We are getting a kitten!!

[Anonymous]

We’ve been on a wait list for a Siberian kitten for a while and we finally were contacted by the breeder that they have one available (a girl). First time cat owners (we have a 5 year old dog). Tell me what we need to know. Also, obviously this will be an indoor cat but can kittens *play* outside? We have a fenced yard and our kids are going to want to show the kitten to their friends who they only see outdoors due to COVID. I know the kitten will need an adjustment period and we won’t have friends over to meet her too soon - but once she gets used to us and the house can we bring her outdoors?

[Anonymous]

In this area cats should not go outdoors. Are you dealing with a breeder? A reputable breeder will ask you to sign a contract assuring that you will never let the cat outside

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In this area cats should not go outdoors. Are you dealing with a breeder? A reputable breeder will ask you to sign a contract assuring that you will never let the cat outside

Yes it is a reputable breeder but way out in W Virginia (we will have to drive 6 hours). The contract requires no de-claw and other conditions but it doesn’t say never to allow outside. Is that because of other animals or how come a kitten can’t go outside in the yard supervised?

[Anonymous]

Kittens are small and fast. Even in your fenced yard, the kitten could easily run and hide and would be hard to find and might escape the yard. If you must take her outside, get a enclosed "catio"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In this area cats should not go outdoors. Are you dealing with a breeder? A reputable breeder will ask you to sign a contract assuring that you will never let the cat outside

Yes it is a reputable breeder but way out in W Virginia (we will have to drive 6 hours). The contract requires no de-claw and other conditions but it doesn’t say never to allow outside. Is that because of other animals or how come a kitten can’t go outside in the yard supervised?

. I have Maine Coons that came for breeder. Think you’ll find most breeders have that in their contract. The reason is that the lives of outdoor cats are much shorter than strictly j door. They get eaten by wolves, attacked by foxes and possums. They get hit by cars. They get fleas and ticks. Our dog got Lyme disease because he was bitten at some point during a walk.

[Anonymous]

You can train the kitten to walk on a leash if you like. I have had some trouble finding small kitten harnesses though, so you may need to wait until the kitten has some size. The kitten one I had didn't fit my siamese mix until he was 5-6 months, but a siberian will probably be larger.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Kittens are small and fast. Even in your fenced yard, the kitten could easily run and hide and would be hard to find and might escape the yard. If you must take her outside, get a enclosed "catio"

This makes sense. I had never heard of a catio before! This might be a good solution during Covid for short visits with friends.

[Anonymous]

oh thank goodness you are off the waitlist with the breeder.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We’ve been on a wait list for a Siberian kitten for a while and we finally were contacted by the breeder that they have one available (a girl). First time cat owners (we have a 5 year old dog). Tell me what we need to know. Also, obviously this will be an indoor cat but can kittens *play* outside? We have a fenced yard and our kids are going to want to show the kitten to their friends who they only see outdoors due to COVID. I know the kitten will need an adjustment period and we won’t have friends over to meet her too soon - but once she gets used to us and the house can we bring her outdoors?

No! Also, protect the kitten from the dog, if it has ANY ounce of tracking prey in it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can train the kitten to walk on a leash if you like. I have had some trouble finding small kitten harnesses though, so you may need to wait until the kitten has some size. The kitten one I had didn't fit my siamese mix until he was 5-6 months, but a siberian will probably be larger.

But never walk them on hot asphalt. As with dogs, the pads can get burned. This is another reason breeders have that clause in the contract.

[Anonymous]

Getting a kitten from a breeder is insane. Especially since you seem to have done no research on owning a cat and from the sound of it, are going to lose your designer kitten outside.

[Anonymous]

Keep her indoors until she gets fully vaccinated and spayed. Toilet train her and socialize early on.

I don’t think cats can play outside like dogs do. Once the cat gets a feel for outdoors, she’ll want to go out and she’ll do it when she wants to. If you think your cat will be indoor / outdoor then make sure to get your cat chipped, and put a collar with a small bell to warn birds and little squirrels away.

But in any case, keep her indoor until you’re done with the essentials and the cat is used to the house and you and the dog.

[Anonymous]

Please get a kitten from a shelter or rescue, and don’t bring it outdoors at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Getting a kitten from a breeder is insane. Especially since you seem to have done no research on owning a cat and from the sound of it, are going to lose your designer kitten outside.

+1 Please do this poor kitten a favor and read a book or at least a few pamphlets.

[Anonymous]

Also, it’s usually the male cats who roam farther away. Female cats stay near the house, but there’s no guarantee they’ll stay in the yard. Cats can jump high so a fence that could stop a dog, may not stop a cat from getting out.