Now that you’ve decided you want a cat as a pet and have chosen the type of cat you’d love to keep, you need to make sure you find the right cat in the right place.
When you choose that special kitten or cat, you want her to be as fit as possible. His eyes must be clear. His nose must not run. Run your hands gently down her back and cross her hips. It should have enough meat covering it so that you don’t feel the spine or hip bones.
His coat should feel clean. If your cat is a shorthair, her coat should be flat and not dull or open, and if she’s a longhaired cat, her coat should be all over and not dry. It should not have bad breath and ideally it should not have an odor. In a kitten, especially, gently feel her stomach to make sure it’s not distended or out of proportion to the rest of her body.
When handling a strange kitten or cat, do not pick it up or hold it in the air. This often scares him and he will react by crying and trying to escape. Get down to his level and place him on your lap to examine him.
Abandoned kittens and cats can be found hiding under cats or bushes. They can be purchased at local animal shelters or by contacting cat rescue groups. These sources, however, will not be able to provide you with details of the cat’s parents, ancestry, or any possible hereditary defects.
Local newspapers and notices on vet bulletin boards may also list kittens and cats available. Pet stores are another source. Before buying a kitten or cat, be sure to check that it is fit and healthy. Don’t forget to take a look inside his ears to make sure he doesn’t have mites.
If the house or litter trays aren’t clean, chances are the kitten isn’t either.
Make sure you get a record of your kitty’s shots. If you are purchasing a pedigreed cat for breeding, you will also need its pedigree and registration certificates.