i know this will sound like a divvy question and i may not explian myself well but here goes.

Right now i ma in Gillingham High St (i got all the posh places!) and i popped into a pet shop here to get some supplies for my Chihuahua. I happened to look in the small ads in the window as i was thinking of getting a kitten.

Now i have seen several there that interest me but i was wondering if getting this way was a good idea or whether one should look at perhaps going to a breeder etc?

Also is £10 too good to be true for a kitten? They're black and white female ones.

Thanks for any input folks.

You'd be better off going to a rescue to adopt a moggy kitten, or a reputable breeder if you decide on a pedigree, steer well clear of these sort of ads

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Hi,

I'm not an expert but there is this thread buying kitten guide. Have a read through.

Some of the big things to think about are the age of the kitten when you take them, the health of the mother etc. and also how you will introduce them to your Chihuahua.

More importantly though have you considered a going to a rescue. There are so many cats, young cats and kittens waiting for loving homes!

Edit - Dang, I was beaten to it!

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I think it just depends on the breed of the kitten. If it's a moggy then people tend to sell them for anything from £70-80 down to giving them away for free. I'm guessing this is because they are not a reputable breeder and have only ended up with the kittens due to their own lack of responsibility and not getting their cat spayed and can't get rid of them.

My two are only 4 months old but I got them for free as a local woman was rehoming them due to them making her son's asthma worse.

Most people on here wouldn't encourage taking kittens from irresponsible breeders as it encourages them to breed more as they think there is a market for it but then there are the others on here who have taken kittens in out of the goodness of their hearts because they couldn't bare to see them go into a rescue or get abandoned.

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The correct answer is no. You don't know what you are going to get, they may not have been cared for and it is probably just some chav supplementing their giro by using their own poor cat as a breeding machine. There are plenty of cats in rescue. Paying for these kittens is allowing the breeder to get money and it is a good reason for them to be thinking about the next batch of money they can breed!

The flip side is; until proper laws come in which state only reputable breeders should breed. Kittens are going to be flogged like this all the time. The price is reduced so some income can be got and sadly the kittens that aren;t sold often end up in the bottom of the canal. Or dumped like my Archie was. If you can offer them a safe, loving and forever home it is less cats that are living in hardship and neglect.

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I don't think there is anything wrong with it. I got my 2 from the notice board at Pets at Home. I'm experienced with cats and I went to view the kittens in their home surroundings. They looked healthy with bright eyes, healthy ears, plenty of energy and they came from a family with young children so used to being handled and socialising plus the owner seemed to take great care of them by vaccinating her older cats and taking them to the vets regularly. She also de-fleated the kittens and wormed them and made sure they were properly weaned and eating well before re-homing them.

I'd say go and have a look and go with your gut instinct.

Which is the only way to make an informed decision whether you are buying the most expensive pedigree or an 'oops' moggie kitten.

i'm going to do some more soul searching and suchlike before i go ahead and get one. If i'm feline like cat is right for me, then i can move further.

Not too fussed over a pedigree v a moggy, but as i said, i'll do more research first.

I would get a rescue one, at least then you kitten should have had at least its first vaccination,flead and wormed and perhaps even mirco chipped and neutered (a lot of rescues are now neutering their kittens before they leave the rescue at about 12-13 weeks of age,if they don't early neuter they will make you sign a contract to say you will neuter at the right age and they check you do,some will also make you come back to their vet when there the right age to make sure it is done) Different rescues do different things so you are best to check with whatever rescue you decide to go with. The kittens will also be fully vet checked etc so you will know you have a healthy kitten.

Rescues to try in your and around your area

BATTERSEA AT BRANDS HATCH
Sevenoaks
Registered Charity no: 206394
Tel: 01474 874994
Fax: 01474 872855
Email: info@battersea.org.uk
Web site: Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, rehoming dogs and cats, promoting responsible pet ownership - Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

ROLVENDEN & ROMNEY MARSH CAT RESCUE
Registered Charity no: 1141631
Shelter: Bower Valley, Hastings Road, Rolvenden, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 4PL
Tel: 01580 241632 / 020 3239 9538 or 0750 413 8398
Email: info@cats.rolvenden.org.uk
Website: Rolvenden Cat Rescue | Dedicated to re-homing cats and kittens

