Everything you need to know about adopting a kitten
Before you adopt a kitten
Adopting a kitten is wonderful. It means providing it with a long, and often happy, life. But like anything else, adopting a kitten has its pros and cons.
If you have decided to adopt a kitten, you will need to teach it good hygiene habits. Kittens are also much more energetic than adult cats. It will need to play and will get into mischief. It may sharpen its claws on your sofa or carpet, knock over flowers, etc. Nevertheless, adopting a kitten will give you the opportunity to build a strong, priceless bond and watch it grow up.
If you choose an older cat, it will come to you with already established hygiene habits and personality. There will be far fewer surprises here, as the cat is not expected to change its behavior dramatically. On the other hand, depending on its history, it may take you longer to build a strong bond.
In either scenario, however, one thing is certain—you are in for a serious commitment. It is important to know that adopting a cat is not just an impulsive decision or a hobby that you can abandon after a few months when you get tired of it. By adopting, you are making a long-term commitment and will need to invest time, money, energy, and a lot of love. Give yourself time to think about whether you are really ready to take this step. Can you meet all of the animal's emotional and physical needs? Can you give it love and care? If your answer is "yes," keep reading.
If you have decided to adopt a kitten, you will need to teach it good hygiene habits. Kittens are also much more energetic than adult cats. It will need to play and will get into mischief. It may sharpen its claws on your sofa or carpet, knock over flowers, etc. Nevertheless, adopting a kitten will give you the opportunity to build a strong, priceless bond and watch it grow up.
If you choose an older cat, it will come to you with already established hygiene habits and personality. There will be far fewer surprises here, as the cat is not expected to change its behavior dramatically. On the other hand, depending on its history, it may take you longer to build a strong bond.
In either scenario, however, one thing is certain—you are in for a serious commitment. It is important to know that adopting a cat is not just an impulsive decision or a hobby that you can abandon after a few months when you get tired of it. By adopting, you are making a long-term commitment and will need to invest time, money, energy, and a lot of love. Give yourself time to think about whether you are really ready to take this step. Can you meet all of the animal's emotional and physical needs? Can you give it love and care? If your answer is "yes," keep reading.
Adoption platforms
There are numerous opportunities to adopt a cat – from animal welfare organizations and foundations to Facebook groups and posts, shelters, etc. And yet, the people we talk to say they find it difficult to find the right cat.
Among the organizations that provide temporary shelter and care for animals, the most popular are Four Paws, Animal Rescue, Friends for Animals, Let's Adopt (formerly Next to a Cat), and others. They also have Facebook pages where they post their animals for adoption and tell their stories. Facebook often has posts from people who have found/rescued a cat from the street and are looking for a permanent home for it. However, keep in mind that finding the right cat for you can be a long process.
That's why we created Purrs – a place where abandoned kittens and cats of all ages get a chance to find a home. We, the Purrs team, strongly believe that adopting a homeless kitten is not only a noble but also a socially responsible decision. Our website is a meeting place for people looking for a home for a rescued kitten, those who adopt, as well as those who offer a temporary home for kittens. Our kittens have different stories, but they are connected by the fact that each of them is looking for a loving new owner.
We will help you choose the kitten that is right for you, without having to spend hours and days searching Facebook. The information we publish is verified and as accurate as possible. Adopting a kitten through our platform does not involve any financial commitment. We simply want our cats to be loved.
Among the organizations that provide temporary shelter and care for animals, the most popular are Four Paws, Animal Rescue, Friends for Animals, Let's Adopt (formerly Next to a Cat), and others. They also have Facebook pages where they post their animals for adoption and tell their stories. Facebook often has posts from people who have found/rescued a cat from the street and are looking for a permanent home for it. However, keep in mind that finding the right cat for you can be a long process.
That's why we created Purrs – a place where abandoned kittens and cats of all ages get a chance to find a home. We, the Purrs team, strongly believe that adopting a homeless kitten is not only a noble but also a socially responsible decision. Our website is a meeting place for people looking for a home for a rescued kitten, those who adopt, as well as those who offer a temporary home for kittens. Our kittens have different stories, but they are connected by the fact that each of them is looking for a loving new owner.
