Choosing the Right Kitten For You
If you are in a position to invite a new kitten into your home, you already know that there is lots to do! Not only do you have to purchase all of the supplies that a new kitten will need, you'll also need to select the right kitten for you. When you are looking for a kitten that's going to be a great match for you and your home, you'll find that there are several things that you can keep an eye out for. A kitten that matches you and your family right away will have a much better adjustment period than one that has some conflicts.
The first consideration should always be health. When you adopt a kitten from a humane shelter, the kitten should have a clean bill of health, but if you are purchasing from a breeder or adopting from another source, there are a few things to look for. Make sure that your potential adoptee is lively and curious, rather than listless. While a kitten, particularly one that is not used to humans yet, can be a little shy, they should not be sluggish or uninterested.
Check your kitten's coat for bare patches and feel for any scabs or scarring. This can indicate conditions like ringworm, fleas, or more serious skin conditions. Similarly, keep an eye out for feces stuck to the kitten's back legs, as diarrhea can indicate a variety of diseases, including FIV and FIP. Also make sure that your kitten's eyes are clear and not reddened, as redness can be a sign of cat flu, feline chlamydia, and conjunctivitis, which can be passed to humans.
Take a quick look in the kitten's ear and watch his behavior. If there is black or bloody scabbing inside the ear, this could be a sign of ear mites. Also look for the kitten shaking his head when you touch his ear and continuous scratching to the point of blood. Being wary of those needle-sharp kitten teeth, look for any swelling or redness along the gum line as well as any ulcerations or pimple-like growths on the roof of the mouth. Any of this can be a sign poor health.
Without a doubt, the first thing you should do is to take a look at the litter of kittens yourself and see which ones stand out to you. Don't make your judgments based solely on size or coat color, look for things like personality. Which kitten likes to be on top and will bite her siblings to do it? Which one shies away from the others and prefers her own company? Once you've found a kitten that you think might be a match, find a way to introduce her to each member of your family, whether that is a child or dog. It is important to ensure some compatibility before you bring your kitten home, so see what you can learn from meeting the kitten in a private room.
As you can see, there is a lot to think about before you decide if a kitten is right for you. Take some time and get to know the kitten in question, both his personality and his health!