Bringing a Norwegian Forest Cat kitten into your home is an exciting prospect. These magnificent cats are known for their gentle nature, striking appearance, and playful personalities. This guide aims to provide prospective owners with essential information on what to expect when adopting a kitten from a reputable breeder, focusing on health, socialization, and the adoption process.
Understanding Norwegian Forest Cat Kittens
Norwegian Forest Cat kittens are celebrated for their robust build, luxurious double coat, and intelligent eyes. From a young age, they are socialized within a family environment, exposed to children and small dogs, ensuring they develop into friendly and adaptable companions. This early socialization is crucial for their development into well-adjusted adult cats.
Health and Diet: The Foundation of Well-being
The health and diet of kittens are paramount. Reputable breeders prioritize providing a varied and high-quality diet, including grain-free and grain-inclusive dry foods, canned foods, fish, freeze-dried raw options, and cooked meats. This diverse approach ensures kittens receive a full spectrum of nutrients essential for their growth and development.
Kitten Readiness for a New Home
Kittens are typically ready to leave their mother and littermates around 14 to 16 weeks of age, provided they are in good health. Before joining their new families, these kittens undergo thorough veterinary checks. They are up-to-date with their vaccinations, and some may be spayed or neutered by the breeder.
The Kitten Starter Bag: A Welcoming Gift
To ease the transition into their new home, kittens come with a starter bag. This thoughtful package often includes a small bag of the dry food they are accustomed to, a can of wet food, a selection of toys, a grooming kit, a cat carrier for safe transport, and a comprehensive care guide. This guide offers valuable tips on feeding, litter selection, and other essential care practices.
Considering Adopting Two Kittens
A common question among prospective owners is whether to adopt one or two kittens. While a single kitten can thrive with ample attention, adopting two kittens from the same litter can provide mutual companionship, reducing the risk of loneliness and promoting healthy social development. They can entertain each other, fostering a more independent yet bonded relationship.
The Adoption Process: A Structured Approach
Adopting a Norwegian Forest Cat kitten involves a structured process designed to ensure the best possible match between kitten and owner.
- Review the Contract: Begin by carefully reading the breeder’s contract, which outlines the terms of sale, health guarantees, and return policies.
- Complete the Questionnaire: Prospective owners are required to fill out a detailed questionnaire. This helps the breeder understand your lifestyle and living situation to ensure a good fit for the kitten.
- Placing a Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of $500 is typically required to hold a kitten. This deposit can often be transferred to another kitten if circumstances change, at the breeder’s discretion.
- Contract Confirmation: Following the deposit, a contract is issued as a receipt.
- Kitten Selection: When kittens reach approximately four weeks old, the selection process begins. Breeders will contact customers to choose a kitten, allowing 48 hours for a decision. If a customer passes on a kitten, the opportunity may be offered to the next person on the waiting list.
- Final Payment and Scheduling: Once a kitten is chosen, the final payment is made, and the contract is updated. The breeder then arranges for the kitten’s supplies and schedules a veterinary visit for a health check and vaccinations. Weekly photos and videos of the kitten are usually provided.
- Kitten Departure: Kittens can go to their new homes around 14 to 16 weeks of age, health permitting. Options for taking the kitten home include picking them up directly or utilizing a trusted transporter.
Waiting List Expectations
The waiting list duration can vary, typically ranging from a few months to a year, depending on litter sizes and the number of customers ahead. Breeders strive to provide estimated timelines but cannot guarantee exact dates due to factors like litter availability and health. Once a kitten is chosen, a more precise departure month can usually be provided.
Pricing and Discounts
Norwegian Forest Cat kittens are generally priced between $2000 and $2200. Discounts may be offered, such as a $400 reduction on the second kitten if adopting two, or for repeat customers. Transportation fees are separate and can be arranged through the breeder’s recommended transporters.
Important Considerations
- Closed Cattery Policy: For the safety and well-being of their animals and family, breeders often maintain a “closed cattery” policy, meaning visits are restricted to individuals they know well. Communication is typically done through photos, videos, and direct messages.
- Right to Deny Sale: Breeders reserve the right to deny a sale if they believe the potential home is not a suitable match for the kitten.
- Pet Only Sales: Kittens are typically sold as pets only, with breeding rights not usually offered.
- Retired Adults: Occasionally, retired adult cats may be available. These cats are usually offered to existing customers first and are priced based on age and any necessary veterinary procedures before departure. They come with a carrier and familiar food but typically do not include a health guarantee.
Welcoming a Norwegian Forest Cat kitten into your life is a rewarding experience. By understanding the process, prioritizing health, and ensuring proper socialization, you can look forward to a lifetime of companionship with these remarkable felines. If you are interested in adopting, please reach out to the breeder through email and complete their questionnaire to begin the journey.
