Getting a kitten
So you've decided you can give a loving home to a cute little kitten - you’ve done your homework and know which breed you want.

Kitten adoption from a shelter or rescue centre

Animal shelters and rescue centres across the country are always searching for loving homes for cats of all varieties and ages, including kittens. If you’re thinking about adopting a rescue kitten, there are a number of things to bear in mind, and look out for, when researching the right shelter or rescue centre
For example, shelters should be warm and clean, and staff should be just as interested in you as you are in the animals – it shows they’re genuinely interested in finding the best home for the animals they care for.
For more information on adopting a rescue kitten, read our guide on adopting a cat.
Buying a kitten from a breeder
If you’d prefer to purchase a kitten from a breeder, have a good think about the breed that would best suit your family and, remember, pure breeds don’t come cheap! There are a number of things to thinking about when deciding where to buy a kitten.
The first thing to do is to contact breed club secretaries for the breed you’re interested in. Breed clubs may have a list of litters available, or they can put you in contact with breeders in your area. Pedigree kittens are generally available all year round.
It’s a good idea to check that your breeder is following responsible breeding.