| Buying a new kitten is a big commitment, and should | | | | that separates reputable and established pedigree |
| never be taken lightly. Cats can live for up to 20 | | | | breeders from kitten farms and pet shops, and if |
| years, so it is important to choose a breed of cat | | | | you are investing a great deal of money in a new |
| that you can devote enough time, money and | | | | kitten, you will want to make sure that it is money |
| attention to. Different breeds have different | | | | spent wisely. |
| requirements, so before choosing a kitten, consider | | | | On the topic of money, the price of kittens can vary |
| which one is right for you. Never select a kitten | | | | wildly. From "Free to a good home" to over a |
| based on looks alone. While there are many beautiful | | | | thousand pounds, the price tag that accompanies the |
| breeds of cats, each one has a different | | | | kitten is usually linked to it's pedigree and rarity. Be |
| temperament which you should be aware of before | | | | prepared to spend several hundred pounds for a pure |
| deciding which to bring into your home. For example, | | | | bred pedigree kitten. Before forking over your hard |
| Siamese kittens will grow into very vocal cats, | | | | earned cash, call around a few breeders to try and |
| Bengals are big and highly active and Persian kittens | | | | assess an average price. Most breeders will charge |
| will need frequent grooming throughout their lives. | | | | extra for kittens that display extremely good breed |
| Spend some time browsing cat websites, magazines | | | | standards and may be suitable for showing. |
| and books to learn a bit about the breeds that you | | | | This may not be important for many pet owners, |
| are interested in, and once you have decided on | | | | but it is important to keep in mind that the better |
| which type of cat is right for you take the time to | | | | quality of breeding, the more likely you are to know |
| study all that you can about them before buying. Not | | | | about the cat's future health. Well bred cats may be |
| only will this help you to be prepared for cat | | | | free of genetic diseases while over-bred cats or cats |
| ownership, but will also help you to make a wise | | | | bred as experimental hybrids may be weaker and |
| choice when picking out a kitten. | | | | more prone to illness. |
| If you are looking to buy a pedigree kitten, familiarize | | | | Ask to see pedigree registration documents or |
| yourself with the breed standards. Knowing what a | | | | certificates, and double check the details with the |
| well bred cat should look like will help you to judge | | | | registering authority before committing to buy. |
| the quality of the kittens that you see. | | | | When viewing kittens at a breeder's home, kittens |
| A reputable cat breeder will be quick to point out the | | | | should be sociable and seem happy and healthy. You |
| pedigree of the kittens' parents, and should be able | | | | should also ask to see the mother, as well as the |
| to answer any questions you have about the breed | | | | father and any other adult cats from the family if |
| in general and the kittens specifically. They should | | | | possible. This will give you a better idea of the adult |
| also seem genuinely passionate about their breed, | | | | cat that the kitten will grow into. Be wary of any |
| and show interest in where the kitten will be going. | | | | breeder that shows you the kittens in isolation and |
| Some breeders may even vet potential new owners | | | | refuses to let you meet the parents as this is a |
| carefully to ensure that their kittens go to a good, | | | | common trick amongst dishonest breeders. |
| suitable home. | | | | Never take a kitten home before it is 13 weeks old, |
| Breeders should be registered with a cat club such as | | | | and make sure that it has been fully vaccinated |
| The International Cat Association or the Governing | | | | against cat flu and enteritis. The breeder should be |
| Council of the Cat Fancy, and should be able to | | | | able to give you a schedule of future vaccinations or |
| provide proof of their breeding and/or showing | | | | treatments that the kitten will need. |
| history. You should also ask about what support is | | | | Do your homework, and you should be well prepared |
| available after you take a kitten home, in case you | | | | to choose just the right kitten to add as a new |
| have any questions, as well as if they guarantee the | | | | member of your family. |
| kitten's health for a length of time. This is one area | | | | |