Kitten

[Drusilla]

My daughters would like a kitten for Christmas. As my younger girl is now six, I believe they are old enough to be responsible and caring, but where's the best place to buy a kitten? Would you recommend pedigree or moggy? male or female? My daughter wants a ginger cat to match our hair colour. She believes this will help it feel like one of the family. Are there any particular genetic problems with ginger cats, or are they all very much the same.
I think it's obvious from this question that my family had dogs when I was growing up and I've never owned a cat and want to get it right. Many thanks!

[mycatis]

Aw Drusilla ! Your daughter sounds LOVELY, wanting it to feel part of the family, that's sooo sweet.
I would recommend going to a cat shelter, why pay loads of money for a pedigree when there are kittens needing a good home? Also moggys are less likely to have genetic / inherent problems caused by in breeding. It doesnt really matter if it's make or female, just make sure you get it neutered! You dont want kittens coming out of your ears lol (or to be responsible for loads of kittens in the neighbourhood) I have 2 cats though I used to have 4 :-( and they are lovely pets! Good luck and enjoy x x

[maggie01]

I am sure you have heard it all before, but please wait untill after Christmas to pick up you kitten, when all the exitement of Christmas has died down. You could buy all the things you will need for your new kitten and your daughter could enjoy her Christmas presents knowing there's a special one still to come. The animal shelter is a good place to look. We had a ginger cat called Marmalade and he was no different to our other cat. You sound like you have really thought it through and I hope you find just what you are looking for. You're daughter is a lucky girl!

[ilovetaz]

Ginger! Ginger's are cute!!

[drgnrdr]

Since you've never had a cat before please check out the website below

http://www.catsinternational.org/

I advocate getting a shelter or rescue animal also, ( I also try to educate persons to keep their cats indoors), when you get a cat from a breeder another cat at the shelter dies. There are plenty that need homes. Check out the website it has an amazing collection of articles which can educate you and help you with which one to get, male or female. Good Luck.

[lankeela]

Ginger cats are usually (but not always) male. I had a ginger female, but there are not very many of them.

I love ginger cats, wish my dogs would accept one now but they would terrorise it.

[Drusilla]

That's interesting lankeela, so there is a genetic, or gender scenario to be considered with ginger cats. I'd actually got used to the idea of a little ginger female and I'm quite certain I don't want a male in the house. I only got rid of my husband last year!!!!

[PringlesQueen]

Try getting in touch with your local branch of the Cats Protection League.
They have plenty of kittens and cats that need good homes - from moggies to pedigrees, black to white, ginger to grey.....
I have over the years adopted cats from the CPL and find it so rewarding taking on a cat that nobody else wants. Follow this link: www.cats.org.uk/
The CPL will be able to offer you good free advice.

As for genetic problems with ginger toms, having owned a ginger moggie and ginger pedigree (Maine ****) I can say they had no genetic problems, but both had strong personalities.

All the very best. Let us know how you get on.xx

[daisydilly]

Undoubtedly the best place to get a pet is a rescue centre, have a look arounf a few centres until the right kitten finds you!

[grannyg]

Pets are not for Christmas!!

[Drusilla]

If you'd bothered to read the question grannyg, you'd have seen I was certain my girls are ready to take on the responsibility of a kitten. It's neither here nor there whether they get one at Christmas, Easter or their birthday. If you have nothing of value to add, go stick your nose elsewhere!

[Kateb369]

My advice would be to try and get a kitten from a home where you can see the mother and they have been handled a lot; and are used to being around people - you know something really domestic. Ive had 4 cats, the first came from a farm and never really liked to be fussed - good at catching mice though - thats another thing to prepare yourself for - it will almost certainly happen! But i have never been without a cat, they are wonderful!

[annavc]

I have a male Ginger moggy (neutered - which is a must). He came from a rescue centre and is the lovliest animal I've ever known. A real character, very playful, and extremely affectionate. He's long haired ginger with white paws, a white tummy and bib and a white stripe down his nose. Although its nice to get a kitten, I think you should consider getting an adult cat from a rescue centre. The staff at these places are always fantastic and they will be able to match your families needs and wishes to a cat with a personality that suits what you're looking for.

[delilahcat]

Just to add to all the other very sensible answers - please consider if you could take 2 cats or kittens. It's honestly no more trouble than having 1 and (especially if they are kittens) they will find it a comfort to have each other in the first few days of settling in. They are also really cute when they play together and snuggle up together.

Moggies are the best in my humble opinion - some of the breeds can have health/personality problems (eg Persians have trouble with eyes and noses because of their short noses). We have 2 tabbies and a ginger and white, all rescue cats, and they make our life complete.

I wish you all the best for your family and your new cat(s) - once you've had a cat you'll never want to be without one again, but be prepared for them to take over your life!

Love from Delilahcat.