Selecting A Healthy Cat 

A kitten from a good cat breeder will have had inoculations, been wormed and coat free from parasites.

The cat queen passes natural immunity to diseases to which she is immune, through her milk. This lasts until the kitten is 6 weeks old when it needs inoculations.

The prospective cat owner can make their own checks. If you can see the entire little, look for eveness of growth and solid muscle tone. Male kittens may already show longer frames than females. The kittens will be heavy for their size, and their spines should be well-fleshed and not feel ridged and boney.

If you see a cat litter after feeding, they will be sleepy but playful and you can access their sociability.

The playful kitten is good in health, has stamina and a spring in its step. It is alert and may display intelligence. A particular kitten may choose you, by inviting you to play and may go to sleep on you lap.

The kittens nose should be slightly warm and a little damp. Breathing should be natural, with no rasping or snorting. Eyes should be clean and bright with no discharge or tears. The mouth should have light pink gums with no furing of the tongue. Ears should be clean and wax free. 

Clean kitten fur has a nice warm feel, a wholesome scent with no evidence of parasites. The most common is the flea, which leaves granular droppings. Typically above the base of the tail, between the shoulder blades, under the chin and in the armpits. Lack of liveliness may mean fleas or worms are present.

Signs of worms are a harsh coat and bloated abdomen. Kittens may show signs of anaemia and diarrhoea.