I've been asked by a friend of a friend if we can home a kitten which she found abandoned on her doorstep. I haven't seen the kitten yet, have no idea how old it is, what sex, etc., only that it is ginger!
We've wanted a cat for a while, but expected that we'd probably adopt an older cat from a home. I've never owned a cat before (DP has), & know virtually nothing about kittens.
What do we need to buy? I've read about needing a room to keep the cat in, away from the bustle of the rest of the house - we have a utility room which should be good for that. We don't have a cat flap, but I think you're supposed to keep cats inside for a while when they move in anyway?
How do you choose a vet? & when should I take the kitten for vaccinations?
Argh! I'm panicking, but so excited. I mostly wanted to ask questions, but partly wanted to be openly excited about the new addition to the family 
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The litter tray
Taking on an abandoned kitten - first time cat owner.
ChristmasPuddingsAndMincePies · 20/12/2012 10:01
Now.
S/he looks (as far as I can see) about 6 months old. That's practically grown up. And so confident!
Some cats self-regulate and some are pigs but as s/he's only a little 'un, I'd give her some supper as well before you attempt to put her to bed. Has the tray been used yet?
(And make sure to have a bowl of water left out for her.)
Lovely kitty.
Thinking about it - in my experience, I'd say the great majority of cats self regulate but it's best not to rely on that with a kitten. While ensuring, of course, that they're fully fed.
Now aren't you the lucky ones. She looks completely at home already in that picture. I reckon you'll find a little body attempting to get into your bed tonight.
!
She's definitely a girl :)
She spent the night on a blanket on the sofa, without destroying anything or forgetting her litter tray. I can't imagine why anyone would abandon her! 
DS keeps trying to share his toys with her, but she just looks at him with vague cat disdain She's been very patient with him so far though, & he leaves her alone when I tell him to. All is well so far!
Ah good - no dubiety about discussing her then.
A ginger girl isn't so common so you've got a good 'un. I have to say that I do like ginger cats. I don't rightly see how colour could influence disposition but nonetheless, I've always found ginger cats to be very balanced animals who are calm and gentle with people. (Rapacious and skilled hunters, though. If you had any mice before, you likely won't have them soon.)
Who can tell why cats are abandoned? It's beyond comprehension to me. Even if things are really bad, there's always an alternative.
Again - well done for giving her a home. As she's a bit older than you thought the need for a vet isn't quite so critical but you'll doubtless be thinking of making an appointment for a check, flea and worm treatment etc ? I'd arrange to get her chipped and spayed as soon as possible as well as the rest. She's of an age now - and you won't want to be in FTR's situation with another 7 on your hands!
Gosh - that was fast to make a vet appointment. Good on you.
Re the hunting and toys - she'll probably enjoy some scrunched up paper balls but if you're anywhere near a charity shop, you could look and see if they have any little teddy bears or soft toys. (Check for glass eyes, nasty wires etc but generally if they're good enough for a kid's toy, they're fine for a cat.) They're great for pummelling and back-leg thummping.
I've also found that a great favourite are the little teddy bears and fake fur tiger etc tails that you often find on cheap keyrings in 'sort-of-pound-shops'. Just cut off the key rings, check thoroughly for any nasty bits and they're away.
All the above wash fine in the machine on a soft wash and dry within an hour. That's important to me because Seniorboy likes to 'kill' his toy and then chew it and dip it in his food while he's eating. 
They'd end up a bit stiff and smelly in this house without washing.
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Anyone else thinking at 6 months of little known providence she could be pg? 
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