One of the most exciting times in anyone’s life is when they get a new pet for the home, and this is especially true if you’re adopting a kitten. Not only do you have the prospect of having a cute little bundle of fun coming into your life, but it’s also a big commitment for the next 12-15 years or more. Therefore, making sure you’re fully prepared beforehand will go a long way in ensuring both you and your home are ready for your new addition.
The Basics
The first thing you need to do is make sure you have the basics sorted out – after all, imagine how put out your little kitten will be if they arrive and don’t even have a toilet to use! They certainly won’t have a great first impression if they have nothing to eat after their long journey either…
To avoid getting off on the wrong foot with your new kitten, make sure you at least have a litter tray, litter, cat food, and a few toys to help them feel at home right away. Trust us, you’ll be thankful you did when you don’t have to wash the carpet for the umpteenth time!
The Financial Outlay
Perhaps one of the things that takes people by surprise the most is how much a kitten actually costs. Much like a car, it’s not the getting of it, but the upkeep. In addition to the basics – food, litter, dishes, toys, etc. – you also need to consider the ongoing costs of caring for a kitten as it grows up.
This includes expenses like shots and vaccinations, as well as worming and flea medication. For instance, vets recommend that cats be de-wormed every six months, so make sure you’re aware of this ongoing commitment.
Additionally, kittens need a range of treatments in their first year, including neutering or spaying. And that’s not even accounting for the unexpected medical issues that may arise – mites, for example, are quite common among kittens, even indoor ones. At around $300 to treat, adopting a kitten can quickly become an expensive venture. Of course, as soon as they look at you with those big eyes and little head, they could ask for caviar and the finest cream, and you won’t care about the cost!
Where Should You Adopt Your Kitten?
Once you’ve factored in the additional costs, the next thing to decide is where to adopt your kitten. Depending on both your financial situation and requirements, the decision might be made for you. If you’re simply looking for a family pet and nothing more, you can adopt from an animal shelter or humane society.
This is a great option for both you and the kitten – you’re providing a loving home to an unwanted pet, and the shelter gets to house another stray or abandoned cat. Shelters will also guide you and check you out to make sure your home is ready for your new kitten. If you adopt from a shelter, you’ll usually pay around $100; however, your new pet will have already received all required vaccinations and likely will have been neutered or spayed, so the cost is covered.
You can also adopt from a regular pet store, but this might not be the best approach, as they often sell both purebred and tabby cats and may not offer the best advice. Even the local newspaper may have ads offering “free to a good home,” so keep an eye out there.
If you’re looking for something more specific, like a kitten that will grow into a show cat, then you need to go to a purebred breeder. This is an involved process that requires you to get detailed information about your kitten’s history, breed, parentage, ancestry, and more. It will give you a better understanding of your kitten’s potential temperament. However, even the least expensive purebreds can cost several hundred dollars, so this is generally a choice for dedicated breeders.
How Old Should the Kitten Be?
While a newborn kitten may be adorable and fun to watch as it chases a ball around the room, they need to stay with their mother until they’re old enough to be taken away. This is important for two reasons: they need the nourishment that their mother’s milk provides, and the first 10 weeks are crucial for learning all their habits and mannerisms from their mother.
Therefore, the very minimum age a kitten should be before joining your family is 10 weeks old, though many breeders recommend waiting until the kitten is 10-12 weeks. Of course, once a new kitten starts showing interest in daddy’s favorite socks or mom’s favorite curtains, you may think that 20 weeks would be too soon! This is why many people prefer adopting older kittens, as there’s usually less training involved.
Preparing for the Kitten’s Arrival
While you now know what basics to have, you can never be too prepared to welcome the new addition into your home. Before you even visit the shelter or breeder to pick up your kitten, make sure the following items are ready:
- Litter tray and cat litter (trust us, this one is very important unless you enjoy cleaning!). For kittens, make sure to use non-clumping litter.
- Scratching post (almost as important as a litter tray, for obvious reasons).
- Food and water bowls. It’s a good idea to have 2 or 3 water bowls around the house to encourage your kitten to drink – they often forget, believe it or not!
- A cat carrier for trips to the vet.
- Toys.
- Cat bed (or, if you really want to spoil your kitten, a hammock).
- Cat food. Make sure it’s kitten food, as it contains the extra nutrients your little one needs to grow.
And that’s it. Simple, right? Now that you’re prepared for the costs, training, patience, and de-worming… it’s time to adopt your kitten. Happy hunting, and remember – this is just the beginning of a beautiful relationship!
