Kittens are cute, (and they know it) but they shouldn’t be judged on that alone. Whether you decide to rescue or buy, getting a kitten is a big, but also exciting commitment and there are lots of things to think about before you get one.
There are lots of healthy, loving kittens and cats available at rescue centres like Battersea right across the country. We would always encourage you to rehome a kitten or cat from a rescue centre. At a rescue centre you know you are getting a cat that has been selected because it will match your family and lifestyle, and is healthy and ready for family life. This isn’t necessarily the case if you buy online and it’s impossible to guarantee that animals advertised in online listings or on social media are from a safe, reputable source.
However, if you're set on buying a kitten, you should do your research and find a reputable breeder where the cats and kittens are properly cared for and looked after. You should always try and visit the breeder in person and see how the cats and kittens are bred and cared for. Don’t be afraid to ask, as good breeders will be happy to show you.
Here’s our list of the top 10 things to consider and check before getting a kitten:
1. MAKE SURE NOW IS THE RIGHT TIME TO GET A NEW PET
Cats are great company around the house and a fantastic addition to our lives, but it is important to make sure you have the time and resources to care for them properly now, and in the future. Pet ownership is a huge commitment and one that may last for more than a decade. Kittens especially will need different levels of care and attention as they grow, so if that might not fit in with your life in 3 months’ time then it’s important to think long and hard about your decision.
Kittens also require routine medical treatments, so it is important to speak to your vet about what treatments they will require now and as they begin to get older. You will also need to provide your kitten with things like litter trays, scratching posts, and toys to keep them healthy, happy and stimulated. These things should be bought in advance of your kitten’s arrival to help them settle in at home as soon as possible.
2. BE SURE A KITTEN IS THE RIGHT PET FOR YOU
Remember, your new kitten won’t be little forever. Taking on a young cat is a huge responsibility (very young kittens need feeding four times a day) and they’re likely to be with you for an average of 16 years, maybe even longer. There are lots of cats in need of homes, so consider if an older cat would suit you best – they’re usually a little more relaxed and well-mannered than kittens, and may be happiest snoozing on the sofa rather than playing for hours.
3. WHEN WAS THE KITTEN BORN?
A kitten shouldn’t leave its mother until it is at least eight weeks old. However, some breeders will try and sell much younger kittens, so it’s very important that you stay aware of this and check their age as best you can. Ask for details - if you are speaking to a reputable breeder they will know when and where the kitten was born and will be happy to tell you.
Kittens develop and change in appearance week on week, so a good way to check how old they are is by comparing them to photographs of others that are the same age.
4. IS THE KITTEN WITH THEIR MOTHER AND SIBLINGS?
If you are buying a kitten, make sure you ask to see the mother with her kittens at the breeder’s home. Kittens learn an immense amount from being around their mother and siblings, which will positively influence them in the future and help them develop natural cat behaviours.
By socialising and playing, they’ll learn how to interact with other cats and humans, which will lessen the chances of them biting and scratching.
If mum is present, it’s more likely that the kitten was born in the home and limits the risk that they came from a kitten farm or were illegally imported.
5. WHERE WAS THE KITTEN BORN?
If your kitten is going to be a family pet, you ideally want one that’s been raised in a home environment.
A kitten that has been exposed to the normal goings-on of a home (hoovering, visitors, children, television) is going to be better adapted and less likely to get stressed or panicked in this environment. Responsible breeders and rehoming centres should ensure that they’ve been exposed to these conditions during their sensitive learning period of 2-7/8 weeks old.
Kittens raised outdoors, in pens or in a single room may struggle to adapt to a home environment.
All kittens and cats regardless of age and temperament need spaces where they can get away from people when they need to.
6. DOES THE KITTEN APPEAR HEALTHY, HAPPY AND APPROACHABLE?
Before you agree to take the kitten, you should ask if the kitten is nervous or has any health issues. Keep an eye out for anything mentioned and any potential problems when you visit to collect your new pet. Kittens should have received worming and flea treatment, in addition to their first vaccination at 9 weeks of age, so you should ask if they have received these treatments and if so, request a copy of the records be sent to you in advance of collection.
If a kitten appears very fearful or stressed when you see them, this could be an indication that it hasn’t been properly socialised and will find it harder to adapt to a home environment, especially one with other animals or children.
7. DOES THE MOTHER APPEAR HEALTHY, FRIENDLY AND HAPPY TO INTERACT WITH YOU?
Whether the mother is happy and friendly could be an indication of how she has been cared for by her owner. This will have a significant impact on the kitten.
Make sure to visit the mother if possible, and check if she has been vaccinated, wormed and treated for fleas, as this could impact the health of her kittens.
Has she undergone any corrective surgery or does she have any hereditary diseases that could have potentially been passed to her offspring? Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
8. WHAT FOOD IS THE KITTEN EATING?
It’s important to make sure that the kitten is on solid food before you take it home. This means it has been weaned from its mother and can survive without her milk. You should start the kitten off on the same food it is used to and can change it gradually over time.
9. WHAT LITTER IS THE KITTEN USING?
The kitten should be trained to use a litter tray by the time you take it home.
It’s worth using the same type of litter they are currently using, to minimise stress and help it recognise where to go to the toilet. If you want to swap to a different type, this should be gradually phased in over time.
10. IS THE KITTEN IN A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT?
Kittens do tend to be a little messy but you should check the general cleanliness of the area, including bedding, litter trays, and food and water bowls.
A cleaner environment will lessen the chance of the kitten becoming sick and demonstrate that the owners are mindful of their welfare.
THE KITTEN CHECKLIST
We would always encourage people to rescue a cat, but for those who have decided to buy a kitten, we would strongly recommend using the in-depth Kitten Checklist. It's been designed to help buyers ask the right questions to help them choose a kitten whose breeder has taken care to ensure their animals have the best chance of a happy, healthy life.
If you see a kitten and are concerned for its welfare, we understand the temptation to take it home, however each sale made will likely only encourage the breeder or seller to get more animals in to sell them for profit - perpetrating a vicious cycle.
If you suspect cruelty of any kind, we’d urge you to contact the RSPCA so the authorities can take proper action.
