Buying a kitten

Introduction

You have decided to acquire a young kitten and are looking for what is often referred to in the cat world as a kitten. But how do you ensure that you enjoy your new housemate for as long as possible?

Pedigreed or Cat without pedigree

First, consider whether you want a pedigreed cat or a cat that you can acquire cheaply at the shelter or through an ad. Outside the shelter, the rule usually applies: warranty only as far as you can see, although the law provides some protection for consumers. Whether this warranty can actually be complied with, however, is questionable. In this article, I will assume that you choose a pedigree cat.

Orientation on varieties

When choosing a purebred cat, it is important to orient yourself to the breed that appeals to you. Each breed has its own traits and differences in grooming. A Persian, for example, requires regular brushing and washing, while a Sphynx has little to no hair and therefore requires less maintenance, but must be washed more often due to skin grease. Since this article is focused on Siamese, I assume you want a Siamese or an Oriental Shorthair, or one of their long-haired counterparts, the Balinese or Oriental Longhair.

Choosing a breeder

In the ideal situation, you have a neighbor, acquaintance or family member who breeds the breed you are looking for. You simply indicate your interest in a kitten, and if there’s a litter, you’re done. For others, it can be a bit more complicated, so here are some tips. Go to the breed club and enquire about reliable breeders who have kittens for sale. Indicate which region you live in. If a breeder in your area has a litter, the kitten agency can refer you. Otherwise, you may have to travel further. Contact the breeder by phone to inquire about available kittens and their ages. Kittens may not go to their new home until they are thirteen or fourteen weeks old, as they are vaccinated twice at the breeder’s to be properly prepared for their new life. Often the breeder wants to keep the kitten an extra week after the second vaccination to check for any side effects.

Visit at the breeder’s

If there is still a kitten available in the color you like, you can make an appointment with the breeder to come see it. Breeders have their own rules about when you may come to see; personally, I wait until after the first three weeks, but this may vary. During your visit, ask what the kitten will cost, but don’t do this right at the beginning of the conversation, as many breeders react negatively to this.

The visit

When you arrive, remember that breeders are also ordinary private individuals and it is not a store. You will generally receive a warm welcome and may see kittens walking around. Observe how the kittens react to your entry: do they come to you or hide? Ask about the mother cat and observe her behavior. Kittens often adopt their mother’s behavior, so her reaction is important. Also observe the kittens’ hygiene. Are the eyes and noses clean? An occasional sneeze can be normal, but a lot of sneezing is a bad sign. Also check the kittens’ hindquarters. Are they clean or irritated? If you notice negative signs, leave the kittens alone and tell the breeder that they are not what you are looking for. It is better to avoid disappointment than to bring a sick kitten into your home.

Interacting with kittens

If all is well, the breeder will invite you to sit down and the kittens will naturally become curious and come to you. The breeder will inform you which kittens are available and invite you to lift them up and take a closer look. Look again at their eyes and noses; these should be clear and clean. Kittens are often tired and may fall asleep on your lap, which is quite normal.

Purchase agreement

The breeder will ask you if you want the kitten as a companion animal or if you possibly want to breed. Think carefully about your answer, as many breeders work with a purchase agreement with conditions and possible breeding restrictions. You build a good reputation, but it can be lost quickly. You do not have to decide yet whether you want to buy the kitten; it is possible to look at several breeders.

Decision and appointments

If you decide to take the kitten, the breeder may ask for a deposit. This may be in the purchase agreement. Many breeders have had negative experiences with people canceling at the last minute. You agree on when you want to pick up the kitten or if the breeder will come and bring it, so he can see what environment the kitten will end up in.

Preparing for the homeward journey

When the time comes, make sure you have made all the preparations and that everything in the house is ready for your new housemate. When you pick up the kitten, the breeder will tell you about the kitten, its diet and other important matters. Many breeders provide a (photo) book with tips and facts, and you may also receive kitten packages with fun things for the kitten.

Farewell and arrival home

You probably want to go home and enjoy your kitten as soon as possible, but remember that the breeder has had the kitten for about three months and also needs time to say goodbye. Give the kitten time to get used to its new environment. Put it near the litter box first, so it knows where to go, and let it explore the space on its own. Talk to the kitten to familiarize it with your voice.

Aftercare

Remember to call the breeder after a week or two to tell him how your kitten is doing. The breeder will be curious about the progress and so can conclude with the thought that he made a good choice by pairing you with his kitten. You can also let the kitten agency know that you are happy with your purchase, so they can confidently recommend the breeder to others.

Enjoy Your new acquisition

Have fun with your new kitty!