cat owners.. how do you pick the right kitten?
 

ok last month i watched a kitten for a friend for about 2 weeks.. i got real attached to the cat cuz it was cool as can be, real playful, independent, got along with my dog, friendly, etc.. but i had to give it back to the owner..

anyway last week i went and bought a kitten that seemed to be friendly.. he turned out to be a whiner, always crying, hated m y dog, scratched and nibbled, and needed to have attention 24/7.. total opposite of the first kitten.. anyway, long story short.. today i returned the kitten to the pet store.. i feel bad about it, cuz the kitten was a good cat, but it just wasnt my type of kitten.. :(

well im not gonna run and get a kitten again.. but what im wondering is when getting a kitten, what traits can i look for to get the first type of kitten i mentioned? and how to avoid the second kind?

any cat owners please give some input

:( :( :( :(

Get one with a slighty retarded look to it, they always turn out great

I've never seen an orange cat that didnt turn out pretty cool

Is that why your mother kept you?

your 1st mistake was going to a pet store.......

detoxed the first one was all orange too, good call

second was mostly white with orange spots and head

Thump it in the nose and if it bites, let it go.

J.

Get a kitten/cat from the pound.

i gotta agree. i goto the pound or get one from a friend. they always seem to have this "ghetto-cat" quality that i adore.

I always thought the right pet picks you.. perhaps i'm just lucky

Animals sold in pet stores often have personality disorders to the max because of the way they were bred and kept locked up in cages.

Its awful and makes me sick to my stomach the way some of these stores operate.

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Thank You!

Buy a cat or dog from a pet store sucks. Puppy mills, kitten mills, crappy conditions, bleh.

Buy from a breeder (and make sure you "interview" the breeder...a good breeder rocks, a bad breeder can leave ya feeling shafted) or adopt a cat or dog from somewhere.

Screw the pet stores. They blow and they treat their animals like shit.

i wen tto the same place he got his kitten at.. im just more curious on how to figure out a cats personality by certain traits

btw KRL, i owe ya bigtime on something, ill email you

I hit a home run with my pet store kitten. He was donated by a lady whose cat just had kittens (about 8 weeks old). So, it probably wasn't the typical pet store experience.

It's hard to describe, but I've never made a connection with a pet like this before. It just felt right, and nearly 6 years later, he's the coolest pet I've ever owned.

Magnum the Cat (about 3 years old)

yup....never buy from a pet store....

your best bet is a friend whose cat has had kittens and u get the pick of the litter.

failing that check out your local vet...lots of times they get kittens from customers.

always look for the one with the brightest eyes and appears friendly and rambuncious.

of course u can never tell...

with my last cat, i followed my own advice above and the cat turned out to be the biggest bully on the block:1orglaugh

sometimes it's just the luck of the draw.

I look for one that's just a bit bigger than a hand full...one that's got good weight to it, but not too heavy.

Its tough to guage aerodynamics at a young age, but go with your gut and you'll do fine.

The one thing that's important for a healthy cat is that it wasn't weened sp? too soon. When you take the kittens away from their mom before the mom pushes them away, they end up whiny and needy.

The irony is that most peple, like you, want the cute cuddly kittens, happy and playful, but they are only like this because of the comfort of the mother nearby.

So make sure the cats you get are not too young and inquire about the mother, just like people, cats are social animals and manny of their 'mannerisms' are passed down through learning.

I've spent most of my life around cats, so these are some theories my wife and I have developed after studying and aiding more cat births than I care to remember, although they were all enjoyable events.

I always pick out the most mellow looking ones, not overly playful but not the scared one in the bunch either.

The cat I have right now will lie on the floor and not budge while my dog stands right over her and barks. She's way mellow.

Wow, that's Valium 'mellow' unless you have a dweeb little doggie :winkwink:

a lot of pet stores take adoptions from people and sell them for the cost of the shots. often this is a good way to get a kitten. also try your local paper (the recycler has worked for me).

i bought a cat from a pet store BUT she wasn't a "pet store" cat. the owner of the store saw a kid about to throw a sack of kittens in the wash and gave the kid $25 for the kitties. i was in his store and he kept the last kitten in an aquarium. when he picked her up to clean her area, instead of wiggling around, she was totally calm and even limp, and purred at him. i wasn't looking for a cat, but somehow this spoke to me. she was my dearest companion for many years, and i still miss her three years after she's gone.

a kitten who isn't taken away from his/her mother too early won't usually be as whiney. kittens when they're young need other kittens, so if they're too young or were taken away too young, they'll complain more and be naturally more needy.

handle the kitten and see how it reacts when you meet it. if it doesn't somehow touch you, meet other kittens till one makes you feel connected to it. if you are looking at a pure bred kitten, look up the breed first - some cats don't do well without company (usually another cat) and some do great.

good luck :)

I got both my cats at a pet store, because I didn't know any better at the time.

