We have been blessed with 3 great cats at different times of my life. I'm about to go to Grad School in the Fall, and am interested in getting a kitten because I'm just not a dog person. What should I look for? I'm looking for a lapcat that'll sleep on my bed, etc., that's social with other people and playful, but knows when to settle down. Any ideas of what traits to look for when looking for a kitten, and where to look? I live in Eastern NC. Thanks!
2006-11-13 00:55:23 · 5 answers · asked by GLSigma3 6 in Pets ➔ Cats
Just check like what its mom was like, if the mother cat was wild then the cat is most likely to have a touch of wild in it. Basiclly just take the one that you immediatly fall in love with :D
2006-11-13 01:09:21 · answer #1 · answered by tina_ba_nina 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some good advice so far, but you also need to look out for any signs of ill health too...particularly if you're getting an ordinary "moggy" rather than a pedigree breed.
When you see one that looks right for you, check his eyes and make sure they're clear and bright. If you can see the whites that cover their eyes at each corner, then this is not a good sign and he may be ill. Does the mum look O.K? She can easily pass on any infections she may to her kittens through playing and feeding, so have a look at her to if you can.
Check his coat is shiny and free from fleas. This sounds a bit much, but although most adult cats can cope with a flea infestation with no bother, in little ones it can be very serious, and I've known someone who's kitten's flea problem was so out of control, that she became severely anemic and had to be put to sleep.
Check his ears too, for any signs of ticks or too much wax, and then it just comes down to his personality...You'll know if he or she is the right one for you.
Good luck! Oh, and if you were considering a pedigree, then Rag Dolls are very quiet and friendly, plus they love a fuss!
2006-11-13 09:51:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just look at how the mother cat is around people if she is a lap cat then chances are the kitten will be to, But if your getting it from a pet shop just choose one that is play full and friendly!
2006-11-13 09:02:05 · answer #3 · answered by missy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As far as WHERE to look, an animal rescue shelter is best... adopt a kitten or young cat...
The trick is to pick one out that isn't too high energy. A mellow kitten is generally the type to enjoy hanging out, laying on you, etc. But its not how they act at the shelter that determines if they become a lap cat or not... it's you training them!
Start as a kitten, its the HARDEST PART... pet kitty for 10 seconds or so... then stop. kitten will want you to keep petting, but if you only give her short pets, then stop... she craves petting more.
Also, put her on your lap, but DONTTT FORCE her to stay on.. forcing by holding down or petting and holding NEGATIVELY REINFORCES that the" human's lap is a place where I get held against my will and forced to sit, I dont wanna go there!!" this is how you DONT end up with a lap cat! lol
So, put her on your lap, but dont make her stay on if she feels like getting off.. pet her while she's on your lap, but remember, 5-10 secs. then stop.. make him/her WANT your hand... Over petting, forced sitting will make the cat antisocial towards you.
Oh, and have some people over sometimes, get the cat used to other people, so he/she may sit with them and feel comfortable.
2006-11-13 09:07:26 · answer #4 · answered by Peter Griffin 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a robo cat
2006-11-13 09:08:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