I had a wonderful cat growing up, she died a few years ago. DP (who is a dog-man but took a little shine to my late cat) has come round to the idea of us having our own little cat. 
We are going to visit one tomorrow that was advertised in the paper, it's a litter of 4 little moggies, I would like a little Tabby girl. She won't be ready for another few weeks yet, but what do I need to ask tomorrow?
It's been wormed and flea'd already (she's 1 month old). It will most likely be an indoor cat, so what all will she need jabs-wise from the vet? Does Pet Insurance cover this and getting them neutered and microchipped? If not, how much is this? I've looked at the M&S pet insurance (it looks quite comprehensive) and was going to get the Premier cover, but if she is an indoor cat, would the Standard cover be more than adequate?
DP works shifts so she won't be on her own that often, and I know I will be rushing home at lunchtimes to see her and kiss her little head!
I'm so excited I could literally burst!
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The litter tray
DP has agreed to us getting a kitten <does happy dance> What do I need to know?
Somethingtothinkabout · 27/07/2013 22:33
So pleased for ytou
Hope thios little one will be thr right kitten for you. If not, so bear in mind that rescue centres are currently awash with kittens needing homes!
When it comes to seeing the kitten ...they are 4 weeks so will be pottering around, but won't have been coming out of the nest for long, so can be a bit unsteady. They should be sociable, interested in little games ....attention caught by rustling little pieces of paper, or pulling a ribbon across the floor (worth while taking a ribbon or string in your pocket, to play with!).
Look to make sure that they have clean and clear eyes and noses (no sign of snottiness sneezing or coughing)
The area they are in should be clean and warm, and Mum shsould look well cared for ...although may look a little thin if she has been feeding a large litter.
Kittens should not leave Mum too soon (GCCF recommendation is 13 weeks for pedigrees) and 9 weeks is ideal, although 8 weeks is very common for 'moggies'. It is important that they are fully weaned and able to lap. 6 weeks is too young to be leaving Mum !!! Many kittens will have been litter trained by Mum before they leave her but do check that your kitten is using a litter tray happily, before you actually pick the kitten up.
Vaccinations will be due at 9 & 12 weeks (both jabs are needed for full protection), and these will not be covered by insurance. Neutering is normally done at 6 months, and also not covered by insurance. Microchipping can be done when they are under anaesthetic for the neuter (it can jeasily be done as a routine vet visit, but mine always do it when the cats are under for spay ....cos it's a big needle!)
Hope it all goes well for you.
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And good idea about bringing a little ribbon!
The one I'm going to see today will be 8 weeks old when the lady says they can leave, maybe see if we can leave it a while longer with Mum.
I did think about two so they can play, but DP panicked. He might change his mind today when he sees them though!
Thanks all 
Went to see them today, they were so tiny they looked like little squeaky ants scurrying about the floor! All clumsy on their big feet. One came and sat on me and had a little rest, so think I'm going to pick that one
Had a little look at its eyes and nose and ears, all clean (and small!).
Tempted to get one of her brothers too, one was climbing up my leg, climbing on top of my little one and trying to get in my handbag.
Heart is melted.
Ah well - if he came over and chose you to have a rest on, eh.......?
When they're looking at you sweetly, they're peeing! 
Oh God help me!
What are good toys for kittens? Things I remember my old cat loving when she was an energetic littl'un were a fishing rod with a mouse teddy on it, the plastic ring that goes round the lid of a bottle of milk 
( years of fun, that), little ping pong plastic balls, and I read on here about a little laser pen!
Also, I saw this little soft doughnut that goes round the doorknob and has big long legs that hang down with bells on so it's like a little doorbell so the kitten can ring at the bedroom door when she wakes up in the morning, but having read Prima's post that might not be necessary/wise!
PS - you'll be in no doubt if the kitten wants your attendance for something, trust me. A doorbell may look cute but it's really not necessary.
Duly noted, Cozie
When my dad unexpectedly brought home our kitten when I was a child, we had nothing at all for her, and we made her a bed for the first night out of an old cardboard box for 6 bottles of wine, and some blankets. She never let the cardboard box go. We ended up putting it up on top of the kitchen cupboards (her favourite vantage point) as a second bed for her.
Is Pets at Home good for toys etc or is there a website that's better?
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Hope you're OK You sound soooo excited OP.
Lots of good advice here, and I echo cozie in saying that you could go and spend a fortune in the pet shop, but the kitten will be totally happy and occupied by simple household things (changing the bed with a kitten helping is a whole new experience!). Just a paper bag put on the floor will become everything from a pretend hidey hole for an unknown 'something' which needs to be pounced on, to a sleeping spot for a tired baby.
There are a couple of other useful things to know ..........
RE: inappropriate pee'ing: its why I mentioned right at the start, that you should check with the owner that the kittens are using a litter tray. Its not difficult to train a kitten, but there are inevitable 'accidents' in the process.
Kittens are unable to retract their claws at will, when young. Its a developmental protection (like the startle reflex in a baby) which allows the claws to hook in and stop them falling. When you see small kittens mountaineering and sliding on the furniture, you realise why they need it. Do make sure the children know that this can happen, and that the baby is not deliberately scratching.
Speaking of children, do ensure that the kitten is allowed to sleep undisturbed. Just like babies, they need a lot of naps to grow healthy and strong and will benefit greatly from not being woken until they wake naturally.
Not sure where your Dads theory comes from, but it's my experience that a brother/sister combination is probably the best you can have......I know lots where the sister just carries on the mothering job! its sweet. Just ensure they are neutered at 5-6 months to avoid a pregnancy (maybe thats what your Dads theory originates from) With Siamese, 2 boys can be the recipe for disaster as they can become very territorial and dominant when they mature, and lots come into rescue because they are fighting so badly. I personally never homed two siamese brothers together, but have seen many such pairs rehomed. That said.....moggies are not normally quite so difficult.
Can't wait to see the pix. Have you chosen names yet?!
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