| Anyone wanting a new kitten should be a cat lover. | | | | You should observe the entire litter of kittens. Do |
| Let's face it, folks, cats are just different from dogs. | | | | any of them have crusty eyes or a runny nose? If |
| Cats do not usually perform any special tricks, and | | | | so, you may want to reconsider choosing a kitten |
| they certainly do not guard your possessions while | | | | from that litter. You certainly shouldn't take one |
| you are away. In fact, the only thing you can be | | | | home simply because you feel sorry for it, either. |
| guaranteed of by having a cat is that a mouse won't | | | | Especially if you have other pets in your home. All of |
| last long if they creep into your home. | | | | the kittens should have bright and clear eyes and be |
| Cats are loved by many because of their | | | | very alert. |
| independence. Cats have a life, so to speak. Most | | | | You should handle the kittens. Their fur should be |
| cats do not follow you around the home with their | | | | soft and silky, and never stiff or dry. Likewise, their |
| tongues hanging out of their mouths waiting on your | | | | coat should not feel oily or greasy. When you are |
| attention. While they do love their owners fiercely, | | | | petting the kitten, you should run your hands along |
| cats will not grovel like a dog and worship and fawn | | | | her skin to ensure she has no sores. When you are |
| over their owners. Cats are perfectly content simply | | | | holding each kitten, place them up to your face and |
| being themselves--and they do not seem to need | | | | nuzzle them. Listen for any breathing noises. You |
| constant reassurance, unlike canines. | | | | should not hear any raspy or breathy breathing. If |
| This does not mean cats do not need love and | | | | you do, this is possibly a signal that the kitten has a |
| affection, it simply means cats are not "fragile" | | | | respitory infection. |
| characters. In fact, cats exude a self assurance | | | | After visiting with the kittens, instinct will usually |
| which can often be misunderstood as aloofness or | | | | dictate to you which kitten is your match. You may |
| coldness. Yet, cats are far from aloof or unfeeling. | | | | feel the rowdy, rambunctious kitten will fit the best |
| They feel deeply and love deeply. If a cat comes to | | | | into your lively home. Or, you may decide the laid |
| sit on your lap, you know you are truly loved. | | | | back kitten is more your speed, especially if you |
| Anytime the family thinks about bringing a new pet | | | | have a quiet home. Once you have made your |
| into the home, it is exciting. Cats are a favorite of | | | | decision and chosen your kitten, you should have a |
| many because as kittens they are so entertaining to | | | | kennel waiting for travel. You should never try to ride |
| watch. Cats have a mind all of their own and only a | | | | in a car with a cat unless they are restrained or in a |
| true cat lover can even claim to understand the | | | | kennel. While most dogs love car rides, cats tend to |
| psyche of a feline. Cats are mysterious animals, which | | | | scare. They can cower under your feet and this can |
| is part of the draw to them. While cats have been | | | | lead to a wreck. |
| brought into the home, their instincts still remain. Cats | | | | When you bring your new kitten into your home, |
| adopt their owners and will even go out and provide | | | | you should immediately show her where the litter |
| "dinner." Many cat owners have stepped out on the | | | | box, food and water are located. You should also |
| stoop to find a dead mouse, opossum, or mole | | | | have a supply of cat toys on hand to distract the |
| waiting for them. Now, that is love and loyalty! | | | | cat from missing her mom and litter mates. While this |
| If you are planning to bring a cat into your home, | | | | cannot entirely be avoided, lavishing attention on a |
| you should look at it as a life long commitment. Cats | | | | new kitten will do wonders in the transition to her |
| can live fifteen years and beyond. You should also | | | | new family. |
| understand that as cats mature, they will often sleep | | | | You should expect your new kitten to explore every |
| and laze around the home. If you are wanting a cat | | | | nook and cranny in the home. This is a necessary |
| to entertain you throughout her life, you should | | | | part of a kitten's disposition. (Even older cats seem |
| seriously think about whether a cat is the pet for | | | | to perk up when a new piece of furniture is brought |
| you. Kittens are very entertaining and young cats are | | | | into a home they have lived in for years.) You will |
| always curious and open for a challenge. However, | | | | want to kitten proof your home. You should keep |
| older cats aren't easily excitable and usually prefer to | | | | the lids down on the toilet, and you may want to |
| watch the antics in the home from a distance. | | | | remove potted plants and the like until your cat |
| When you have made the decision to bring a new | | | | learns the rules. |
| cat into your home, you will have to decide between | | | | Cats are social creatures, and they can learn the rules |
| a domestic or purebred cat. If you choose to go | | | | of their new environment with consistency. While you |
| with a purebred cat, you can be guaranteed of size | | | | may think they do not understand what you are |
| and appearance, and possibly temperament. There | | | | saying, this is not true. If you have a new kitten who |
| are more than 40 breeds to choose from, so do | | | | wants to walk across the kitchen counter or dining |
| your homework. You will want to research the | | | | room table, simply rattling a newspaper at her and |
| grooming requirements of the breed you are | | | | saying "down" will teach her to stay off. With time |
| considering, along with the general disposition of the | | | | you will be able to put the newspaper away and |
| breed. | | | | simply speak the command. |
| Domestic cats come in all colors and shapes. When | | | | Kittens can add joy to any home. Part of the fun is |
| you look at any cat, there are some things you | | | | knowing the kitten is oblivious to the fact that she is |
| should consider. For instance, while all cats are fairly in | | | | the center of attention. She is not trying to gain your |
| proportion to each other, there are some cats which | | | | attention by performing. She is simply being a cat. |
| are more lanky and lean than others. These cats will | | | | You should also not be upset if your kitten is not |
| be the ones who may be more interested in running | | | | interested in being a lap cat. While she may be |
| and exploration. The chunkier, heavier cat will | | | | content for a few moments on your lap, kittens |
| probably be more laid back and not get into too big a | | | | have to roam, play and explore. As your cat matures |
| hurry about anything. You have a choice between a | | | | she will be more inclined to take it easy curled up on |
| domestic long hair or domestic short hair cat. | | | | your lap. Until then, just make her feel loved and you |
| When picking out your kitten, you should understand | | | | will have a feline that will adore you and her new |
| that kittens should not have an odor. While puppies | | | | home. |
| do tend to have a smell about them, kittens do not. | | | | |