Kittens
All kittens are adorable and it can be tempting to take
one home without thinking of the
consequences. Remember that, just like children, they can be
destructive and demanding.
Taking on a kitten means that you are committing yourself to
years of care, with some
living well into their teens and twenties.
When choosing a kitten, ideally you should see the litter
and consider the parents’ health
and temperament. By doing so, you can ensure the kittens are
healthy and of the correct
age when you take them home.
There will be occasions when this is not possible, such
as when choosing a kitten from a
rescue organization (if for instance the kitten was brought
in or found
as a stray). Always ask as many questions as possible before
deciding to give a kitten a
home. Our highly trained and dedicated staff will always be
glad to assist you.
Beware of choosing kittens with eye and/or nose
discharge, poor coat condition and those
that look underweight. All are indicators of poor health.
When taken home, your kitten should have easy access to a
litter tray at all times and,
if you have children, ensure that they always handle your
kitten with consideration
and respect.
Kittens that have not been well socialized from an early
age may not make ideal
companions if there are young children in the family. These
animals may be quite shy and
afraid in a busy household. Similarly, farm kittens can also
be quite a challenge and may
need to be placed in an experienced household.
The optimum age for socialization is between two and
seven weeks of age. Ask what the
breeder or rescue centre has done to ensure the kittens are
well socialized and confident
around people and other animals.
Choose only a kitten (of at least eight weeks of age), if
someone will be at home for all
or part of the day to give your cat the care and attention
needed. The Blue Cross adoption
centers always have cats of all ages needing good homes. |
