by R. Renee Bembry

Created on: February 09, 2009   Last Updated: November 15, 2010

Animal lovers around the world continue to find fascination in fuzzy kitten frolicking. Their ability to pounce, jump, hiss, and climb warms the heart and fascinates the mind. It is no wonder why falling under their spell happens without warning - stirring desires to take them home. Before taking a cute little Bengal, Ragdoll, Siamese, or other kitten home, however, stop to consider the reality of adding a kitten to your home.

Considerations to Make Before Adopting a Kitten:

* Allergies - Adopting kittens to live in households with allergy sufferers may not be the best plan. Even if the adopter is willing to figure out ways to coexist and deal with their own itchy eyes and runny noses, it might not be a good idea to expect other allergy sufferers to do the same.

* Residence - Apartment dwellers often have restrictions regarding keeping cats in their homes. If your property owner does not impose restrictions, you may be home free if you intend to keep your kitten indoors. Providing easy outdoor access for kittens is not always easy if you live in an apartment, however. Depending on the setup and location of your apartment, consider how your kitten would get in and out. Also, consider the size of your complex as well as your neighbors’ potential reactions to having a feline around.

* Affordability - The first thing pet owners should do when adopting kittens is let veterinarians examine them. Required fees may include costs for distemper, rabies, upper respiratory conditions, feline leukemia, and feline infectious peritonitis vaccinations. Many shelters also charge adoption fees and stipulate spaying and neutering in the adoption terms. On top of this owners must provide cat boxes, litter for the boxes, scoops and bags for cleaning litter, food on a daily basis, and so on. Cat toiletry expenses will also apply to young kittens. Training felines to go outside to relieve themselves should begin around four to six months of age.

* Current Pet Ownership - Do you think pets you have already will be good companions for a new kitten? If the answer is yes, prepare yourself to introduce your kitten to your current pets. Let the kitten know it is safe and make sure other pets know they are not being replaced. Buy safe toys the kitten can share with other pets or play with by itself. It might also be a good idea to give the kitten a special place like a new cat tree or special bedding. Placing catnip toys in the bedding may help the kitten adjust to its special area.

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