We lost our old boy end of last year, and were ready now for a couple of new cats. I've looked into rescues, but they say all the older cats are too timid to be homed with young children, and even the kittens apparently need "someone who works from home, to give them the love and attention they need". My husband and I are both out the house 7.30-4.30 every day.
So I had a quick look online, and there are a couple of litters of kittens nearby, ready in the next two weeks, which would be perfect. Just how irresponsible is it to buy a kitten off the Internet? What should I be looking out for? What would be non-negotiable red flags for you? Is the whole concept of buying a kitten just socially unacceptable these days?
FWIW the photos are all of bright eyed kittens in a normal family kitchen with their mother. Asking price between £80-120 depending on colour.
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The litter tray
How irresponsible is it to just buy a kitten?
namechange7654 · 25/07/2022 20:11
JorisBonson · 25/07/2022 20:15
There are so many kittens in shelters that need homes - and they'll come to you neutered and jabbed.
namechange7654 · 25/07/2022 20:20
I definitely want two together. Maybe I shouldn't be put off by the website, and just call anyway?
Yarnasaurus · 25/07/2022 20:27
Why kittens? They are kittens for such a short time, and it's gone in a flash, so why not look for a young adult (or bonded pair) from rescue?
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MermaidEyes · 25/07/2022 20:33
Rescue places can be notoriously difficult. They say they struggle to find homes for their animals but they often have a checklist as long as your arm before you're deemed 'acceptable'. As another pp said, there are tons of older cats who need adopting, however these can come with their own issues (feral, health issues etc) which you usually wouldn't get if you adopt right from a young kitten.
womaninatightspot · 25/07/2022 22:29
This is so true. I found it really hard to get them to accept us despite, idyllic rural location not close to any roads as we have dc.
MermaidEyes · 25/07/2022 20:33
Rescue places can be notoriously difficult. They say they struggle to find homes for their animals but they often have a checklist as long as your arm before you're deemed 'acceptable'. As another pp said, there are tons of older cats who need adopting, however these can come with their own issues (feral, health issues etc) which you usually wouldn't get if you adopt right from a young kitten.
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