We will help you choose the kitten that is right for you, without having to spend hours and days searching Facebook. The information we publish is verified and as accurate as possible. Adopting a kitten through our platform does not involve any financial commitment. We simply want our cats to be loved.
Picking a kitten
When choosing a kitten to adopt, it is important that all family members (unless you are a single person) are involved in all steps of the adoption process. This includes the actual selection.
There are several particularly important factors to consider when choosing a cat.
<h3>Housing</h3>
Do you live in a small apartment or a large house? If you have a small home, an older cat may be the ideal choice for you. Although they are still playful, older cats have much less energy than kittens.
If you live in a larger home, consider how much space you want to give your cat to live in. Cats like to hide, but you don't want them to spend most of their time hidden away.
<h3>Work</h3>
Are you at home most of the time or are you away? Is there someone permanently in the home where you live? Cats are quite independent, but if you choose a small kitten, it will need a lot of play and attention. If it lacks these, it can lead to behavioral problems later on. People with busy schedules who want kittens can adopt a brother and sister, two sisters, or two brothers.
<h3>Social life</h3>
Do you lead a more solitary or social lifestyle? This can be a key factor when choosing a cat. Shy and fearful cats may feel overwhelmed and distressed by too many social events and people around them.
Keep in mind that the behavior the kitten displays during your initial meetings is the behavior you can expect later on. If it is cuddly and purrs in your lap, this will intensify even more once it gets used to its home. If it is playful and crazy, it will remain so in the future. If it is cautious and distrustful, it will take time for it to relax with you and it will continue to be distrustful of outsiders.
There are several particularly important factors to consider when choosing a cat.
<h3>Housing</h3>
Do you live in a small apartment or a large house? If you have a small home, an older cat may be the ideal choice for you. Although they are still playful, older cats have much less energy than kittens.
If you live in a larger home, consider how much space you want to give your cat to live in. Cats like to hide, but you don't want them to spend most of their time hidden away.
<h3>Work</h3>
Are you at home most of the time or are you away? Is there someone permanently in the home where you live? Cats are quite independent, but if you choose a small kitten, it will need a lot of play and attention. If it lacks these, it can lead to behavioral problems later on. People with busy schedules who want kittens can adopt a brother and sister, two sisters, or two brothers.
<h3>Social life</h3>
Do you lead a more solitary or social lifestyle? This can be a key factor when choosing a cat. Shy and fearful cats may feel overwhelmed and distressed by too many social events and people around them.
Keep in mind that the behavior the kitten displays during your initial meetings is the behavior you can expect later on. If it is cuddly and purrs in your lap, this will intensify even more once it gets used to its home. If it is playful and crazy, it will remain so in the future. If it is cautious and distrustful, it will take time for it to relax with you and it will continue to be distrustful of outsiders.
Kitten from the street
As we have already said, adopting a stray cat is not only noble, it is also socially responsible – in this way you help reduce the population of stray cats.
The exact number of stray cats is unknown, but apart from being large, it also continues to grow. A stray cat gives birth to an average of eight kittens per year. The following year, she becomes a grandmother to about 50-60 grandchildren. Ten years later, the number becomes shocking. Reducing this number is only possible through responsible breeding and neutering.
Hundreds of thousands of stray kittens are often doomed to a hard life – starting with the many diseases they can potentially contract, through lack of food, to the violence, neglect, and indifference to which they fall victim.
Last but not least, by adopting a cat from the street, you help reduce the trade in purebred cats, which hides its inhumane practices. What you see from the outside are shiny shop windows and beautiful cats, but what goes on behind the scenes includes babies spending months in cages and mothers who, after producing their offspring, become unnecessary and are thrown out onto the street.
Cats are beautiful and graceful by nature—they don't need a breed to look and behave aristocratically. If you decide to do a good deed and give a paw to a street cat, the likelihood of visiting the vet less often is high. Of course, once you adopt it, we advise you to take it for a thorough examination and mandatory vaccinations.
The exact number of stray cats is unknown, but apart from being large, it also continues to grow. A stray cat gives birth to an average of eight kittens per year. The following year, she becomes a grandmother to about 50-60 grandchildren. Ten years later, the number becomes shocking. Reducing this number is only possible through responsible breeding and neutering.
