I get it. You’re out with friends or your kids and you see the most adorable kitten in the window. You or they must have it and the way he/she looks at you is not helping. You’re second thought after what to tell the people you live with that there is going to be a new addition is how to care for a kitten. What to feed kittens is probably up there as well, but one of the last things on our mind at this time usually is where did this kitten come from?

You may think that because you are dealing with a storefront with a large retail presence that you are getting better quality kittens, but unfortunately many times that is not the case. Many pet stores get their kittens from irresponsible “kitten mill” breeders, more interested in the profit selling a purebred cat can bring than properly caring for and preparing a kitten for adoption.

Some of the problems with these kitten mills include health and temperament issues, weening too early from the mother and lack of or bad socialization habits. Kittens need special mixes of kitten food, milk replacer and warm water in the 4-8 week period that may be neglected or done improperly in a kitten mill, and they shouldn’t be separated from their mother until they are 8-12 weeks old, preferably closer to the 12. Playing with the kitten as it develops is very important and helps establish the temperament of the cat.

Advantage Multi for Cat (Known as Advocate) Advocate is a monthly spot on product for dogs and cats which not only treats and controls fleas, but also prevent heartworm and gastro-intestinal worms with the added benefit of the treatment of mites and fleas. Manufactured by Bayer Available sizes Brand Purple – Large Cat -Over 9lbs (4kg -10kg) 3 applications – $37.00 Brand Purple – Large Cat -Over 9lbs (4kg -10kg) 6 applications – $62.00 Brand Purple – Large Cat -Over 9lbs (4kg -10kg) 12 applications – $119.00 Brand Orange – Small Cat Under 9lbs (Less than 4kg) 3 applications – $36.00 Brand Orange – Small Cat Under 9lbs (Less than 4kg) 6 applications – $62.00 Brand Orange – Small Cat Under 9lbs (Less than 4kg) 12 applications – $119.00 Quantity: 1 Sizes: Brand Purple – Large Cat -Over 9lbs (4kg -10kg) 3 applications – $37.00 Brand Purple – Large Cat -Over 9lbs (4kg -10kg) 6 applications – $62.00 Brand Purple – Large Cat -Over 9lbs (4kg -10kg) 12 applications – $119.00 Brand Orange – Small Cat Under 9lbs (Less than 4kg) 3 applications – $36.00 Brand Orange – Small Cat Under 9lbs (Less than 4kg) 6 applications – $62.00 Brand Orange – Small Cat Under 9lbs (Less than 4kg) 12 applications – $119.00

The important point here is to make sure you take the time to find a reputable cat breeder or even better, take the time to visit your local shelter and take home a kitten or cat that will truly appreciate a good home.

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