I've been checking out the advertising boards at my local Pets at Home store for many weeks now. No kittens for sale at all, until Friday when there was three adverts, each wanting homes of pairs of kittens.
The one which attracted me listed two males, grey striped, must be rehomed together. It was just exactly what I was looking for. I phoned the number there and then and arranged to see them.
Well, I was smitten at first sight. Two silver grey tabby faces peered at me through the bars on the landing. The kittens were actually 8 months old so nearly adult sized, but oh they were fabulous.
I took them home with me and at this moment they are chasing each other up and down the stairs!
They have never been outside, having been brought up in a flat, so they had not been vaccinated, neutered or chipped. I have made arrangements for all three things to happen over the next few weeks, after which they can go out by themselves and explore my exciting and wonderful garden and the adjacent woodland.
In the meantime, yesterday I took them outside briefly with their new harnesses and leads. It was an overwhelming experience for them - so many senses were assaulted by new sounds, smells, textures, and sights. I will take them out for a short time each day until they can go out by themselves (after all innoculations and neutering).
Once home, I quickly taught them where their litter trays would stay, and also showed them how to use the internal cat flap. They caught on quickly. At the moment I am trying to find out what treats they love, it is not smoked salmon, nor ham, and not Milky Flake-ums. I will open a tin of tuna later, try cheese, and chicken.
I cannot believe that I have been lucky enough to find such fabulous pets. After my beloved Tab (see Avator) died a year last October, I couldn't consider replacing him, ever. I think he would be happy with my choice!
I also contact my local cat rescue service but kittens are generally less available due to good neutering/speying services carried out by cat rescue groups. They do however have loads of older cats which need a good home. I am glad that I got these two older kittens, they are just as easy and quick to train, and still lots of fun. I would definitely recommend getting a pair, preferably friends, because they play with each other as well as with you.
Good luck everyone on your own search.
AJ - a very happy lady, owned by two cats!