Finding a friendly kitten to welcome into your home can seem like a daunting task. Should you adopt from a shelter, rescue group or breeder? Is it better to get a kitten or full grown cat? What supplies will you need? By following the steps below you can find the purrfect feline friend.
Should I Adopt a Kitten or Adult Cat?
When deciding between adopting a kitten or adult cat, there are pros and cons to consider for each age group:
Pros of Adopting a Kitten
- Kittens are playful and energetic
- You can train them from a young age
- They will bond closely with you as they grow up
- You get to enjoy all their cute kitten antics
Cons of Adopting a Kitten
- Kittens require more time and supervision
- They need training for litter box use and appropriate scratching
- You’ll need to kitten-proof your home
- They have higher veterinary costs for spay/neuter and vaccines
Pros of Adopting an Adult Cat
- Adult cats are calmer and require less supervision
- Their personality is already established so you know what you’re getting
- They are litter box trained and know appropriate scratching spots
- Lower veterinary costs
Cons of Adopting an Adult Cat
- May take longer for an adult cat to bond with you
- Set in their ways and less trainable
- Higher likelihood of being declawed
- May have some bad habits already formed
While kittens are irresistibly cute, an adult cat over 1 year old is likely a better fit for first time cat owners. Their personalities are established so you can find one well-suited to your lifestyle. Adult cats require less intense care and supervision. But kittens can still make great pets for a patient owner willing to put in the extra training and play time.
Where to Adopt a Kitten or Cat
There are several options of places to adopt a cat or kitten:
Animal Shelters
City or county run animal shelters take in stray and surrendered cats. Shelters care for the animals until they can be adopted out. The adoption fees are typically under $100 and help cover the animal’s vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery and microchip. Shelter cats tend to be mixed breeds with varying backgrounds and temperaments.
Rescue Groups
Non-profit cat rescue groups take in cats from shelters or directly from owners no longer able to care for them. Rescues then foster the cats in volunteer homes until adopted. Adoption fees are usually $100-$200 and assist with medical care costs. Rescue groups offer more insight into the cat’s health and personality from living in a foster home.
Breeders
Purchasing from a breeder allows you to get a purebred kitten. Prices range widely from $200-$2000 depending on the breed. Breeders socialize kittens in their home until old enough to go to new families. Do research to find a responsible breeder not running a kitten mill. Be prepared to be put on a waitlist.
Kitten vs. Adult Cat – Which is Better for Me?
Here is a comparison of some key considerations when choosing between adopting a kitten or adult cat:
| Kitten | Adult Cat | |
|---|---|---|
| Time commitment | High – requires frequent play, training and socialization | Lower – doesn’t need constant supervision |
| Energy level | High – very active and playful | Lower – calmer and more relaxed |
| Veterinary costs | Higher – for spay/neuter, vaccines, check ups | Lower – vaccines and check ups only |
| Training | Easy – can train from young age | Harder – will have established habits |
| Personality | Developing – won’t be evident until older | Established – can interact and observe |
| Bonding | Bonds strongly through kittenhood | May take time to form attachment |
| Size | Unsure until fully grown | Full grown size already evident |
Kittens are best suited for owners with ample time and patience for training, play and care. Adult cats are recommended for those wanting a more independent, low maintenance companion.
Where to Find Kittens for Adoption
Here are some top places to find adoptable kittens:
Local Animal Shelters
Visit shelters in your county or city. Let staff know you’re looking for a friendly kitten to adopt. Shelters frequently take in litters of stray kittens, especially during spring and summer months. Adoption fees are usually under $100.
Rescue Organizations
Non-profit cat rescue groups often have foster based programs with kittens available for adoption. Check the websites and social media pages of rescues in your area. They may have an application process to ensure kittens go to good homes.
PetFinder Website
Petfinder.com allows you to search for adoptable pets in your zip code. You can filter by type (cats), age (young) and gender to find kittens. Contact info is provided to reach out to the shelter or rescue group.
Social Media
Follow local animal shelters and rescues on Facebook and Instagram. Kittens ready for adoption are often featured in social media posts. You can inquire about adoption through direct messaging.
Fostering to Adopt
Shelters and rescues are often in need of foster homes to house kittens until they are big enough for adoption. Fostering gives you the chance to get to know the kitten. Most fosters end up adopting their kitten.
Friends and Community
Let nearby family, friends, colleagues and community members know you’re looking to adopt a kitten. Networking can connect you with litters from accidental cat pregnancies in need of homes.