CELIA HAMMOND ANIMAL TRUST (CHAT) - Canning Town Branch
Registered Charity 293787
To Adopt a cat or for Neutering Enquiries - Tel: 020 7474 8811 (10am - 5.30pm)
Email: canningtown@celiahammond.org
Web site: Celia Hammond Animal Trust UK Rescue Shelters

CELIA HAMMOND ANIMAL TRUST (CHAT) - Lewisham Branch
Registered Charity 293787
To Adopt a cat - Tel: 0208 694 6545
Neutering Enquiries - Tel: 020 8691 2100
Email: lewisham@celiahammond.org
Web site: Celia Hammond Animal Trust UK Rescue Shelters

CELIA HAMMOND ANIMAL TRUST (CHAT) - Brede Sanctuary
Brede, East Sussex ~ Registered Charity no. 293787
Sanctuary: Greenacres Sanctuary, Broad Oak, Brede, East Sussex
Sanctuary Tel: 01424 882198 (please 'phone first for an appointment)
Email: brede@celiahammond.org
Web site: Celia Hammond Animal Trust UK Rescue Shelters

BROMLEY & DISTRICT CAT RESCUE
Bromley
Branch Tel: 0208 464 6035
Mobile: 07788 627130

ANIM-MATES
S.E. London & N.W. Kent
Registered Charity no: 1098252
Tel: 01634 271 456
Fax: 020 8851 9189
Email: info@anim-mates.org.uk
Website: Anim-Mates

STREETKATZ RESCUE
Tel: 01892 821275
Email: info@streetkatzrescue.com
Web site: Home - Streetkatz

FELINE FRIENDS REHOMING
Tel: 01634 306 355 / 07867 612 967
Email: christinepaice@live.co.uk

CATCUDDLES SANCTUARY
Sanctuary Address: The Catcuddles Sanctuary, 155 Howarth Road, Greenwich, SE2 0UW.
Tel: 0208 3115960 / 0778 2661255
Email: email@catcuddles.org.uk
Web site: Home - The Catcuddles Sanctuary

MAIDSTONE CAT WELFARE
Tel: 01622 741591
Cat Adoption Email: homing@maidstonecatwelfare.org.uk
General Enquiries Email: info@maidstonecatwelfare.org.uk
Website: index

RSPCA - MEDWAY WEST
Chatham / Gillingham / Rochester
Registered Charity number 209192
Cattery: 32 Sycamore Road, Strood, Rochester, Kent, ME2 2PJ (Tel: 01634 294 831)
To adopt an animal (Cats): Tel: 01634 294831
To adopt an animal (Small animals): Tel: 01634 681187 (Parsons Memorial Clinic)
To adopt an animal (Dogs): Tel: 0870 0101 1851 (Leybourne Animal Centre)
Branch email: rspca_medway@blueyonder.co.uk
Branch Web site: Home - RSPCA Medway West Branch

THE RETREAT ANIMAL RESCUE
Registered Charity no: 1105654
Postal Address: The Retreat, Daltons Road, Crockenhill, Near Swanley, Kent, BR8 8EN
Tel: 01322 614247 / 07720 495238
Email: retreatcats@hotmail.co.uk
Website: www.retreatanimalrescue.org.uk

A CHESTNUT CAT SANCTUARY
Registered Charity no: 1118075
Boarding Centre: The Chestnut Boarding Centre is in a separate unit to the Sanctuary. Luxury pens, conforming to the latest requirements. Pens are fully insulated, warm and quiet, and cats receive the finest of care. The Boarding Centre helps to fund the Sanctuary: Chestnut cat boarding. A cattery covering Essex, London, Epping and Redbridge. Cat boarding facilities for cats and kittens.
Tel: 01992 560510 (phones answered 9am - 2pm daily)
Fax: 01992 560369
Email: admin@chestnutcatsanctuary.co.uk
Website: Chestnut Cat Sanctuary - cat rescue, rehoming and adoption in Essex, London, Herts, Kent

CELIA HAMMOND ANIMAL TRUST (CHAT) - Tunbridge Wells Branch
Registered Charity 293787
Tel: 01892 514655
Fax: 01892 514655
Email: tunwells@celiahammond.org
Web site: Celia Hammond Animal Trust UK Rescue Shelters

