Pelushka Persians

Bred With Love & Care

BUYING A KITTEN

 

Before Buying a Kitten

Sadly there are still many breeders who continue to use PKD Positive cats in their breeding programs, so before you even consider visiting a breeder to view a kitten, please ensure that the kitten comes from PKD negative parents, and if necessary, ask for proof  when viewing.

For those of you who remain unaware of PKD and it's consequences, there is an informative article in the Information Library.

 

Choosing a Kitten 

Kitten Supplies

Kitten Proofing Your Home

The following provides a general guide as to what to look for when choosing your kitten

  • A friendly, sociable and energetic personality
  • Parents that are in good condition, friendly and outgoing
  • A glossy coat with no signs of fleas or flea dirt
  • Bright and cler eyes, with no visible third eyelid
  • A slightly damp nose that is free from discharge
  • A clean bottom area with no sign of diarrhoea
  • A round abdomen that is not distended or hard and free from lumps

When you go to view your kitten, do not be in a rush or allow yourself to be rushed.  You will need to spend time observing the kitten, as being a stranger to it, he/she will probably be reluctant to be handled by you at first.  Observe how the kitten reacts with the breeder, and also how friendly it is with it's litter mates.

Size/Weight:

Generally speaking, a kitten should weigh one pound for each month of age up to about 4 months.  Therefore you should expect a 3 month old kitten to weigh about 3 pounds.

Eyes:

Persians are notorious for weeping eyes, which is more apparent after eating and whilst teething.  However, if the eyes appear excessively runny, sore, or have a thick discharge,  this is a sign of a problem.

Coat:

The coat should be clean, soft and knot free. Run your fingers through the coat, lifting the fur and check for signs of skin lesions, which can be an indication of ringworm or mites, and also check for fleas. The most common sign for fleas is black gritty bits in the fur, especially along the back.

Tail End:

A sore bottom is an indication of diarhea or worms.

Tummy:

The kitten should not have a big belly, although some kittens can be greedy and try to pack in more than there is room for!

The Mother Cat:

Bearing in mind that the mother has and probably still is rearing a litter, does she look healthy? 

 

The GCCF also offers advice/information on choosing a kitten

You can visit their Website at: www.gccfcats.org

                                           Kitten Supplies

 

Before you collect your new kitten and take her home, make sure you have a place prepared for her where she will first stay, and that you have purchased all the necessary ‘Kitten Supplies’, as advised by your breeder, which should include all of the following:

 

 

 

·    Cat Carrier 

·        Cat Bed  - This is not entirely necessary, as many kittens prefer to just curl up in a wicker laundry basket or cardboard box as opposed to an elaborate/expensive cat bed.       

·        Grooming and Healthcare Supplies                                                         

·        Food and Water Dishes (not Plastic)

·        Food (as recommended by Breeder)

·        Cat Litter ( as recommended by Breeder)                 

·        Litter Tray & Scoop 

·        Scratching post  

·        Various Toys

Kitten-Proofing Your Home

Cats are curious creatures by nature and your home is full of hazards to an intrepid explorer, which your new kitten will most definitely be. Please take a little time to ensure that you remove potential danger, and perhaps even place a few notes in strategic places, until everyone in the family has become accustomed to the changes.  Below is a list of some of the more obvious dangers, yet often overlooked.

Keep toilet lids down.
Check washing machine, tumble dryer and Dishwasher before using.
Check cupboards, drawers etc., before closing them.
Store all poisonous or dangerous materials in a tightly closed cupboard.
Cover electric hotplates with proper protection.
Be careful when ironing.
Keep the dustbin lid closed and ensure that bin liner ties are tucked out of sight.
Store plastic bags in a drawer.
Put away all household odds and ends such as needles and thread, elastic bands, paper clips etc.,
Secure electrical wires to the wall or wound up and bound.
Avoid having poisonous plants in your home and also Cacti!
Be careful with lit candles.
Remove Pot Pourri from areas that your kitten is likely to gain access to.
Do not leave curtain and blind cords dangling, they can easily strangle a kitten.
Be careful when ironing and never leave your cat or kitten alone in the room with a hot iron.
If you smoke, be extra careful with your ash tray, and ensure your cigarettes are out of sight as nicotine in poisonous if eaten.
Be careful where you put your feet and when opening/closing doors!!  Also watch out for doors and wind suction when windows are open and the doors can slam shut from a sudden gust of wind.

 

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