Waitlists from Ethical Breeders
Well-bred kittens from responsible breeders typically have waitlists. You’ll need to plan at least several months in advance. Waitlists allow breeders to carefully place each kitten.
Questions to Ask the Shelter or Foster
When meeting a potential adoptee kitten, here are some key questions to ask:
About the Kitten
- How old is the kitten?
- Has the kitten been spayed/neutered yet?
- What food has the kitten been eating?
- Does the kitten use a litter box consistently?
- How often should the kitten eat?
- What is the kitten’s general temperament and activity level?
- How does the kitten get along with other cats/animals?
- Has the kitten been treated for any medical issues?
- Is the kitten up to date on vaccinations?
About Adoption
- What is the adoption fee?
- What is included with the adoption?
- Will I need to sign an adoption contract?
- Are home visits required?
Don’t be shy about asking questions to make sure you find the right match. A good shelter or foster will be transparent about the kitten’s needs and personality.
Signs to Look for a Friendly Kitten
A kitten displaying these behaviors will likely grow into an affectionate, social adult cat:
- Purring when you pick them up or pet them
- Kneading on you with their paws
- Rubbing against you to mark you with their scent
- Licking your hand or face
- Relaxed body language and upright tail when interacting
- Enjoys being held and petted
- Seeking your attention and affection
Kittens who hide, act skittish or aggressive, can’t be handled, or shrink away are exhibiting signs they may not become as friendly. Selecting the right individual kitten based on personality is key.
Preparing Your Home for a Kitten
Before bringing your new kitten home, prepare your home by kitten-proofing and gathering essential supplies:
Kitten Proofing
- Remove toxic houseplants
- Secure loose wires and electric cords
- Keep household cleaners and medications locked away
- Prevent access to rooms or areas you want to be off limits
- Provide safe spaces high up that kittens can access
Essential Kitten Supplies
- Litter box, scooper and kitten formula litter
- Kitten food and treats
- Food and water bowls
- Cat bed
- Age appropriate toys
- Grooming supplies like brush, nail clippers, etc.
- Scratching posts
- Kitten shampoo
- Flea and tick prevention
Having all needed supplies ready will help your kitten settle into their new home smoothly.
Introducing Your New Kitten to Resident Pets
When adding a kitten to a home with existing pets, introduce them slowly and calmly:
Dogs
- Allow the pets to smell each other’s scents before meeting face to face
- Keep dog on a leash and interactions under close supervision
- Provide kitten safe spaces up high or behind a baby gate
- Give your dog positive reinforcement for calm, gentle behavior
Cats
- Start by scent swapping their bedding or toys
- Feed your current cats and the kitten on opposite sides of a door
- Do short, supervised meet and greet sessions
- Make sure to give your current cat plenty of affection and play time
With proper precautions and introductions, kittens and current pets can learn to safely coexist together.
Important Vet Care for Kittens
These are vital veterinary services kittens require:
Spay/Neuter
Kittens can be spayed or neutered around 4-6 months old. This surgery prevents unwanted litters and has health benefits.
Vaccinations
Kittens need a series of vaccines for common diseases on the following schedule:
| Age | Vaccines Recommended |
|---|---|
| 6-8 weeks | FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia) |
| 12 weeks | FVRCP booster |
| 16 weeks | FVRCP booster and rabies vaccine |
Deworming
Kittens can be dewormed starting at 2-3 weeks old, then every 2 weeks until 12 weeks, then monthly.
Flea/Tick Prevention
Monthly flea and tick prevention treatments tailored for kittens can begin around 8-12 weeks old.
Grooming and Nail Care for Kittens
Kittens benefit from gentle grooming and nail trims:
Brushing
- Use a soft bristle brush made for kittens
- Start brushing legs, tail, back in short 5 minute sessions
- Make it a positive experience with treats and praise
- Helps kittens get used to being handled and reduces shedding
Nail Trimming
- Handle paws frequently so kittens get comfortable
- Use cat nail trimmers a couple times a month to avoid scratches
- Give treats during and after to associate nail trims with good things
- Just trim the sharp tips, avoid the pink quick area
Regular brushing and nail trims from a young age accustoms kittens to grooming needed throughout their lives.
Conclusion
From choosing between kitten or adult cat, finding adoptable kittens, preparing your home, introducing pets, medical care and more, bringing home a new kitten is a big endeavor. Being patient and following these key steps can help ensure a smooth transition that leads to a lifetime of enjoyment and companionship with your new feline friend.