RSPCA - LEYBOURNE ANIMAL CENTRE
West Malling
Quiet cat with a huge personality looking for a ordered home »» Meet Honey
Tel: 0300 1230751
Fax: 01732 847248
Web site: Animal Charity - Rescue Dogs, Cats, Pets, Horses - Prevent Cruelty - rspca.org.uk

FRIENDS OF FERALS CAT GROUP
Registered Charity no: 1069118
Tel: 01322 665270
Email: babscats67@gmail.com

CATS PROTECTION - MEDWAY
Registered Charity no: 203644
Covering Chatham / Gravesham / Medway
National CP Helpline: 03000 12 12 12
National CP Email: helpline@cats.org.uk
Web site: www.cats.org.uk

RSPCA - ASHFORD, TENTERDEN & DISTRICT
Registered Charity no: 208111
Ashford Garden Cattery: 34 Station Road, Ashford, Kent TN23 1PH (Open daily 11.00 am – 3.00 pm, closed Wednesdays) - Ashford Garden Cattery always has a selection of gorgeous cats needing homes.
Cattery Tel: 01233 646855
Branch Tel: 01233 641189
Email: branch@rspca-ashforddistrict.org.uk
Branch Web site: RSPCA Ashford, Tenterden and District Branch

RSPCA - BROMLEY & DISTRICT
Registered Charity no. 210632
General Enquiries - Tel: 07538 472822
E-mail: rspca.bromley@virgin.net
Branch Web site: RSPCA - Bromley and District

RSPCA - KENT, NORTH WEST
Dartford / Gravesend
Registered Charity no: 210633
Branch Tel: 01322 286720
Email: info@rspca-kentnorthwest.org.uk
Website: RSPCA Gravesend, RSPCA Dartford - RSPCA Kent North West Branch

RSPCA - KENT, WEST
Edenbridge / Sevenoaks
Registered Charity no: 209193
This branch often has cats looking for a new home. Please phone the number below to rescue one of their cats.
To adopt an animal from this branch, Tel: 01732 866850
Web site: Animal Charity - Rescue Dogs, Cats, Pets, Horses - Prevent Cruelty - rspca.org.uk

RSPCA - SITTINGBOURNE
Registered Charity no: 213829
This branch always have many cats looking for a new home. Please phone the number below to rescue one of their cats.
To adopt a Cat: Tel / Fax: 01622 884464
Web site: Animal Charity - Rescue Dogs, Cats, Pets, Horses - Prevent Cruelty - rspca.org.uk

RSPCA - TUNBRIDGE WELLS & MAIDSTONE
Registered Charity no: 210635
Cat Rehoming (Maidstone) - Tel: 01892 730483 (10:00am - 1:00pm)
Cat Rehoming (Tunbridge Wells) - Tel: 01892 517121
General Enquiries: 01622 891222
Clinic / Neutering - Tel: 01622 812195
Email: cherie@midkentrspca.com
Website: RSPCA - Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone

RSPCA - REGIONAL HQ
Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 9RS
Tel: 0870 010 1181
Fax: 0870 753 0048
Web site: Animal Charity - Rescue Dogs, Cats, Pets, Horses - Prevent Cruelty - rspca.org.uk

LAST CHANCE ANIMAL RESCUE CENTRE
Registered Charity no: 1002349
Rehoming Centre: ''Stick Hill", Hartfield Road, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 5NH (Open 10am-3pm everyday except Tues)
Tel: 01732 865530
Fax: 01732 865838
Email: Please see the 'Contact Us' page on their website, linked below.
Web site: Last Chance Animal Rescue: a Kent based Charity on Sussex, Surrey and London borders - we rescue dogs, cats, rabbits etc.

FRIENDS OF ANIMALS LEAGUE (FOAL)
Registered Charity no: 201654
Sanctuary: Foal Farm Sanctuary, Jail Lane, Biggin Hill, Westerham, Kent, TN16 3AX (open: 1.30pm - 4.30pm every day except Tuesday)
Tel: 01959 572386 (9am - 5pm only please)
E-mail: jan@foalfarm.org.uk and cats@foalfarm.org.uk
Web site: Foal Farm - Animal Rescue Centre in Kent, UK

