Every cat is unique. Your new cat will give you years of friendship and fun. Cats are very self reliant, more so than any other pet. Love, affection and fun given to your cat will be returned to you also.
Make sure you do research before you purchase your cat. Most cats will live between 15 to 20 years. Can you handle such a long term commitment? A cat, no matter how independent will still need love, attention food and exercise and grooming.
Find a vet near your home before you bring your cat home. Write down any questions and concerns you may have already before you get your cat. Discuss it with the vet. Also discuss all the necessary shots your kitten should have, and my yet still need.
Your new kitten should be no younger than 8 weeks old. It needs to be eating on its own. Your kitten will learn how to use its litter box from its mommy. Also, the kitten will learn how to socialize from its mother.
Kittens are very curious and will try to discover every nook and corner in your house. Try to kitten proof the environment your kitten will live in. Don't forget, a kitten will play with anything that moves. Also, kittens may eat things you find very yucky, so beware of whatever your kitten may find to eat in its surrounding.
Such a list *but not exhaustive Electrical cords, pins, needless, laces, string, thumb tacks, small items, jewelry, and any other objects you may come upon.
Watch out for fireplace, any other place your cat may get into and not out of by itself, dryers, washers etc.
Plants. Kittens love plants, so print out a list of plants that could be harmful if eaten by a kitten. Take a walk around and look very carefully for anything that could be of harm to your new little friend.
You will need water bowls, perhaps a harness...please no collars, I know of a specific incident of a cat that accidentally hung itself. You will need a litter box, scratching post, and catnip.
Find a quality premium food to keep your cat healthy for a lifetime.
When you bring your kitten home, introduce him to the whole household right away. But, do not over handle the kitten. Do not allow the children to go overboard at the start. The kitten could wear itself out and get sick. Teach the kids to be gentle, to be respectful; a kitten is not a toy, but a living creature.
The first impressions you leave with your kitten will determine its behavior the rest of its life. "Train" your kitten right away. There are many books that will teach you how to "gently" train your kitten.
Ruth's passions are people and pet health. She owns 2 dogs, one of which is a Registered Pet Therapy Dog (Her Golden Retriever), and the second, an adopted Black Lab, Shorty. Her Pet Blog: http://www.happypetstop.com/blog
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