Anyone wanting a new kitten should be a cat lover. Let’s face

it, folks, cats are just different from dogs. Cats do not

usually perform any special tricks, and they certainly do not

guard your possessions while you are away. In fact, the only

thing you can be guaranteed of by having a cat is that a mouse

won’t last long if they creep into your home.

Cats are loved by many because of their independence. Cats have

a life, so to speak. Most cats do not follow you around the home

with their tongues hanging out of their mouths waiting on your

attention. While they do love their owners fiercely, cats will

not grovel like a dog and worship and fawn over their owners.

Cats are perfectly content simply being themselves--and they do

not seem to need constant reassurance, unlike canines.

This does not mean cats do not need love and affection, it

simply means cats are not “fragile” characters. In fact, cats

exude a self assurance which can often be misunderstood as

aloofness or coldness. Yet, cats are far from aloof or

unfeeling. They feel deeply and love deeply. If a cat comes to

sit on your lap, you know you are truly loved.

Anytime the family thinks about bringing a new pet into the

home, it is exciting. Cats are a favorite of many because as

kittens they are so entertaining to watch. Cats have a mind all

of their own and only a true cat lover can even claim to

understand the psyche of a feline. Cats are mysterious animals,

which is part of the draw to them. While cats have been brought

into the home, their instincts still remain. Cats adopt their

owners and will even go out and provide “dinner.” Many cat

owners have stepped out on the stoop to find a dead mouse,

opossum, or mole waiting for them. Now, that is love and

loyalty!

If you are planning to bring a cat into your home, you should

look at it as a life long commitment. Cats can live fifteen

years and beyond. You should also understand that as cats

mature, they will often sleep and laze around the home. If you

are wanting a cat to entertain you throughout her life, you

should seriously think about whether a cat is the pet for you.

Kittens are very entertaining and young cats are always curious

and open for a challenge. However, older cats aren’t easily

excitable and usually prefer to watch the antics in the home

from a distance.

When you have made the decision to bring a new cat into your

home, you will have to decide between a domestic or purebred

cat. If you choose to go with a purebred cat, you can be

guaranteed of size and appearance, and possibly temperament.

There are more than 40 breeds to choose from, so do your

homework. You will want to research the grooming requirements

of the breed you are considering, along with the general

disposition of the breed.

Domestic cats come in all colors and shapes. When you look at

any cat, there are some things you should consider. For

instance, while all cats are fairly in proportion to each

other, there are some cats which are more lanky and lean than

others. These cats will be the ones who may be more interested

in running and exploration. The chunkier, heavier cat will

probably be more laid back and not get into too big a hurry

about anything. You have a choice between a domestic long hair

or domestic short hair cat.

When picking out your kitten, you should understand that

kittens should not have an odor. While puppies do tend to have

a smell about them, kittens do not. You should observe the

entire litter of kittens. Do any of them have crusty eyes or a

runny nose? If so, you may want to reconsider choosing a kitten

from that litter. You certainly shouldn’t take one home simply

because you feel sorry for it, either. Especially if you have

other pets in your home. All of the kittens should have bright

and clear eyes and be very alert.

You should handle the kittens. Their fur should be soft and

silky, and never stiff or dry. Likewise, their coat should not

feel oily or greasy. When you are petting the kitten, you

should run your hands along her skin to ensure she has no

sores. When you are holding each kitten, place them up to your

face and nuzzle them. Listen for any breathing noises. You

should not hear any raspy or breathy breathing. If you do, this

is possibly a signal that the kitten has a respitory infection.

After visiting with the kittens, instinct will usually dictate

to you which kitten is your match. You may feel the rowdy,

rambunctious kitten will fit the best into your lively home.

Or, you may decide the laid back kitten is more your speed,

especially if you have a quiet home. Once you have made your

decision and chosen your kitten, you should have a kennel

waiting for travel. You should never try to ride in a car with

a cat unless they are restrained or in a kennel. While most

dogs love car rides, cats tend to scare. They can cower under

your feet and this can lead to a wreck.

When you bring your new kitten into your home, you should

immediately show her where the litter box, food and water are

located. You should also have a supply of cat toys on hand to

distract the cat from missing her mom and litter mates. While

this cannot entirely be avoided, lavishing attention on a new

kitten will do wonders in the transition to her new family.

You should expect your new kitten to explore every nook and

cranny in the home. This is a necessary part of a kitten’s

disposition. (Even older cats seem to perk up when a new piece

of furniture is brought into a home they have lived in for

years.) You will want to kitten proof your home. You should

keep the lids down on the toilet, and you may want to remove

potted plants and the like until your cat learns the rules.

Cats are social creatures, and they can learn the rules of

their new environment with consistency. While you may think

they do not understand what you are saying, this is not true.

If you have a new kitten who wants to walk across the kitchen

counter or dining room table, simply rattling a newspaper at

her and saying “down” will teach her to stay off. With time you

will be able to put the newspaper away and simply speak the

command.

Kittens can add joy to any home. Part of the fun is knowing the

kitten is oblivious to the fact that she is the center of

attention. She is not trying to gain your attention by

performing. She is simply being a cat. You should also not be

upset if your kitten is not interested in being a lap cat.

While she may be content for a few moments on your lap, kittens

have to roam, play and explore. As your cat matures she will be

more inclined to take it easy curled up on your lap. Until

then, just make her feel loved and you will have a feline that

will adore you and her new home.