than those who feed regular commercial cat food. You can learn something about that kind of diet at www.catinfo.org.

Also the book "Cats for Dummies" is an excellent one and covers just about every issue you might have to deal with in owning a cat.

Answer 8

cats are easy animals, really... when compared to dogs! all they need is a clean litter box, food, water & some petting here & there. kittens will play with anything and everything. basicly, get it a scratching post for it to scratch on until you get it declawed and some cool looking toys from your local pet store. string works too. kittens don't play like dogs. they like to bat stuff around. feathers, strings and other objects. they also sleep a lot and like to be petted. cats are very independant, so one will be fine. especially with allergies. what to look for is a kitten without ear mites and fleas. similar to dogs. as for your allergies... it depends upon how severe they are. i mean, you might have to take medication for it or shots. first, try bathing the kitten once a week, keeping your house swept and dusted, and not allowing the kitten to sleep in your bed (sad, i know, but it makes a big difference!!!). you might notice more allergies at first, but then often they tame down as you may become used to everything. that happened to me, but i dont have severe allergies to cats.

as for introducing a kitten to dogs... yikes... it will take some adjustments. time is best, but im no pro!

Answer 9

Take some allergy meds to get rid of the allergic reaction. My daughter is allergic and LOVE cats. We use Clartin or Benadryl. you can also get thoes pet wipes for pet dander too.Try the Cats for Dummies books too, they have a lot of great information and are not endorced but anyone like a cat food company that say you have to feed them their food or else!

Answer 10

if u alergic dont get a cat atol
it is very hard on them to b rejected
as 4 alergy meds ask your doctor
your dogs may kill the kitten right away even if they r frendly
they r natural enimys
if u realy want to get a kitten remember this
the cat will chose u
sit about 5 feet from ther bed
the first one to come to u is the one that clames you
if your dogs accept the kitten they will protect him
as for play all cats r diferent
but moast like to restle
b prepared to have your hands scratched to the elbow
they play rough
alot of people think it will make them mean but it dont
i play rough with all my cats
and i see them play with childeren get brutalised and never scratch the kids
go figure