New Member, New Kitten!

Hey everyone! Im new to this forum and new to cats in general. My girlfriend wants us to pick up this black kitten with white on her chest and tummy from her friend that is selling her to us, but i want to make sure this is the right decision for us at this time. I have always loved my friends' cats/kittens, but i have never had one on my own. We currently have 3 dogs between us (german sheppard, jack russell, and pom). The owner of the kitten constantly kept the kitten around two other dogs. We even tested out how the relationship of the kitten and our dogs would be, and they got along great. I just want to know (from a newcomer stand point) what should i expect from this new kitten? What shots do i need to get for her? Should i get a scratch post right away? What is the avg. expense price for vet costs at the beginning? Any help will be appreciated. Thanks.

Jared

Welcome to TCS Jared!!

Congratulations on the possible addition of a kitten to your new furfamily. Kittens need a bunch of vaccines (some can be given early on and others when they are in the 4 month range and up), of course you will have to factor in the cost for spaying or neutering as well. As far as cost is concerned I live in Canada, so I'm not too sure what the going rate is for a vet visit in Texas.

Scratching posts are a great idea!!, and although your kitten may not use it right away it's a good thing to have.

Hi there Jared

we're so happy to welcome you to TCS. I'm sure you'll enjoy your stay with us - we're one great big family and you'll find loads of friends here. If I can help at all while you're finding your way around TCS just click on my username and send me a Personal Message - I'll do what I can to answer your questions

I don't know what Vet costs are where you are - it might be an idea to call some Vets in your area and see what they would charge

welcome to TCS, its great fun here, and of course, theres loads of good advice, help, support and friendship.
Your new addition sounds real cute and with time and patience I am sure it will settle down just great. The fact that you are willing to find out about what do do etc, is a sure sign things are going to work out well.
I am sure you have already done this, but have a nosey around the site, theres a load of threads about cat & kitten care, so you will get some hints & tips from there. As already mentioned it is always worth while dropping into a vets for a general chat about taking on a kitty and what needs to be done.
Have fun and if you get chance please post a photo of your new furrbaby we love to see new babies !!!

Enjoy

Hi and Welcome to TCS!

See you on the forums!

Hi Jared welcome to TCS!

Hi Jared...can't wait to see pics of your new kitty. Welcome!!

Hi Jared and family, welcome to the forum, and THANKS for adopting a kitten! Your veterinarian will let you know what innoculations she needs -- a lot of them have "kitten paks" that include all the necessary vaccinations to keep her healthy through kittenhood. Good for you for testing the relationship; very important the dogs are gentle and loving with her!!! Yes, a scratching post right away is good, as kittens NEED their claws and clawing is natural for them. You can also get the corrugated cardboard scratching pads that lie flat on the ground or at an angle; these come with catnip and last a fairly long time, and then you replace with a new one. I like to have several of these AND a permanent post or two. You can talk about costs of medical care with the vet; for one cat, you may opt to buy veterinary health insurance as it may help with your costs. I'm owned by a large cat family, so it wouldn't make sense for me, but it might for you. And you may get your dogs covered, too. GOOD LUCK!!!