If I get a kitten, what do I need to know?

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We’re looking to adopt a cat and the rescues near us are absolutely overrun with kittens. Over 17 in one of them this last fortnight. There’s a gorgeous pair who’ve had no interest after 6 weeks and I’m really tempted to enquire about them.

I’ve read the generic ‘Guide to Getting a Cat’ pamphlets, but as cat owners yourselves what do you think we really need to know? What surprised you when you first got a cat.

We have no other pets (previously had a dog) and no children. Out at work all week - hence not getting another dog.

TIA

Kittens are a bit of a handful. They will run around and scratch stuff and need entertainment. It's easier if there's 2 they'll entertain each other but you will need to socialise them, eg handling them, grooming etc so they get used to it.
They are cute of course but they grow up pretty quick!
If it's your first cat experience I'd strongly suggest getting a mature cat from the rescue. They will be socialised and you can check personality fit in advance with the rescue.
Do not overestimate your kids (if you ha e kids) enthusiasm for playing with kittens. Mine lost interest fairly quickly. We fared much better later on with our older rescue who is v low maintenance!

Kittens are little bundles of energy and fiesty. If you get 2 they will entertain each other but they will scratch anything, including you and will run around like crazy things. They are funny. I like them.

Kittens are lunatics*. Definitely get a pair. Talk with the rescue - they'll be happy to give you advice.

*but absolutely worth it.

Also, don't discount getting an older cat. Their personality will be more predictable. And often struggle to find homes.

They will climb your curtains and your trousers (whilst you are wearing them) and chew your hair. And be so breathtakingly adorable you will forgive them anything.

That you need to post a photo on MN or it didn’t happen.
Btw, not all kittens climb curtains, furniture, kitchen work surfaces. My kittens didn’t and neither does my db current kitten.

If you have a chimney block it up or the kitten will run/climb up the chimney and come down covered in soot. They like climbing up Xmas trees too and don't forget to put your phone charging cable away because some kittens will chew them. You will fall in love very quickly 😻 and wonder how you ever managed without your kitty.

They will destroy your home. But they will probably be worth it. Cats have all different personalities though, like humans, and getting a kitten is always a gamble, as you don't know what they will grow up like. I've had 3, over 20 years- all fine, but 2 sociable and one aloof. My sister has had around 10, and 2 of them had personalities I personally could not warm to, so I was relieved they were hers not mine. The rest have been fine, all different, but I loved them all

If I ever get another cat, it will be an older one that has a known personality, I don't think I would gamble on a kitten again. You end up with them in your family for about 15+ years!

@BlackCatsAreBrilliant Also, don't discount getting an older cat. Their personality will be more predictable. And often struggle to find homes. Completely agree with the sentiment - we volunteer with senior rescue dogs so certainly support the oldies! Was just surprised to see so many rescue kittens too.

I have to advice against it, but then I probably would

Really good points being made about having an
older rescue. How old would they usually need
to be for their personality to show?

I think a lot of rescues will want someone to be be around during the day when they’re very young to keep an eye on them, and for feeding.

We got a kitten a month ago we have 2 older cats and things I’d forgotten from last time he currently needs feeding 4 times a day (I think that drops to 3 times from approx 4 months old and then less as an adult) doesn’t like being on his own much - we’re doing a slow introduction to our other cats.
It is regular feeding so that’s regular pooing which is quite a bit of litter tray sorting to do.

2 is better if you’re starting out as they’ll hopefully keep each other company but an older pair might work better if you’re out at work.

I’m a fosterer, and my two youngest so far were each about 18 months old. Very definite personalities! The girl was intelligent & curious with a sense of humour, and the boy loved playing with toys & coming for cuddles.

This is all really useful. Thank you. Want to
make an informed decision.

I wish we got two now! My cat is seven and plays rough. I think she has many bad habits. If she'd had a sibling she might have grown out of them sooner. She was a mad thing as a kitten. But took to toilet training very well.

I'd advise avoiding a long haired cat. They shed a great deal and their fur needs a lot of maintenance to prevent knots, unlike short hairs. My cat has never enjoyed this.

Book a cattery well in advance if you've got holidays booked!!