San Francisco Veterinarian Clinic

Choosing a Kitten

When choosing a kitten you should consider their personality, age, health, and appearance.

Kittens should be adopted at 9 weeks of age, unlike puppies, who can be adopted at 7. There are some who recommend an owner wait till the kitten is at least 12 weeks old before weaning it from its mother. Kittens need ample time with their siblings and mother to learn proper behaviors.

It is ideal to select a kitten from the litter. This way you are able to evaluate the interaction between the kittens and the personality of the parents. Personality traits are highly genetic, but it is important that the kitten be socialized properly. If the mother is fearful of people, such as a wild cat might be, the kittens will often adopt that behavior.

Evaluate how the kitten was handled from birth. Kittens who are played with by multiple people several times a day are more likely to be friendly. Those who are mistreated or lack contact are more prone to be aggressive or timid. Litters that have been kept in home environments are ideal, as the kittens are used to normal noises and occurrences in a home such as an appliance or vacuum cleaner.

Kittens who are orphaned face greater difficulties. They have not had proper socialization to learn acceptable behavior. Kittens learn better from their moms then their owners.

Select a kitten that is playful yet not too aggressive. Those who are loners are not an ideal selection as they might be bullies. The kitten should be curious and confident. You should be able to pet him. Keep in mind healthy kittens tend to either be of high energy or sleeping.

To make sure the kitten is in good health, have him checked by a veterinarian before adoption. For more information on adopting a kitten, consult your local San Francisco Veterinarian Clinics today.