First time cat owner

[RumbleRoar]

Hi,
My friend inherited a pregnant cat with her property who has since had some kittens.
We have offered to have one of the kittens.
I'm at home the majority of the day, we have a large garden which backs on to woods.
I'm after some cat advice really. What do I need to know about cat care. I've previously had dogs so have had pets before, but never a cat. I plan to get the kitten neutered (how old are they when this happens?)
Her mum is a outside cat, currently catching mice for the kittens. But do I have to keep the kitten in for the first few months?
How do I litter train?
Sorry for all the questions, I've been looking on line too. I just want to be a responsible owner and make sure the kitten is happy and healthy.
Thank you

[Vinorosso74]

Firstly, have the kittens had any socialization with humans? Is the mum feral or just an outdoor cat who is used to humans? Just if the kittens have not been socialised it could be hard work. Someone with more experience on this may be able to advise.
The practical stuff there's loads of advice on the Cats Protection website. It is best to keep kitten indoors until vaccinated, neutered and microchipped. They can be neutered at 4 months, old guidelines were 6 months.

[dailydance]

Keep inside until they are 6 months (and spayed & chipped) so that he/she is big enough to defined herself/himself if they encounter another cat... also be big enough to not get caught be foxes

[RumbleRoar]

Kittens have had some socialization with humans and have been held a few times. The mum is an outdoor cat so hunts but will come up to humans.
Will have a look at the cat protection. Thank you

[Toddlerteaplease]

Get two kittens. They will entertain each other and once you've got the stuff for one, and extra costs very little. You must get them insured. Mine have run up vets bills of £10,000 this year. Fortunately all covers by insurance.

[Fluffycloudland77]

Ok, I'd take the kitten at 8 weeks, they need socialising with humans and so far that doesn't seem to have happened.

Put the kitten in litter when it's about to squat for a poo/wee.

Neutering is 16 weeks, until they are indoors for safety.

Jabs are 8wks or so, then boosters a few weeks later. Then every 12 months.

The mum needs neutering, it's not a big op & there's no shortage of kittens so she needs to stop producing more.

I'd have 2, it's a big move on your own.

[Jonsnowsghost]

Recent advice is 12/13 weeks to leave mum as they learn vital socialization and behaviour skills with their mum and siblings, plus I would wait longer than 6 months to let out as 6 month old cats still aren't particularly street wise!
Kitten will learn to use the litter tray from mum.
You can neuter from 4 months but as long as the kitten is over 1kg but most vets will say 6 months, you will have to keep cat in if a boy as they can still impregnate for a few weeks (I think, just got to check).
Get lots of toys and scratching posts so it doesn't wreck your curtains and sofas too much

[dailydance]

Leave them with the mom until they are 13 weeks otherwise they won't learn everything they need to learn from mom cat. Two of mine were very obviously taken from their mom too young and neither know how to poo/pee properly (mine dig a hole, sit IN the hole and poo/pee outside of the hole; then move a few feet away to "cover" it (I am their third and final owner)

[RumbleRoar]

Thank you everyone.
I'm going to see the kittens tonight, I've started thinking about having too.
As far as I know, they are living outside with mum, so not using litter tray or use to being inside.
Am I being naive about these kittens and opening up a can of worms for us?

[RumbleRoar]

*two not too!

[dailydance]

They should still be able to work out the litter tray if mom has shown them how to pee/poo outside. I say "should" ..obviously nobody can guarantee this about any cat.

I think you're doing a wonderful thing. They will be crazy kittens who take over your home, but they do calm as they grow up. You'll need to give them a lot of space and hiding places so that they feel safe. They aren't used to being handled much by people so you need to take baby steps with them and have lots of patience. Let them come to you, give them cat kisses (slow blinks), play with them ... spend time with them and you'll earn their trust :)

[RumbleRoar]

Hello.

The kittens are here. Arrived yesterday. Have booked them in the vets on Thursday for a check up, flea and worm, microchip and jabs.
They have been using the litter tray and eating (both alone and in front of me)
And they have played with a caterpillar on a string toy with me.
The bolder one originally now has become more timid. Is this normal?
I've kept the house as quiet as possible, have left them for periods and also been interactive with them.
Am I on the right track? They haven't had any human contact (as in being held, stroked, touched) so trying to go slow.

Any advice would be amazing. Thank you

[Allergictoironing]

I would try to get them used to a bit of physical human contact before they go to the vets, so it isn't as traumatic for them. Most cats are food motivated, so maybe tempt them with first food on a spoon then as they get closer holding the food in your fingers. Move slowly so as not to startle them, and they should quite enjoy the fussing after a little while.

Don't forget they need to be kept in at least until they have been neutered/spayed!