Pedigree or Moggy - which Kitten’s for you?

Having made the decision to add a kitten to your family, you now need to think about what kind of kitty would suit you best. There are many different kittens to choose from, and not all of them will be suitable for your home.

The first thing you need to decide is whether you want a pedigree or moggy. If you want to buy a moggy (a kitten that isn’t of any particular breed, or perhaps a cross between two specific breeds), then you can find them most places. Small ads in local newspapers, on shop advertising boards, or asking at your local vets if they know of anyone who is looking to sell a kitten should locate you a kitten in your local area. If a moggy is your choice, all you need to do is go and take a look at what’s available and choose! Moggys are normally placid and friendly, unless they are cross-bred with a known temperamental breed. You can usually assume they will be good with childres. They should also should be fairly easy on your wallet.

On the other hand, Pedigree kittens are harder to find, especially if you have a specific breed in mind. If you're planning to home your kitten with children, it's worth researching the breeds you are interested in, and discounting the ones that have known issues with children! It's a fact that some cats are very temperamental and have zero-tolerance with children, whereas a moggy, or even a different breed, will have no problem being played with by children. Breeds such as Siamese or Burmese cats will usually tend to scratch and claw in this situation, making them an unsuitable choice for a home with children.

You should also be aware of any breeds which are prone to illnesses, and those that have relatively short life spans, and take this information into account before making the final decision on what kitten you want.

Having chosen the breed that seems to suit your family and lifestyle, the best place to get your kitten is through a reputable breeder. Check on the Cat and Kitten Directory for breeders who specialize in the kind of kitten you’re looking for. Make sure that your pedigree cat comes with all the relevant paperwork so you know you're getting a 100% healthy pedigree kitten. You should also research the average cost of your chosen breed before making any payment.

It's worth taking the time to find the perfect kitten both for you and your family, hopefully your kitten will be part of the family for many years. Sometimes a breed with a recorded pedigree going back generations will suit your needs best, other times a moggy born from the cat next door will be just perfect.Carefully consider the options and choose which one is right for your home.