Hundreds of thousands of stray kittens are often doomed to a hard life – starting with the many diseases they can potentially contract, through lack of food, to the violence, neglect, and indifference to which they fall victim.
Last but not least, by adopting a cat from the street, you help reduce the trade in purebred cats, which hides its inhumane practices. What you see from the outside are shiny shop windows and beautiful cats, but what goes on behind the scenes includes babies spending months in cages and mothers who, after producing their offspring, become unnecessary and are thrown out onto the street.
Cats are beautiful and graceful by nature—they don't need a breed to look and behave aristocratically. If you decide to do a good deed and give a paw to a street cat, the likelihood of visiting the vet less often is high. Of course, once you adopt it, we advise you to take it for a thorough examination and mandatory vaccinations.
Kittens and kids
For many children, their pet is their best friend. Pets help children learn about care, responsibility, sensitivity, and empathy. A survey conducted in 2018 by Cat's Protection, a British charity, shows that 96% of respondents agree with the statement that there are benefits to children growing up with a cat. The two biggest benefits they highlight are that their children become more compassionate towards all living creatures and that they become more responsible.
However, many experts advise that adopting a pet should only happen after the child is at least six years old. This, of course, is individual, as it depends on the child's level of maturity—something only a parent can judge. One of the key criteria when deciding to adopt is the child's ability to respond to the word "no." If you have doubts about whether the child will listen when it comes to the cat, you can simply arrange a few preliminary meetings.
Also, keep in mind that although it may seem appropriate to adopt a kitten with the idea that it and the child will grow up together, this is not always a good idea. Kittens require a lot of care and must be treated with special attention. If the child is young, it is often more appropriate to choose a more mature and patient cat that is accustomed to children. However, if you are unsure what the best solution would be, consult a veterinarian—they will be able to give you adequate advice on the matter.
Ultimately, whatever you decide, at the beginning, it will always be necessary to have an adult supervising the communication between the child and the cat. It is very important for the child to develop a sense of understanding and respect for the animal. What you should strive to achieve is for your child to understand how the world looks through the eyes of the animal—that it is, after all, a living creature that needs love, care, and warmth.
However, many experts advise that adopting a pet should only happen after the child is at least six years old. This, of course, is individual, as it depends on the child's level of maturity—something only a parent can judge. One of the key criteria when deciding to adopt is the child's ability to respond to the word "no." If you have doubts about whether the child will listen when it comes to the cat, you can simply arrange a few preliminary meetings.
Also, keep in mind that although it may seem appropriate to adopt a kitten with the idea that it and the child will grow up together, this is not always a good idea. Kittens require a lot of care and must be treated with special attention. If the child is young, it is often more appropriate to choose a more mature and patient cat that is accustomed to children. However, if you are unsure what the best solution would be, consult a veterinarian—they will be able to give you adequate advice on the matter.
Ultimately, whatever you decide, at the beginning, it will always be necessary to have an adult supervising the communication between the child and the cat. It is very important for the child to develop a sense of understanding and respect for the animal. What you should strive to achieve is for your child to understand how the world looks through the eyes of the animal—that it is, after all, a living creature that needs love, care, and warmth.
Preparing the home
Preparing your home for a kitten is similar to preparing your home for a baby—you will need special accessories for sleeping, eating, hygiene, and food, and you will need to make sure that your home is a safe place to raise a kitten. We have prepared a list that you can use.
<h3>Carrier</h3>
First, you will need a carrier to transport your cat. You will need it when you need to take your cat out of the house – for example, for a vet check-up. We recommend that you line the bottom with a soft blanket or towel. When you take your kitten outside, you can cover the carrier—this should reduce its anxiety about the change in environment.
<h3>Food</h3>
You will need a food bowl and a water bowl – you will be able to use them for years, so choose sturdy ones. Stainless steel bowls are a good option. For the first few days, it is a good idea to have some treats and snacks ready. It is important that the kitten's food and water are not in close proximity to its litter box.
<h3>Scratching post</h3>
If you want to save your furniture and carpets from becoming a place for sharpening claws, get a scratching post. Place it in an easily accessible place and at a height that is comfortable for the kitten to sharpen its claws.