Elly was the only female cat left, she was snoozing with mum, so I figured she looked like a nice quiet cat. Boy was I wrong. :winkwink:

Marlee - a year later - was also the only female cat left. Funny looking little white thing with a big black stripe on her head. She looked very small, and in hindsight I think she was younger than the regulation 6 weeks. She was quite timid for a while and she is still a little neurotic, sometimes it's like she's completely scared of me even though she usually follows me everywhere and loves to sit on my lap. She also frequently paws soft things like jumpers, exactly the same way as a kitten paws their mothers tummy to push the milk out. I saw a show on TV recently that said that kittens that are removed from their mother before about 7-8 weeks will often behave like this for life. The good thing is that she is really happy when she does this, she's purring loudly and her eyes are closed.

Marlee obviously has some siamese in her which explains some of the moods, but I think the pet shop environment and early removal from her mother has probably had a big effect on her.

Next cat will be a teenager or young adult from a cat shelter, I am never buying from a pet shop again.

I know you have been talking about how to pick a kitten from mixed breeds, but should you ever decide to get a cat based on it's breed's "personality", I would heartily recommend a Maine Coone cat.

I've had 2 in the last 17 years..and they are wonderful!
They are very loving, (really love people, even little kids), very affectionate, playful, clean (never had one litter box problem), and very smart (make great retrievers!).

They are also beautiful cats, and the "family" has several derivatations. They make wonderful pets and companions.

I got mine because he was active and friendly as a kitten.
He definatley bites my face every now and then when he's not happy, but he doesn't bite hard... just to let me know he doesn't like being held upside down I guess....

Personally I like a cat who has an excess of personality...I'm not one for cats that are too mellow or calm. Give me a kitty who's a little brat, and for some reason I love 'em to pieces. My kitty Quinn was gotten from the shelter, and she basically picked me, not the other way around. The other cats were just sitting in their cages, looking like feline lifers -- all they needed were prison uniforms and little mirrors to look into the other cells with.

I ended up picking the cat who reached out of her cage and yanked on my shirt while howling at me, like she was saying "Get me outta here! Do you know what they DO here? Lefty went to the 'back room' the other day and he NEVER CAME BACK!"

She's stupid, insane, loud, and I adore her. Get a shelter kitty, they're the best. :thumbsup

He's 35 lbs of solid miniature pinscher badass. The cat takes abuse from him all day long, and yet in the morning she rubs on him and tries to clean his ears.

They have the strangest pet relationship I've ever seen.

In the middle of the day, both the cat and dog will lie on their backs on the middle of the living room carpet. Like they are both playing dead and battling to see who can get noticed first. Its hilarious.

oh fuck:1orglaugh :1orglaugh

I went to the outskirts of the city where people are giving away kittens every day it seems..

they're always so very tiny and adorable... and have never seen the inside of a cage, or needles or rubber gloves or none of that crap.

Up until you get to them, they've had their mommy with them. So when you get it... the cat will be nothing but adorable and friendly.

<--- I agree

my current cat is from a family of feral cats, and he's wild and not a normal house cat. on the other hand, he suits me.

info i found about Maine Coon cats (sounds like they have a great personality) http://www.fanciers.com/breed-faqs/maine-coon-faq.html

The description from that link of the Maine Coon is very accurate.
My cat (both of them have been males..neutered), follows me around the house like a puppy dog. He'll sleep underneath the computer desk, and when I get up to say go in the other room to watch tv, he'll eventually get up and come in to lay either ON me (loves to lie on my legs if I'm laying down), or close by. And yes, if I go into my study and close the door, you can bet that even 2 hours later, most of the time he'll be curled up on the floor sleeping or biding his time for me to come out. And they love to rough house without tearing your hands apart.

Gawd, single people are almost worse yacking on and on about their pets that married people and their kids! :)

You don't pick cats, they pick you (like women).

Just go to a pet store or adoption place and wait for a cat to "speak" to you. It's easy :)

I had to get a new cat after this happened.....

http://www.frostedfaces.com/cat_fan.wmv

i miss the lil guy.. like real bad.. i think im gonna go back in the mornign and try getting him back.. wish me luck!

damn, i called to reserve him and he was sold. =/

sorry to hear that..but I know there are several more out there with YOUR name on their lips!:)

If you have the space, get two cats and not one.

I got two 3 years ago - and they couldn't differ more - which is just perfect.

The she is small, tigerstriped (grey and black), intelligent and loves to be caressed.

The he is black with white parts, very pretty, not very intelligent, has his own mind - but is irresistible.

Just watching them play is worth the extra expenses. Cats are like humans. They like to have someone of their own kind around.

yeah i got the same thought.

i get mine from the shelter and i know they all want homes but there are always a few that just jump yeah and want to play or want so much love so generaly i pick them!

:)

thats fucked up!...

