Written by Cieren Ware: Content Writer for Pet World

So, you’re looking to invest a furry little companion, and need to know a bit more information? There’s no better decision than looking to invest in a kitten, they’re an excellent companion and show their owners endless love. 

There’s a lot of information you need to know when welcoming a car or kitten into your home however, and getting things right is crucial to making the integration process as smooth and seamless as possible. 

This post will go through all the facts you need to know, what to expect when you get your kitten and a few handy little tips to make everything easier. 

Buy a kitten from a breeder or adopt?

The first big decision you need to make is whether you want to buy a kitten from a breeder or adopt one from a shelter. There is obviously no correct answer here, both have their pro’s and con’s and it’s up to you to decide which you prefer.

Buying a kitten from a breeder means you’re starting from scratch; you’ll teach your kitten everything and be able to guide it to grow exactly how you want. This also comes with all the extra work needed to train him. You’ll also need to go through the process of getting him neutered, dewormed etc.

If you’re looking at adopting, many shelters and services have done the leg work in terms of vetting and microchipping. All you have to do is give them a home. It is not unheard of for adopted cats not to settle, obviously adding to both the cats stress and probably your own. So, think carefully about which is the best option for you.

Buying a kitten guide

When looking at purchasing a kitten, there’s a guide available below that covers what to look for to make sure you bring home the perfect little chum. 

What to ask when buying a kitten

• When was the kitten born?

You don’t want to take home a kitten that is under 12 weeks old, as it’s not ready to be separated from its’ mother. Doing so can lead to behavioural problems later in life, as well as anxiety and stress for your kitten.

• Was the kitten raised with its’ mother?

As stated above, if the kitten has grown up without its’ mother present, it’s likely it will develop behavioural problems. 

• Is the kitten friendly? 

Fairly self-explanatory, you don’t want to take home a grumpy or aggressive kitten. 

• Is the kitten healthy? 

Again, pretty obvious. Look for bright eyes and plenty of energy. No runny noses or sore read patches around his ears, mouth or under his tail. 

How Much Does A Kitten Cost?

The price of a kitten can vary wildly, depending on whether you’re looking at buying a moggy (a typical, non-purebred car) or a pedigree (a purebred) and the genus of cat you want.

You can get a moggy from as low as £30, depending on breeder and your area, as these are the most common type of kitten you’ll come across.

A purebred pedigree on the other hand can cost you upwards of £2,000, so it really depends on what you want in a cat. 

If you’re just looking for a companion and a little love, a moggy will do you nicely. A pedigree is for those who are looking for aesthetics as much as love. 

Kitten Nutrition Information

The first fourth months of your new kittens’ life are by far the most important. This is where they’ll learn the social skills and interactions that will shape them in later life, as well as going through intense growth.

This means that the diet you feed your companion during this time is hugely important, and in order to get it right you have to give him a rich diet full of all the nutrients and the 11 amino acids that they can’t naturally synthesize so that they need so they can grow properly. 

You kitten food should be rich in DHA, a particularly important amino acid, so make sure to check the label of your food for this prior to purchasing, and if the food you’re looking at doesn’t list this on the label then it’s probably best to avoid it. 

Your kitten needs around 3x the energy requirements than that of an adult cat, whilst their digestive system hasn’t reached maturity. So make sure to buy food that has everything your kitten needs whilst carrying no unnecessary bulk, as this may lead to digestive problems. 

Enjoy this blog post? Check out some of our others