Adopting a Baby Cat

Purchase supplies in advance. You'll need kitten food, a kitten-sized litter box, cat litter, a soft cat brush, toys, a scratching post, a cat carrier, and a pet nail trimmer--keeping a scratching post in the home and a kitten's nails trimmed helps preserve your furniture.

Check local rescue organizations or a pet shelter. You'll usually have to pay an adoption fee when getting a kitten from these places, but it will already have a start on its vaccinations and may even be microchipped (for identification if the kitten gets lost). Older kittens will often already be spayed or neutered.

Look in your local newspapers (print version or online) for free kitten ads if you don't want to go to a shelter or rescue organization. If you go to a private home, however, always take someone with you. Most ads are legitimate; however, it is simply wise to take safety precautions when answering any ad.

Choose a kitten that is at least 8 weeks old or preferably--according to Feline Express --12 weeks old. Cat World advises that the ideal age is 10 to 12 weeks. Being around the mother cat a few weeks longer helps the kitten develop more skills by learning from the mother.

Ask if the kitten has had any vaccinations. Check the kitten's ears for dark spots, which might indicate ear mites. Check the kitten's eyes and nose--they should be clear with no discharge.

Find a veterinarian if you don't already have one. Your new baby cat will need regular check-ups and vaccinations.

Prepare your home for the new arrival. Kitten-proof your house by putting away all household chemicals (in closed cupboards) and put all wiring, including telephone cords, out of reach. Kittens chew on cords and may not only damage the cords but can also receive bad electrical shocks.