<h3>Toys</h3>
To maintain a good relationship with your kitten, keep it in good physical shape, and encourage it to follow its instincts, it is important to play with it every day. Over time, you will learn what type of toys your little one prefers, but it is important to give it a choice between several toys and to update its "collection" from time to time.
<h3>Sleep</h3>
Cats sleep between 12 and 16 hours a day and like to sleep anywhere that is warm and cozy. However, you can get them a cat bed. When choosing one, the only things that matter are size and softness—the rest is up to you.
<h3>Cat litter box</h3>
When choosing a cat litter box, the quick tip we can give you is that covered litter boxes can make your cat more restless and retain more odor, which may discourage your cat from using it. As for the litter (which is often also called a litter box), you can try different types depending on your budget and choose the one that your cat likes best.
Safety
<h3>Brush for combing</h3>
From a hygiene point of view, it is important to comb your cat. If your pet has long hair, you will need to comb it every day. If it has short hair, once a week is enough. However, during periods when it is shedding, you will need to brush it more often.
Cats have an innate curiosity that often gets them into life-threatening situations. That is why it is important to prepare your home before your kitten arrives. To protect yourself from your kitten potentially escaping, check all windows and possible exits for quick escape routes. It is also advisable to remove or hide all poisonous plants, cleaning products, and sharp objects. It is very important to provide the kitten with access to a window through which it can observe, but cannot escape.
<h3>Carrier</h3>
First, you will need a carrier to transport your cat. You will need it when you need to take your cat out of the house – for example, for a vet check-up. We recommend that you line the bottom with a soft blanket or towel. When you take your kitten outside, you can cover the carrier—this should reduce its anxiety about the change in environment.
<h3>Food</h3>
You will need a food bowl and a water bowl – you will be able to use them for years, so choose sturdy ones. Stainless steel bowls are a good option. For the first few days, it is a good idea to have some treats and snacks ready. It is important that the kitten's food and water are not in close proximity to its litter box.
<h3>Scratching post</h3>
If you want to save your furniture and carpets from becoming a place for sharpening claws, get a scratching post. Place it in an easily accessible place and at a height that is comfortable for the kitten to sharpen its claws.
<h3>Toys</h3>
To maintain a good relationship with your kitten, keep it in good physical shape, and encourage it to follow its instincts, it is important to play with it every day. Over time, you will learn what type of toys your little one prefers, but it is important to give it a choice between several toys and to update its "collection" from time to time.
<h3>Sleep</h3>
Cats sleep between 12 and 16 hours a day and like to sleep anywhere that is warm and cozy. However, you can get them a cat bed. When choosing one, the only things that matter are size and softness—the rest is up to you.
<h3>Cat litter box</h3>
When choosing a cat litter box, the quick tip we can give you is that covered litter boxes can make your cat more restless and retain more odor, which may discourage your cat from using it. As for the litter (which is often also called a litter box), you can try different types depending on your budget and choose the one that your cat likes best.
Safety
<h3>Brush for combing</h3>
From a hygiene point of view, it is important to comb your cat. If your pet has long hair, you will need to comb it every day. If it has short hair, once a week is enough. However, during periods when it is shedding, you will need to brush it more often.
Cats have an innate curiosity that often gets them into life-threatening situations. That is why it is important to prepare your home before your kitten arrives. To protect yourself from your kitten potentially escaping, check all windows and possible exits for quick escape routes. It is also advisable to remove or hide all poisonous plants, cleaning products, and sharp objects. It is very important to provide the kitten with access to a window through which it can observe, but cannot escape.
Yes and No
<h3>YES</h3>
<h4>Take your kitten to the vet as soon as possible</h4>
Kittens get sick much more easily because their immune systems are not yet fully developed. Preventive visits to the vet, vaccinations, and worming and flea treatments save lives and help your kitten grow up healthy.
<h4>Reward your kitten's good behavior</h4>
You may be surprised to learn that cats can also be trained. One example we have already given you is to reward your kitten when it uses its scratching post to sharpen its claws. Another example is to reward your kitten when you teach it hygiene habits.
<h4>Socialization, socialization, and more socialization</h4>
Socialization is extremely important to prevent your kitten from becoming a nervous and fearful adult cat that trembles at every sound and hides from every person who crosses the threshold of your home. In more severe cases, cats may even behave aggressively towards strangers who enter their territory.