You gotta buy a Persian kitten ? they are always friendly & lazy. Never heard about aggressive one. My cat is the best ; )
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kittens make good snake food

Let the cat pick you.

cool looking cat alex (shurik) =]

Thanx : ) you inspired me to post more pics

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Get the one who aggressively seeks attention from you-

I love cats but I HATE Persians, they inbreed them to give them that pushed in "persian" face look and most of them are dumb as shit, no personalities whatsoever. You may as well get one of those robo-cats, they have more personality then a persian. :1orglaugh

I picked my kitty because he was a boy kitty with white short fur. He is very handsome and his name is Ralph!

Pound kittens are the best! Too bad they wouldn?t let me adopt because I didn?t have vet references in my current State and they were to lazy to call my vet for 15 years in another State.

I called a few a breeders and asked if they had any runts for sale. Went to a few places and left out of disgust. Finally, met with a breeder and he tried to sell us a few different kittens but an older kitten kept on interrupting the sales presentation. Two hours of smelling cat piss another 45 minutes of the owner saying goodbye to the no-named cat. (The cat was priced at 650.00 and we paid 200.00 w/o papers) We brought home a Persian cat? Had him for almost seven years and he is part of the family.

Try to find a kitten that was loved by someone. Good luck
:)

Check my nick for references...lol

First, when you look at them, find one that is paying attention to you. They are very sensitive. Check to see if they are playful with the other cats, but not mean to them. If they are too dominant, they will likely turn out mean.

If all they want to do is love on you, they may not be very smart or they may be too submissive.

If they are still young, see how well they can follow your finger with thier eyes. And early developement of coordination is a good sign they will also be inteligent.

Ask some questions about the mother. Does she ever pee anyplace other than the litter box? You may be able to tell by the smell when you walk in the house. It's very important.

look for personality if you're looking for an inteligent cat that will love you but still be independant.

Above all, treat them like you would a young child, and be kind. You will be greatly rewarded with amazing friendship.

I disagree. Moderate attention seeking and good attentiveness is better. (My opinion as a cat lover)

QUOTE]Originally posted by Ironhorse


Wow, that's Valium 'mellow' unless you have a dweeb little doggie :winkwink: [/QUOTE]


No way - both of our cats are super mellow around the dog - and we have a pit bull! (Both of our kitties are orange by the way)


I have always had cats (and always will) and I have noticed that when picking a kitten, the ones which are purring tend to be the best (although purring does not always denote happiness - it is a good indicator)

Also, try to remember that kittens are babies - be patient - they will eventually stop crying & whining and in time, even get used to the dog. Kittens scratch because they aren't able to retract their claws - and they nibble because they are teething - this too will stop.

There is a process which is known as "gentling". Handling an unruly cat can sometimes be difficult, but by training him from kittenhood to be handled, you'll be able to groom, clip toenails, and examine him routinely with his full cooperation. I am able to bathe both of my cats and brush their teeth - with virtually no resistance (it doesn't mean they are pleased...but it does show that they trust me and that they are not uncomfortable being handled)

How to gentle your kitten:

Gently pick up your kitten at least once a day and speak soothingly to him in a soft, quiet voice. Hold the kitten for 5 minutes or so before setting him down in a favorite spot.
After a few days, gradually sit down while holding the kitten. Talk to him quietly and pet him gently. Don't encourage rough play (scratching, biting). If he tries it, tell him firmly, 'No.' and gently put him down.
When kitty is comfortable with the first two steps, stroll around the room holding him and talking to him. Don't distract him with outside elements; he should be focused on totally.
Put the kitten on a well-lighted table and stroke him. You can talk baby-talk to him if you want. It's okay.
Next day, on the table, pick up a paw and press gently to extend the nails, examine the nails and toes, then gently examine the foot and leg. Get to know the normal feel of his limbs.
Back to the table again. This time, examine the kitten's ears visually. You may have to move his head about so you can see inside his ears. Feel the outside of the ears to familiarize yourself with them.
On the table again, gently palpitate (press gently) the kitten's abdomen. Stroke his back and sides, feeling for any abnormalities. Again, you're familiarizing yourself with his normal characteristics.
Open the kitten's mouth and look at the teeth. Rub your finger along the length of the teeth starting at the gum. Insert your index finger in the corner of his mouth to view the back teeth.
By now, your kitten should be totally comfortable with your handling of him, so grooming, teeth cleaning and toenail clipping should be a breeze. Give him a treat for being such a cooperative kitten.

Tips:

These steps should take about five minutes per session. Start with one session per day, and add more as needed, depending on the kitten's tolerance for handling.
As with all other forms of training, don't make it an adversarial experience. When kitty gets tired, or if he's just having a bad day, give him a hug and gently put him down. You can always try again later in the day, or even tomorrow.
As your kitten grows older, inspect him at least once a week. You can combine the inspection with his grooming session.


Cats are amazing creatures: strong, graceful, warm, intelligent and very, very loving and loyal companions - no matter what particular breed.