THE BLUE CROSS - NORTHIAM ADOPTION CENTRE
Registered Charity No. England and Wales (224392) and Scotland (SCO40154)
Rehoming Centre: Blue Cross centre, St. Francis Fields, Northiam, East Sussex, TN31 6LP
Opening hours 9.30am - 3.00pm: Monday & Wed to Saturday, 10am - 13:00: Sundays (Closed Tuesdays, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day), all other Bank Holidays open at usual times.
Tel : 01797 252243
Fax : 01797 252948
Email: northiam@bluecross.org.uk
Rehoming Web Page: Blue Cross Northiam Adoption Centre
National Web site: Blue Cross - Home

ROMNEY HOUSE CAT RESCUE
Tel: 01959 572319 or 07958 273118
Email: Silvana@romneyhousecatrescue.org.uk
Web page: Romney House Cat Rescue | Homeless cats for the south east + advice, info & behaviour t

BROMLEY CAT RESCUE
Registered Charity no: 1110822
Postal address: Box 824, Bromley, Kent, BR1 9AQ
Tel: 0208 460 5301
Email: Bromleycats39@aol.com
Website: >BROMLEY CAT RESCUE

ORPINGTON CAT RESCUE
Covering postcode areas: BR, DA, TN, SE
Postal address: PO Box 696, Orpington, Kent, BR5 4XA
Tel: 0208 309 1571 / 07799 264510
Email: peitra@orpingtoncatrescue.org.uk
Website: Orpington Cat Rescue

VICKY'S REHOMING SERVICE
Based in Orpington, Kent
A small, self funded rescue, helping abandoned, abused and unwanted cats and dogs. Their medical needs are taken care of, and any behaviour issues addressed, before placing them in a suitable new, permanent home. All cats are vaccinated, microchipped, neutered and insured. Prospective homes are vetted prior to adoption.
Tel: 07967 232914
Email: anne.cheale@sky.com

ANIMAL SAMARITANS
Registered Charity no: 295345
Postal address: Animal Samaritans, PO Box 154, Bexleyheath, Kent, DA16 2WS
Tel. (South East London area): 0208 303 1859
Tel. (North West Kent area): 01474 703542
Email: info@animalsamaritans.org.uk
Web site: ANIMAL SAMARITANS - A UK registered animal rescue charity that rehomes unwanted & ill-treated pets in South London & North-West Kent.

THE KENT CAT RESCUE CENTRE
Tel: 0800 612 8405
Email: rehome@kentcatrescuecentre.co.uk
THE KENT CAT RESCUE CENTRE

LAP PETS
15 West View Road, Swanley, Kent BR8 8BN
Tel: 01322 618580 or 7736932722
Email: lap.pets@gmail.com

SIAMESE CAT CLUB WELFARE TRUST
Covering all of Kent
Registered Charity no: 1072366
To contact the welfare officer for Kent, Tel: 020 8464 8857
Email: sccwt@siameserescue.org.uk
Web site: U.K.Siamese cat Rescue,rehoming and welfare,neuter,lost,found

PERSIAN RESCUE
Based in North West Kent
This independent, self funded rescue takes in and rehomes adult Persian cats, (they do not have kittens). Permanent, loving homes are always needed. A home check is carried out before rehoming, and all cats receive necessary veterinary treatment, are FIV/FeLV tested if appropriate, vaccinated and microchipped.
Tel: 01634 712723

ANIMAL WELFARE CHARITY
Kent-wide
Tel: 01622 812195 or 01622 673094

RESCUED ANIMALS IN NEED (RAIN)
Registered Charity no: 800145
Address: PO Box 117, Orpington, Kent, BR7 6ND
Tel: 01959 532432
Email: Via the contact form on their website, linked below.
Web site: Rescued Animals in Need

VIKING OAK ANIMAL SANCTUARY
Sevenoaks
Seven Mile Lane, Borough Green, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 8QY
Tel: 01732 883468
Fax: 01732 883468

PHOENIX ANIMAL RESCUE
Westerham
PO Box 29, Biggin Hill, Westerham, Kent, TN16 3XZ
Tel: 0208 402 0705 / 0208 291 6815

TLC ANIMAL RESCUE
Knockholt, near Sevenoaks
Tel: 01959 532550

hope they help, good luck in your search for a new furbaby

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Considering it is probably an oops litter, and I very much doubt theyll have vaccinated them before they rehome them, I think £10 is a rip off...

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