Cat's Kitten Advice

When adopting a new kitten, it is ideal not to take the kitten from the mother until it is 7-8 weeks of age. Unfortunately, many times they are taken prior to that. Kittens that are taken from their mother and siblings before 7 weeks of age do not develop proper social skills. These are overly timid kittens whose owners think were "abused."

Generally, kittens taken before 7 weeks will attach to one person and be extremely aggressive towards others. This can be dangerous especially if you have younger children.

Once you choose your kitten, have it checked out by your veterinarian as soon as possible to make sure that it is in good health before you get too attached to it. You can also begin the kitten's vaccine regimen at that time.

When introducing a new kitten into your home, whether you have other pets or not, it is best to confine the kitten to a small room such at a utility room or bathroom. This will help the kitten feel much safer. If you have other pets, let them get to know each other through the door for the first week or two. This will help the new kitten to establish his own territory slowly while not threatening the older pet's territory. Once you bring the kitten out into the home, monitor their interaction in case they fight. Do this a little at a time until you feel that the new kitten is comfortable in his new environment and that the kitten and the other pet(s) are comfortable with each other.