Ten Pet Shop Tips for Buying a Healthy Kitten

When visiting a pet shop to buy a new kitten, the biggest concern that we run into is health. If you go into the purchase with no idea of what to look for, then you are much more likely to end up with a kitten that has health problems. Behavioral problems are also common, and can often be linked back to poor health or living conditions. Here are ten things any prospective pet owner can do to ensure that their pet kitten is happy and healthy:

1. Make sure the kitten will play spontaneously without much prodding. A simple string or toy should make the average kitten spring to life and want to play.

2. Check to ensure that the kitten does not recoil and flatten their ears when you reach down to pet it. A cat that has been abused directly or indirectly will often shy away or act afraid.

3. Observe the kitten eating at least once and check the cage for signs that they have vomited. Also, try to look at their stools and make sure the poop is normal and not runny.

4. Check for unusual body odor or any other obvious signs of poor care. Matted hair, cuts, or excessive dandruff should be signs to be aware of when shopping for your new cat.

5. Make sure the kitten has good structure. Kittens often will appear thin, but they should not be bony. A well fed kitten will have meat in all the right places, and they should be strong and fit.

6. Check the teeth and gums of your potential kitten. The gums should be pink and not red, and the teeth should be intact. Kittens that have swollen gums are often not very healthy overall, so you need to be very aware of this.

7. Check the body for any scabs, and in particular the kitten's ears. If they are scabby or if they appear inflamed, then you are likely looking at expenses down the road. Scabs can be a sign that they are unhealthy or that they have been in fights.

8. Make sure your kitten has clean eyes and no discharge. Runny eyes are not always a bad thing, but can be an indication of underlying health problems.

9. Check the kitten to make sure they are clean. Dirty bodies and dirty cages are a bad sign in a pet shop.

10. Check the papers for the kittens and make certain that the basic shots and check ups have been done. A pet shop that requires you to do these things is not a place you need to do business with.