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Man holding kittens
Man holding kittens

Getting a kitten

Getting a kitten can be a magical time for any family, but understanding the responsibility which comes with it is vital. With our ultimate guide to getting a kitten we delve into the areas you should consider before committing to getting a feline friend of your own. After all a kitten is for life, not just for a week. And hey, the more time you spend understanding what your kitten will need, the more time you will have for endless cuddles upon their arrival.

Is a kitten right for you?

Committing to getting a kitten can be a big thing for many people. While they are small and cute for now, they won’t stay like this forever. They need the care and attention of any other pet. Which is why ensuring now is the right time for you to bring a kitten into your home is important. Some may say you can never prepare too much, but we disagree. Preparing is the key to potentially a great friendship with your feline.

In order to understand if now is the right time to get a kitten you may want to think about:

  • Do I have the time needed to care for a kitten?

  • Have I got the money to care for a kitten (food, vet bills etc)?

  • Am I committed to a cat friendly home?

If you want to find out more, we have our complete guide to kittens available for you to read.

Breeds of cats

Cat breeds are in no short supply, which can make it slightly more difficult when choosing your new kitten. But do your research! This is a big commitment as it is, but throw in the mix of a breed's temperament, characteristics and all round neediness and you have a spreadsheet waiting to happen. Don’t worry we have done the hard work for you and discovered characteristics of the top cat breeds in the UK. So whether you like the sound of affection from a Maine Coon or the independence of a Domestic Shorthair. You will find the perfect companion for you.

Questions to consider before getting a kitten

So you’re committed to getting a kitten, great! Here are a selection of questions you may want to ask yourself and the breeder, before and when you visit the kitten. Tip: a good breeder should always be happy to answer the questions.

  • When was the kitten born?

  • Was the kitten raised with its mother?

  • Is the kitten friendly?

  • Is the kitten healthy?

  • Where was the kitten born?

  • Where did the kitten spend most of its time up to nine weeks old?

  • Can you see the kitten with its mother?

  • Is the kitten’s environment clean?

  • What food is the kitten currently eating?

  • Are their other cats or litters in the home?

  • By the end of your visit how was the kitten? Nervous? Friendly?

Where to get a kitten

There are two main options when considering where to get a kitten.

  • You can buy from an independent breeder, if looking for a specific purebred kitten.

  • Adopt a kitten from a local animal shelter.

Whichever you choose, the most important thing is to ensure they are happy and healthy prior to returning home with you.

Cat shelters in the UK are often full with abandoned cats and kittens, which can be heartbreaking for many. If you are not set on a purebred kitten, consider adopting and giving a cute feline a second chance at life.

Bringing your kitten home

Your kitten is chosen and you’re on your way to being the perfect cat parent. Before you bring your kitten home, you may want to ensure you have everything ready for them. This includes buying:

  • Food and water bowls - fresh kitten food is the healthiest option to give kittens the nest start in life.

  • Comfortable bed

  • Litter tray

  • Stimulating kitten toys

  • A cat carrier

Once at their new home, within the first week you may want to:

  • Provide somewhere quiet for them to eat - feeding times can vary, but we have a helpful guide on how best to feed your kitten.

  • Let your kitten explore the new area (inside the house for now!)

  • Show them their bed & litter tray

  • Take your kitten to the vet

  • Travel with them in the car so they can get used to the motion

  • Use a cat carrier (for future trips)

  • Introduce them to new sounds - for example the washing machine or hair dryer

  • Play with your kitten & set boundaries to try help reduce bad behaviour