Kittens are adorable but also bundles of sharp-clawed trouble! Adopting an older cat will bring you all the pleasure of owning a cat without the drama, but if your heart is set on getting a kitten, here are a few things to consider.
Exploration
If you put a dog into a new room with a person, they will head towards the person. If you do the same with a cat, they will first check out the perimeter, exits and hiding places! The need to understand and be in control of their environment is key for cats, which is why we recommend starting with having your new rescue cat kept to one room to settle in, and then expand their space.
Climbing and small spaces
As a kitten, this exploration will mean going into small spaces such as behind your fridge, or climbing high up via your curtains. As they master coordination and strength, they will test your home as a 3D playground in order to find the best lookouts and sleeping spots and not always get it right so there may be damage.
Naps and late night woozles
Talking of sleeping spots, cats sleep throughout the day and night, which is called polyphasic. Adult cats sleep around 12 to 16 hours a day, kittens will need 16 to 20 hours a day. This also means that they are awake multiple times of the day and night, and will be looking for play, food and exploration. Expect a 3am game of chase across your feet!
Some cats might like a covered litter tray for extra privacy
Litter training
To protect from diseases and also to be big enough to fend against other cats or wildlife, kittens are best not to go outside unsupervised until 6 months old. Until then your cat will need to use a litter tray in the house. This is a shallow tray with an absorbant substance in it called 'cat litter' which is supposed to feel like earth or soil for the cats that they can dig around and use to cover up their toileting. It can be made of paper, silica or grains such as wheat. Clay litters are no longer recommended as it is environmentally damaging, and also clogs up your water pipes.
Cats do like to be clean, but litter training is not easy. Improve your chances by placing trays in quiet spots in the house, and have one more than you have cats (i.e. if you have 1 cat have 2 litter trays, if you have 2 cats, have 3 trays). The type of litter will be important to your cat, and it will need to be cleaned regularly. You can save money on litter with spot cleans in between a full change.
Costs and time
Cats are relatively cheap pets to own compared to dogs, but all will need annual vaccinations, monthly flea and tick treatment, food and litter. Insurance is still recommended as fights with other cats or traffic accidents can cause injury that requires an operation.
Pure bred cats can come with their own health issues, so read up on your chosen breed and make sure you buy from a reputable breeder.
Long-haired cats need daily brushing and some breeds may need professional grooming.
All cats need attention every day with play and fuss. If you make your home an entertaining and comfortable environment for a cat, they will spend more time with you and so be a more rewarding pet. Follow our blog for regular cat welfare tips, and head to our Pet care advice section (below).
Clawing and biting
Cat play imitates a hunt for food and moves through distinct phases – stalking, pouncing and killing. Avoid using your hands as a focus for play or you will be pounced on! Use toys and especially when in the final phase keep your hands clear and move their attention to an appropriate toy such as a Kong Kicker.
Never punish a cat but instead show them what behaviour you are looking for by rewarding the good and ignoring the bad. Kittens need to learn their boundaries as much as you need to learn what your cat is telling you, so read up about cat body language and find that balance of respect and fun with your kitten.
» Download a fun cat body language poster
This poster is by Lili Chin and is for personal use only.