Fabulous Friday on Frequently Feline: Meet Tigger

One of the things I most enjoy about the Internet is meeting new people! While answering questions on Yahoo Answers in the Cats area, I had a chance to discover an adorable kitten who owns a young lady named Michele. Michele wrote back to me about her 14 week old kitten, Tigger, telling me what she loved best about him. This is what she had to say!

"He is very loving and enjoys his cuddles! However, he is always on the go, playing with this and that, investigating new things, loves to jump around playing with water too - there have been a few times he has even tried to jump into my bath!! Oh yes, at night he enjoys to sleep on my bed, sometimes even under my covers...he is like a teddy bear he has the most amazing soft coat!"

So let's give a round of apaws to Michele, and conCATulations to her kitty, Tigger for becoming this week's "Pet of the Week". Your comments are welcome!

Adorable Kitten Photo: Supply the Caption!

Sometimes I receive photos in my email that just get me smiling ear-to-ear.

Even if they are pictures which have been circulating on the 'net widely, those that I think are top notch "knead" to be included on my blog so folks can have an opportunity to "ewww and awwwww" to their heart's content.

This litte girl's pose was so adorable I felt compelled to share it, and also to ask my readers to give her a caption. What do you think she is trying to say?

Leave a comment with your caption and let's have some fun!

Kitten Caption Needed

 

Occasionally I am sent  a photograph that is so adorable that I feel compelled to share it on my blog. Sent in by DBDustbuny, this one put a huge smile on my face this morning.

Of course being "caption" oriented, I thought it would be be fun to ask my readers to comment with a caption about what this little kitten might be saying.

What do you think? Leave a comment and give us all a chuckle.

Kittens: Choosing the Best One!

Springtime often turns a feline lover's fancy toward thoughts of bringing a new kitten into their home.  Kittens are adorable balls of fluff that look at you with those trusting eyes, and purr their way into one's heart, however a great deal of consideration must be given to the appropriate age for a kitten to join your household.

I am often asked these questions, "At what age should I adopt or purchase a kitten?", or, "What type of kitten should I get?"

Reputable breeders agree that kittens should not leave their mothers until at least 12 weeks-of-age This extra time allows them to mature sufficently, to bond with humans, and to be fully socialized with their siblings.

RP Cathouse's classic red and white Maine Coon kitten at almost three months of age.

While 8 week-old kittens are fascinating, they have not been with their siblings or mother long enough to gain the skills that they need to adapt readily into a new household. This additional four weeks allows them to develop appropriate social skills, as they learn  to interact with humans and their litter mates. Additionally kittens' immune systems are still immature and need that extra time to develop more fully.

Read  more at How Young is Too Young?

 

Another important thing to consider is the type of kitten that will suit your lifestyle. Do you want an active kitty, or one which is a little more laid back? Longhair or Shorthair? How much time do you have to devote to the care and grooming of this new family member?  If you have children, is this the right breed? If you have other pets in your household, which breed is the most accepting of other species? A cat is not just a cat! The various breeds all have their individual qualities. You can read more about how to find a kitty that will fit into your lifestyle at  Choosing the Right Cat Breed.

Most kittens who are for sale or ready for adoption from a respected breeder have received their first vaccines. These first three months are crucial in the kitten's development into a happy and healthy cat.

If you wish to adopt a pure bred cat, rather than purchase, you can find out more information by visiting Cat Purebreed Rescue

Mixed-breed kitties make wonderful pets too. Please consider adopting one from your local shelter or veterinarian's office.

Remember to neuter or spay your kitten. Talk to your veterinarian about the most appropriate time to do this.

If you have adopted or purchased a kitten in the past, what were some of the things that you considered in choosing one? Your experience may help someone in making the best decision. Leave a comment and share.

Kittens: You Just Have to Love Them!

Photo by: Thaxt 7 of his two grey and white Domestic shorthair kittens

What is it exactly about kittens that make them so appealing to us? Surprisingly, even people who don't particularly love cats find themselves captivated by them.

Whenever I encounter any kitten, I instantly fall in love. What grabs at my heartstrings is that special quality which these little balls of fluff possess. They bravely and unabashedly play with almost anything in their reach, their imaginations going a mile-a-minute in directions that always amazes me.

And if those antics are not sufficiently compelling kittens instantly become expert mountaineers, as they adeptly scale what is our equivalent to Mt. Everest, whenever lofty potential "prey" catches their eye. When a kitten is on a mission, watch out!

Photo by Kneadstoknow: Lucyfur, brown mackerel tabby, 3 months-of-age

My body has often been covered with the unmistakable evidence of feisty kitten play. My arms and hands, covered with scratches and love bites, only give testament to my love for these little critters. These infantile pussycat predators are incredibly armed with razor sharp baby claws and teeth. It is a good thing that with patience and an understanding of feline behavior, kittens have the capacity to learn that rough housing with a human is not a good idea.

So what if they decide to use me as their purrsonal scratching post and ladder! All too soon, as they mature into adult cats, these "endearing" interactions will quickly fade. Unless my three cats are particularly intrigued with a new and interesting toy, it has been my experience that they would much rather curl up beside me to take a nap. Their furry bodies rise and fall rhythmically as they sleep, only occasionally opening an eye to remind me that it is time for me to pet them.

Photo by Thaxt 7 of his orange tabby Domestic shorthair kitten

If I had my druthers, I would opt for kittens to remain kittens for a much longer period of time. Observing their incredible zest for life, coupled with their insatiable curiosity is the most delightful form of entertainment for me. It sure beats television.

Have you ever had the joy of being owned by a kitten or two? Leave a comment and tell us about it.