Choosing a Kitten

Choosing a kitten is one of the most wonderfully fun things a cat lover will ever do. No matter how many times in my life I have brought home a new feline, the excitement never grows old.

Now when it comes to advice on choosing a kitten, you will hear as many different ideas as there are cat owners. Here are the ones that have become most important to me with years of experience. They now stand out as issues that need consideration before buying a cat or kitten.

1.) First, be certain you have the time and energy for a pet. While cats are less demanding than dogs, they are still living creatures in need of time and attention. Be sure you will be available to nurture a kitten as it matures.

2.) Be sure you have read and researched the characteristics of the breed of cat you are interested in. Some cats are high energy and like to climb curtains and bounce off the walls. Others, like our Highland Lynx kittens have good energy and like to play, but have no interest in tearing up the furniture. They are talkative and loving, while other breeds are silent and aloof.

3.) Know that some kittens will cost more than others and be prepared for the purchase price as well as the cost for veterinary services, food, bedding, vitamins, etc. Our Bobtail Kittens are expensive to some people, but the rewards of this exotic cat's friendship and love, far outweigh the expense.

4.) Now for the fun part…..When looking at kittens you have many options in what your new baby may look like. There are long hairs (get out the vacuum), short hairs, solid colors, leopard spotted, bobtails, long tails, curled ears, no-tails, polydactyl (extra toes/big feet), etc. etc. Don't just take home the first kitten you see. You will share this animals life for many years and want to be certain it is the right one.

5.) Last but very important, before you choose a kitten to keep for a life time, make sure there is some sort of attraction between you and the particular kitten. In every litter of kittens there are a variety of personalities, just like with people. Some kittens will walk by you or shy away from you and not want to be picked up. You want to be sure the kitten you choose is one that you feel a connection with in some way. Perhaps he is the runt and when you picked him/her up, there was instant eye contact. Maybe she/he was crying and when you cuddled them they calmed right down and went to sleep. The type of connection may be different each time and for each kitten, but never underestimate the importance of this criteria when choosing a kitten.