by Lauren W

Created on: April 06, 2010   Last Updated: April 07, 2010

Kittens.  Kittens!  There is nothing in this world as sweet as a kitten.  Fresh, fluffy, fat-tummied, mischievous, playful, loving, beautiful kittens.

Choosing a kitten that is perfect for you or your household can be an important issue, if you are worried that it might not "fit in".  Kittens, however, are very adaptable and can learn to live in nearly any type of household.

In general, choosing kittens that are healthy is the true issue at hand.  Thing to consider are:

* General appearance - the kitten should be clean, without any crustiness around eyes, nose, ears or rectum.  

* Kitten should be alert, perky, and interested in its surroundings.

* Kittens should be easily led to play.  Running a finger along the blanket should be enough to entice a healthy kitten to run after you.  

* Kittens should be weaned from mama and eating solid foods on its own.

* Kittens should be using their own litter box (and don't worry that they tend to sling the litter around a bit - they will refine their technique as they grow a little older).  There should be solid, well-formed stools.

If you are presented with a group of kittens from which to pick, sit back and enjoy the show.  Watch them all carefully.  Are they lively?  Curious?  Do they seem well coordinated?  You will want to pick from among those who are.  Are they fearful, lethargic?  You will do better to avoid these poor darlings, as there is likely a health issue.

All the above said, the very best way to pick a kitten is to observe and let your gut do the picking.  Watching kittens is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to relax.  They will tickle your funny bone and can make you laugh out loud with their actions.  Precious little spirits, each and every one.

Watch awhile.  First, a kitten's coloring and fur-type will no doubt attract you.  You will find yourself really watching those that please you most aesthetically.  You may see one whose particular personality speaks to you, and you begin to watch that one.   Finally, one particular little darling may wander your way, sit by you, play with your finger, watch the others with you.  Maybe this little darling will begin a rough and ratty purr as you pet it's tiny head, turning its little face up in glee, looking a little like a tiny pansy face.  

If that little spirit curls up with you, you may well know that this is the darling you are meant to have.

After all, everyone knows that cats pick their owner, not the other way around.

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