<h4>Consider neutering</h4>
Neutering not only protects the cat from becoming pregnant, but also from marking its territory during heat (which, especially in males, is associated with a strong and rather unpleasant odor), and reduces the risk of breast cancer. Female cats can become pregnant as early as four months of age, so consider neutering before then. Keep in mind that kittens recover much faster than adults. Also, be sure to consult with your veterinarian.
<h3>DON'T</h3>
<h4>Don't adopt a kitten too early</h4>
Early separation from the mother can cause health and behavioral problems for the kitten. The mother is the one who teaches the kitten how to play, so kittens that are separated from their mothers too early may bite and scratch more than others. Mother's milk is also rich in nutrients that are important for health. Therefore, it is not advisable to take the kitten before it is 12 weeks old.
<h4>Don't care for a small kitten the way you would care for a large one</h4>
Kittens have different needs at different stages of their lives. For example, at less than eight weeks of age, baby kittens cannot regulate their own temperature, so they need their mothers. Between eight and eleven weeks of age, kittens are weaned from their mothers and need a special diet. Between two and four months of age, kittens grow the fastest and have much more energy than adult cats. Between four and six months of age, cats reach maturity (including sexual maturity). Adult cats are calmer, but they still need regular playtime.
<h4>Do not bathe your kitten</h4>
Some experts advise not to bathe your kitten until it is twelve to sixteen weeks old, but we advise you not to bathe it at all. If the kitten has spent enough time with its mother, it will have learned to clean itself.
<h4>Don't trim your kitten's nails</h4>
To prevent your kitten from scratching your furniture, buy it a scratching post. Scratching is a natural instinct for cats, so we don't recommend trimming their nails.
<h4>Take your kitten to the vet as soon as possible</h4>
Kittens get sick much more easily because their immune systems are not yet fully developed. Preventive visits to the vet, vaccinations, and worming and flea treatments save lives and help your kitten grow up healthy.
<h4>Reward your kitten's good behavior</h4>
You may be surprised to learn that cats can also be trained. One example we have already given you is to reward your kitten when it uses its scratching post to sharpen its claws. Another example is to reward your kitten when you teach it hygiene habits.
<h4>Socialization, socialization, and more socialization</h4>
Socialization is extremely important to prevent your kitten from becoming a nervous and fearful adult cat that trembles at every sound and hides from every person who crosses the threshold of your home. In more severe cases, cats may even behave aggressively towards strangers who enter their territory.
<h4>Consider neutering</h4>
Neutering not only protects the cat from becoming pregnant, but also from marking its territory during heat (which, especially in males, is associated with a strong and rather unpleasant odor), and reduces the risk of breast cancer. Female cats can become pregnant as early as four months of age, so consider neutering before then. Keep in mind that kittens recover much faster than adults. Also, be sure to consult with your veterinarian.
<h3>DON'T</h3>
<h4>Don't adopt a kitten too early</h4>
Early separation from the mother can cause health and behavioral problems for the kitten. The mother is the one who teaches the kitten how to play, so kittens that are separated from their mothers too early may bite and scratch more than others. Mother's milk is also rich in nutrients that are important for health. Therefore, it is not advisable to take the kitten before it is 12 weeks old.
<h4>Don't care for a small kitten the way you would care for a large one</h4>
Kittens have different needs at different stages of their lives. For example, at less than eight weeks of age, baby kittens cannot regulate their own temperature, so they need their mothers. Between eight and eleven weeks of age, kittens are weaned from their mothers and need a special diet. Between two and four months of age, kittens grow the fastest and have much more energy than adult cats. Between four and six months of age, cats reach maturity (including sexual maturity). Adult cats are calmer, but they still need regular playtime.
<h4>Do not bathe your kitten</h4>
Some experts advise not to bathe your kitten until it is twelve to sixteen weeks old, but we advise you not to bathe it at all. If the kitten has spent enough time with its mother, it will have learned to clean itself.
<h4>Don't trim your kitten's nails</h4>
To prevent your kitten from scratching your furniture, buy it a scratching post. Scratching is a natural instinct for cats, so we don't recommend trimming their nails.