thinking of getting a kitten...

[ChocolatRhum]

We always had lots of cats around when I was growing up but I haven't had a cat as an adult. What are all the things I need to think about?

• what sort of jabs / worming treatments / anything else are routine? do you do regular vet check ups or not?
  
• how much 'training' does a kitten need - both toilet and any general behaviour type things?
  
• do you keep them inside for a while (days/weeks?) before letting them out? then is it normal for them to have free range or to keep them in at night?
  
• what's the best food? how do you know how much they need?
  
• best way to find someone to install a cat flap?
  
• any good cat advice books you can recommend?!
  

We have a particular kitten in mind (from a neighbour's litter) so no advice please about where to get a cat or what type etc - but all other advice extremely welcome! Thanks in advance.

[chockbic]

Training a kitten. Good luck with that!

You will find they use their litter tray quite easily once they find it. Can always plop them down in the tray first few times. Also if you put its paws on a scratching post, it teaches them to use that, instead of your furniture.

There are guidelines to show how much food he/she will need. Can't remember now as have an old puss.

Got kitten envy :)

[Fluffycloudland77]

Jabs are yearly, flea treatment and worming is monthly. Neutering & microchipping at 5 months onwards.

Mom cat should train them to do the basics of toileting.

I kept mine in until neutering & a month after each house move. Always in at night.

Cereal free biscuit or wet is fine. I feed on demand.

Cat flaps are a DIY job. Sureflap ones read their microchips so only your cat can come in, not half the neighbourhood cats.

[ChocolatRhum]

Thanks very much chockbic and Fluffy. Just back from visiting the kitten again and dd and I are very much in love!

How do you do flea treatment? presume worming is a tablet..?

Sadly our diy skills definitely aren't up to installing a cat flap . Will look into Sureflap, thanks for that.

Still feeling slightly astonished at the idea that anyone would let me have a cat, I have no idea what I'm doing (a bit like bringing dc1 home from hospital!!).

any other advice welcome!

[Fluffycloudland77]

Don't worry, the kitten will train you to be a good owner.

Broad line is the new spot on flea treatment & wormer in one. Don't use bob martin stuff or any over the counter stuff.

This is you now

[ChocolatRhum]

Haha Fluffy love it, the weird thing is I'm sort of willing to be subjugated! I do know of course that he will own us rather than vice versa. Will look into Broad line too thank you.

[bakewelltartandcustard]

You won't need a cat flap until he goes outside, ideally not until after neutering/microchipping. Kittens are very vulnerable to traffic accidents, especially at night.

[chockbic]

I use beaphar flea treatment as it's more natural. I don't like the thought of strong chemicals on the puss. Never seen a flea or tick lurking in her coat.

Drontal is a good all round wormer. Sometimes they eat them, sometimes you need to perfect the cat grab and hold plus quickie tablet down the throat.

Needles two lots to begin with then every year.

Enjoy your kitty :)

[ChocolatRhum]

Good point bakewell, the cat flap can go down the list a bit. And thanks again chockbic, will look at drontal and beaphar too!

[Fluffycloudland77]

Some vets do discount packages where they offer a reduced rate on neutering, microchipping, vaccinations & sometimes flea/worm control.