Moggies

Whatever pedigree cats we may choose, most of us have a moggie for our first cat.  There are some very handsome, beautiful and marvellously tempered non-pedigrees, but sadly, many unthrifty and bad-tempered ones.

There are some important questions to ask before acquiring a kitten from an "accidental" litter.

Once of the most important is how well the kittens have been socialised.  Cats have a natural fear of humans and they require socialising from their first days to make them feel relaxed and safe in our company.  A litter that has been raised outside, such as farm cats, are unlikely ever to be relaxed houecats.

Socialising

This covers everything from regular handling of the kittens from an early age, to becoming familiar with normal household sounds, like vacuum cleaners and television.  In their first 8 weeks they are absorbing a huge range of new experiences, and the more they are exposed to during these early weeks, the more secure they will be as adults.

These kittens are obviously perfectly confident and happy and will be excellent pets.

These kittens aren't showing the same confidence.  They are watchful and huddled, rather than relaxed. 

Ask how many litters the queen has had.  The queen calls at least twice a year, so an entire female will be producing two, and probably more litters a year.  Obviously this is very damaging to her health, and if she is not in good condition when she kittens then the kittens are unlikely to do well. 

Ask about blood testing, worming and de-fleaing routines; this will tell you a lot about the owners of the queen. At the very least the mother and kittens should have been treated for parasites and the queen blood-tested for leukemia.

If the kittens aren't confident and dislike being handled then go elsewhere,  They are unlikely to be sociable adults and frightened cats can bite and scratch quite seriously.

There will be accidental litters that produce everything you could possibly want in a cat, and these two very handsome youngsters, who were rescued, prove the point.

It is important to remember that there are people who will breed cats simply for profit - both in the moggie and pedigree world - and show little regard for the welfare of the adult cat. 

Just be aware of this, and choose your pet carefully.  You hope he will be part of your family for many years, so a little caution in choosing will be repaid many times over the years.

Whiskas kitten food has been developed to ensure your kitten gets the right level of nourishment he needs to grow up happy and healthy.  Click here for your free Kitten Care pack.