Hi, I am wanting to get a...

Question
Hi, I am wanting to get a kitten later this year around october/november so I've got a while to get to know everything before hand and also to get everything he needs before hand. I am going to try get a purebred kitten with first vaccines/deworming that is well socilized and from a good breeder, I am looking into either a ragdoll, a himalayin or simese I am looking for one that if brought up properly will be ok with an occassinal cuddling. I will be getting a male... does he need to be neutered? will he spray if hes not? also I was wondering since the cat will be mine will he sleep in my bed as a dog would? as I don't want to have him bothering my family during the night as he will be soley my responseblity not theres. Also if I scoop the pan daily and change the litter every two/three days will there be a smell? I will be using yesterdays news litter. If you can help me please get back to me asap, thanks ~Tara

Answer
Tara,

A great reference book for bringing up kittens is Dusty Rainbolt's "Kittens for Dummies", Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, IN, 2004.


Also, to find kittens in your area, you can check

http://www.breedlist.com

and do checks on your state (and surrounding states) and breeds.



I would also check out  http://www.cfa.org

for a complete cat show schedule (by date and zip code within date).  Visit a cat show to talk with local breeders and see what you like best.  Each of these breeds has a different personality and a certain amount of maintenance (shorthair vs. semi-longhair vs. longhair coast for Siamese vs. Ragdoll vs. Himalayan respecitvely).

Reputable breeders should not be selling kittens until they are at least 12 weeks (although 16 weeks would be better).  They should be house broken,  should have had all their shots, and the breeder hould have had them pretty well socialized.  Kittens do better adjusting to a new environment when they are a bit older.  Kittens who go to homes too early often can have problems!!!!! All of these breeds should enjoy being with you and cuddling, etc.  The Himalayan is the most laid back and will love to just be in your lap.  The Siamese is extremely affectionate, very active, and, when the mood suits him will be in your lap.  The Ragdoll is somewhat in between.  By talking to breeders, you can get a more refined idea of the personalities of each breed.

Any pet you get be it male or female should be neutered or spayed.  If the kitten is not already neutered, you can make an appointment with your vet to get him neutered ASAP.  Neutered males almost never spray, unneutered males tend to spray and are more interested in breeding then anything else. Unaltered cats do not make good pets. More and more vets are doing early neuter/spay (as young as 12 weeks), so you do not need to wait until your kitten reaches puberty (6-8 months of age) to have him neutered.

As to where the cat will sleep, will be up to the cat!  Often cats end up sleeping with all family members during the night.  Some cats will bond with only one person, others will bond with everyone. I suppose you could lock your kitty in your room with you all night, but that is often not a good idea as cats are very curious and often want to be on the other side of any closed door!!!!!

What you are thinking of doing with the litter pans is proper and will keep odors to a minimum.

Good luck & best regards... Norm.