New Kitten

[ElleDiamond]

We're getting a new kitten next month, I have never owned a cat before so I have been doing my homework and have just about everything sorted apart from how to feed it. He will be 8 weeks old when we bring him home and I know he will be weaned onto Whiskas kitten food but I have no idea how many pouches a day he will need and how often he will need fed.

Any advice welcome.
Thanks

Does he have to leave at 8 weeks? Could he stay with mum until 12 weeks?.

8 weeks is awfully young to be away from mum.

The lady I'm getting him from did say she was only going to let him go if he was ready, if he's not ready she is going to keep him longer. The RSPCA website says they should be at least 8 weeks old when they leave and tons of kittens seem to be sold at 8 weeks, I thought that would have been fine? Forgive me if I am wrong, like I say I have never owned a cat before.

If she'll keep him a little longer (with Mum) that would be a good thing as Fluffy says. Kittens learn a heck of a lot from Mom in that 8-12 week old period. (eg talking, playing, hunting, firming up on eating habits and use of litter tray - and just general cat socialization.) These many years, I've had my kits from the breeder at 12-14 weeks and they've always been well adjusted and happy cats. Mine don't knead, for instance, and I've always wondered if that was because they've been fully weaned off Mum.

If you can, see if you can go for that. At 12 weeks, kittens are a lot readier for their new adventure. The RSPCA and others may say 8 weeks but that's probably just because some people are trying to get kits out of the house at 5 weeks or so (!) - and rescues are so overrun with kittens these days that they may reckon that going to a good home at 8 weeks is better than nothing because then they can take in some newer born kits that might otherwise have to be put to sleep.

Mine kneads, he was 17 weeks when we picked him up & mum was starting to want them out.

Ideally wait for 12 weeks, I'd get him off whiskas and onto butchers choice instead with a no cereal biscuit. You need to do it gradually so you don't upset his little tummy.

He can't go out until he's had a course of vaccinations (£50ish) and he's been neutered (£60) and had a microchip fitted in case he ever gets lost.

If you buy a bed get a dog one, the sides are higher and the base is much more padded than cat beds. I've got a big cat so I got a medium dog bed but a small one would do.

Don't wean him onto Whiskas Kitten. Wean him onto a good quality wet food. Do some research and find a grain free, high-meat content food that works for your budget. Better yet, try a commercially prepared raw food.

Still no joy, Sparkling ?

Interesting, Fluffy. I wonder whether 'no kneading' is a Siamese thing then?

No-I will just have to live through other people's now cozie.

Don't forget to put up a pic when he arrives Elle and good luck.

I reckon 2014 will be your year for finding a kitten in the garden.

Thanks for all the advice everyone I have taken it all on board

Sparkling I will definitely put a pic up when he comes home. I get weekly updates so I am currently waiting patiently for an update email and some pics of him