Choosing a good cat litter is very important, especially if you already have other cats or if you are planning on getting more than one cat or kitten. You will want to find a clumping cat litter to make the task of cleaning the litter box easier. If you plan to have more than one cat, be sure to get a cat litter made for multiple cats.

The placement of the litter box is almost as important as  choosing a good litter. Be sure to place the litter box where the cat(s) can get to it but other pets, such as dogs, can not (dogs seem to love eating cat litter). Also be sure to keep it out of reach of small children as they may think it is a sandbox for them to play in. Another option is to get an enclosed litter box which will help keep other pets and children out of the litter box.

Getting your new kitty fixed at an early age is important, especially if you have a male kitten. Once male kittens start to spray to mark their territory, it can be

difficult to get them to stop. Getting your male kitten fixed before he starts to spray should prevent him from doing it. If he does start to spray before you can get him fixed, he may not stop even after getting him  neutered.

Declawing a kitten is an important decision. If there is any chance your kitty will ever be outside for any reason, it is best to leave his claws intact. This is their defense against larger animals.  If there is no chance your kitten will be outside, you may want to have him declawed for the sake of your furniture. Kittens like to “sharpen” their claws on furniture and walls. I even have a cat who can climb the wall by digging his claws into the drywall. Needless to say, my wall is not very pretty.

As with any pet, before accepting the responsibility, be sure you are well prepared. Get all of your supplies first and then get the cat or kitten. Training the kitten to use the litterbox is easy; I normally just show them where it is and they always go back. Just be sire to keep the litter box clean or they may use the bathroom floor for dong their business.

1. Inspect the kitten’s mother.  Make sure she is free of physical and mental defects that might have been passed to the offspring.
2. Make sure the kitten is at LEAST eight weeks old.  Those first eight weeks with it’s mother and siblings are extremely important to development.
3. Is the kitten relaxed and gentle?  Stressed out and hissing kittens grow up to be stressed out and hissing cats.
4. Has the kitten received all vaccinations appropriate for its age?
5. Is the kitten too thin?  Could be a sign of worms or malnourishment.
6. Are the eyes clear? 
7. Are the eyes, nose and ears free of discharge?
8. Is the kitten’s coat shiny? Have you seen it cleaning itself?
9. Check for regular breathing.  Do the lungs sound clear?  Any wheezing?
10. Check for sores, and tenderness on the body.