A Guide to Bringing Home Your New Feline Friend
Bringing a cat into your home is a rewarding experience. Whether you’re adopting a playful kitten or a wise adult cat, it’s crucial to approach this journey with care. This guide will help you navigate the steps to adopt or buy a cat, ensuring you make informed choices.
From understanding adoption benefits to tips for choosing a healthy kitten, you’ll find everything you need to create a loving environment for your new furry friend.
The Joy of Adopting a Cat
If you're thinking about welcoming a cat into your life, have you considered adopting? Adopting a kitten or an adult cat is a rewarding journey. Not only will you gain a loyal companion, but you'll also provide a loving home to a pet in need.
When you adopt through reputable organisations like Cats Protection, you can trust that your new feline friend is ready for their forever home. Before bringing them home, they will undergo:
- A thorough health check by a vet
- Treatment for fleas and worms
- Vaccinations
- Microchipping
- Neutering (where applicable)
Check out the Association Of Dogs And Cats Homes (ADCH) website to find shelters in your area.
The Kitten Checklist: What to Look For
If you're planning to buy a kitten, it's essential to ensure they're well cared for. Cats should stay with their mothers until they're at least eight weeks old. Nine weeks is even better. During this time, they should be playful, social, and engaged.
Consider downloading a handy Kitten Checklist to help you assess the kitten’s condition during your visit to the breeder or seller. This checklist will guide you in evaluating their health and living conditions.
The Risks of Buying a Kitten Online
While the internet offers a convenient way to find kittens, it can also pose risks. Some social media platforms prohibit pet sales entirely, while others may have guidelines that sellers can easily bypass. This creates an increased risk of scams. Purchasing from unverified sources can lead to health issues for your new pet.
It's essential to do your research and choose online platforms that adhere to the strict Advertising Standards set by the
Opt for sites that, like Preloved, offer it's members government-grade ID verification tools (free for all Preloved members), and promotes safer means of payment transfers, like Preloved partner; Trustap.
What to Do If You Encounter a Scam
If you suspect you’ve been scammed in a pet sale, it’s important to act.
If you see an advert on any website that you think may be a scam, report it to the website. Remember to make a note of the adverts title and seller's username, and take a screen shot of the advert itself. To report an advert on Preloved, please contact us here. You can also contact PAAG (Pet Advertising Advisory Group) at admin@paag.org.uk if you're concerned about any online adverts you see. You can report adverts to Trading Standards via the Local Authority in which the seller is situated. In Northern Ireland, please contact your local council. For serious welfare and / or cruelty issues, please contact the RSPCA (England & Wales) on 0300 1234 999, or SSPCA (Scotland) on 03000 999 999 immediately. If you've been the victim of online pet scams, or any cyber crime, please report it to Action Fraud. - Report your concerns to the police by calling 101.
Prepare Before You Visit the Kittens
Buying a pet is a significant decision. Always take your time and avoid feeling rushed. If something feels off, don’t hesitate to walk away.
When you visit a potential kitten, use the Kitten Checklist to guide your observations. Consider asking these questions:
Can you see the kitten with their mother? Remember, this is a legal requirement if the cat's under 6 months old. - Is the mother healthy and friendly?
- When was the kitten born?
- Are there other cats or kittens in the home?
- Is the kitten social or shy?
- What vaccinations has the cat received?
- When was the cat last given flea and worm treatments?
- Is the kitten a specific breed?
Importance of Kitten Socialisation
When looking for a kitten, it’s crucial to consider their socialisation. Kittens need to be properly socialised between two and eight weeks old. This process helps them adjust to human interactions and various environments.
Kittens should be gradually exposed to different people, sounds, and handling during this time. This exposure prepares them for a happy life with their new family.
Understanding Basic Kitten Care
Before making a commitment, ensure you know if the kitten has been vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped. If not, you’ll need to handle these important health aspects yourself. Also, check if the kitten has been treated for worms and fleas.
Preparing for Your New Kitten
Once you decide you're ready for this commitment, it’s time to prepare your home. Create a quiet, comfortable space for your new friend to acclimate. This area could be a spare room where they can explore at their own pace.
Ask the breeder or seller about the food and litter your kitten has been using. Sticking with the same products will help them feel more secure in their new environment. Any sudden changes to their diet could also upset their delicate tummies.
Consider bringing some of their current bedding along to provide comfort during their transition.
Bringing a cat into your home is a joyful experience, filled with love and companionship. By adopting responsibly and preparing well, you can ensure that your new furry friend feels safe and loved from day one. Happy adopting!
