Choosing the right kitten for you

Once you have decided that you can afford and have the time to take care of a kitten, you can start thinking about which is the right kitten for you. Things that you need to consider when choosing your kitten include age, personality, health and breed.

Age:

It is widely considered that kittens need more time with their mothers than puppies do, and that the best age to adopt kittens is when they are at least 12 weeks old. It is thought that kittens need longer with their mother and other kittens to learn how to behave.

Personality:

It is best to choose your kitten from a litter, as you can get an insight into the kitten's personality. Look at the kitten's parents’ behaviour, if they are friendly there is a good chance their kittens will be. Ask questions about the early socialisation of the kittens, if they have been exposed to different animals and people and have been handled regularly, they are likely to be well-adjusted. If the kittens have not had a lot of contact with humans or other animals they may have a timid personality, if they have been mistreated they may become aggressive. Additionally, it is recommended that you adopt a kitten from a home environment, they will have been exposed to common sights, sounds and smells, so will be less scared when you take them to your home.

Adopting a kitten that has been with its mother and siblings normally means that the kitten has learnt acceptable behaviours. It is recommended that only if you have experience of handling cats should you consider adopting a kitten from a feral (wild) cat, as they can be difficult to look after.

In terms of personality attributes there are a few things that you can look out for to give you an insight. Watch your kitten interact with their siblings, they should be playful not quiet, but not rough or aggressive. They should be inquisitive and not afraid to approach humans or play with them. Try to avoid kittens that are fearful or reluctant, but keep in mind that they may just be tired.

Health:

It is important to check that the kitten you want to adopt is healthy. There are certain things you can check for yourself, but it is strongly recommended that you get a vet to check over the kitten before you agree to adoption. There are differences between breeds but there are general things that you need to look out for:

Eyes: Kittens eyes should be fully open and clear with no discharge. Their eyes should be able to follow movement, test this by seeing if their eyes follow your finger.

Nose: Their nose should be clean and clear. Breathing should be steady and there should not be any sneezing.

Mouth: Gums should be pink with no ulcers. Teeth should be white and aligned correctly. Their breath should have no distinct smell.

Ears: The kitten's ears should be clean and should not have a smell. Look out for any scratching as this could indicate mites.

Coat: Your kitten should have a soft coat, and it should be clean with no dandruff. Check for fleas, they will look like black/red granules. Also look out for any bald spots or any scratching/itching of the coat, as this indicates ring worm. 

Other: Their anal area shouldn't be matted or discoloured, it must be clean with no sign of parasites. Your kitten should be not too thin nor should it have a belly that sticks out. Check for any lumps, there shouldn't be any. Ask about the kitten's appetite - is it healthy? Also, make sure that the kitten is fully weaned. Finally, watch your kitten walk, their movement should be coordinated.

Breed:

There are numerous different breeds of kitten, and it is wise to think about which is the right breed for you. Some breeds will be more expensive to purchase and to look after, and some will require more time commitment than others. Here is a bit of information about some of the more common breeds:

Abyssinian: These cats have lots of energy and enjoy people's company. They do demand attention and are therefore not suitable for households that are empty for long periods. They also do tend to be wary of strangers.

Bengal: Bengal cats are loving and friendly, but they can also be mischievous and boisterous. They are active and like the companionship of humans. They like to follow their owners and are suitable for homes that aren't empty for long periods of time.

Birman: Birmans have a semi-long coat, so do require some grooming. They are active and playful cats, yet they have a very gentle and quiet demeanour. They are social cats and get along with both humans and other pets.

British Shorthair: British Shorthairs are loyal and have a quiet demeanour. They are affectionate cats and their coats require minimal grooming. They also tend to be good with children and other animals, making them a good family pet.

Burmese: Burmese cats have a short, fine coat, which is easy to groom. They are intelligent and alert. These cats often get called the "dog of the cat world" as they love people. They are playful, even tempered, and thrive on company and affection.

Exotic Shorthair: This breed is very unique and distinct looking. They are affectionate and have a playful but not destructive nature. Their coats are short and thick which requires less grooming.

Maine Coon: Maine Coons make good household pets as they are pleasant natured and good with children. They are one of the largest breeds and are long-haired, so again require regular grooming.

Persian: Persian cats tend to have a placid, sweet personality and adapt easily to different situations and people. These qualities make them a good family pet. However, they do have a long coat so require extra work in that they need to be combed daily. 

Ragdoll: Ragdolls have a long haired coat but their fur is non-matting so doesn't require too much grooming. In terms of personality they are gentle and considerate, which makes them ideal for homes with children. They are probably the most easy-going of all cat breeds.

Siamese: Siamese cats are long limbed. They are loving, but have boisterous temperaments and you may have to give them more attention than other breeds. They can be cautious around strangers, but are very trainable.

Tonkinese: They have bright blue eyes and a smooth coat. They are very alert and active cats. They are loving and enjoy playing games, which make them an ideal family companion.