Possibly getting a kitten tomorrow.

[Ivalueloyaltyaboveallelse]

Hi, wondering if anyone could please help us. We’re going to look at a kitten that is 13 weeks old, so ready to leave. We are visiting as we wanted to see what conditions the kitten is living in, get an idea of the food and litter it’s use to and so we can meet mum and dad. I just need to know:

1. What should we be looking out for while we visit.
2. How to safely get the kitten back to ours without stressing it out (it’s an hour drive back)
3. How can we help it settle in its new environment. Neither of us have ever owned a cat before so a bit nervous. Of course we will have a good chat with the current owners. DH has been keeping in touch with them and we will obviously book the kitten a vet appointment as soon as possible. However any advice or wisdom would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Ask to take a blanket from it's current home back with you so it has a scent it is used to. Pop that blanket in the cat carrier for the journey home and place it in a comfy spot at home.
Once home, don't bombard it with fusses, let them come to you.
let them explore their new environment. Have a clear place for food and another(far away) for their litter.

You'd need a cat carrier for transporting it, line it with a towel or blanket.
Food, bowls, litter and tray, scratching post, vet for flea/wormer and also set up insurance. At some point you should microchip and spay/neuter as well.

I'd say a bed but mine prefer cardboard boxes!

Cats settle in on their own. Try not to go all in with smoked salmon and prawn as treats because it’s really hard to top that.

Thanks this is all very helpful.

I like that we’ve all assumed your taking the kitten anyway and not told you what to look for.

Your looking for a clean kitten, no mucky eyes, ears, bums who's well groomed and bright eyed. Mum should still be there and interested in the kittens but not still nursing as it should be weaned by now. The kitten should be active and playful. If it’s pedigree it should have papers and be registered.

You don’t always get to meet dad if it’s pedigree, you can hire stud cats.

If they’ve got a un-neutered breeding pair of moggies it’s a kitten farm, walk away if it’s a kitten farm and report them to HRMC as they won’t be paying tax on the income generated.

Moggy kittens ought to be free and the parents neutered, there’s loads of rescue kittens available for £60-100 fully neutered and vaccinated which is a bargain.

Thanks everyone for your advice. All went well, we have all the correct paperwork needed and also got to meet mum, dad and siblings.

Our kitten is absolutely beautiful and we just adore her. She’s settling in well although DH so far is her favourite! She follows him around. Today she will be meeting our DC when they get back from their sleepover at their grandparents house and she will finally get a name.

She looks very healthy if a little apprehensive. It’s a big shock for them isn’t it? Mine thought his mum and sister would be at our house too.

Beautiful little cat.

@ Fluffycloudland77 Yes was her first night last night. Was suppose to collect Friday however I had an accident so DH collected her only yesterday. I think she definitely thought her family were in the house also, I felt a bit mean but we will definitely take good care of her and we love her so much already.

She’ll soon have you all under the paw.

@Ivalueloyaltyaboveallelse

@ Fluffycloudland77 Yes was her first night last night. Was suppose to collect Friday however I had an accident so DH collected her only yesterday. I think she definitely thought her family were in the house also, I felt a bit mean but we will definitely take good care of her and we love her so much already.

Could you also adopt a sibling?

Unfortunately both were already going to other homes.

She’s a beaut! BSH? My boys love to be in the same room as me. They are such loves.

I love British Blues. She looks lovely. Enjoy her but give her loads of space - they get easily scared when they are young. Also get her used to being brushed from early in although they mainly self groom.

@ Bettybantz Yes she’s a BSH, so soft we’re in love. How long have you have your lovely boys?

@ hellsbells99 thank you and good advice will send DH out to get a brush now as completely forgot to get her one.