Book your appointment

Book your appointment
Book online now

Find Us

Find Us
15/1000 Ann St Fortitude Valley

Call 07 3216 0045

Call 07 3216 0045
Call 07 3216 0045

Kitten Basics 101

kitten care fortitude valley vet new farm teneriffe wilston brisbane

Dear Fortitude Valley Vet, should I adopt a cat?


Lately, I have been thinking of bringing up a kitten back into my life. My dad used to keep cats in his shop to keep rats and mice at bay. I remembered fondly an adorable tabby that would come out of the shop every morning when my dad set up his goods, kept him accompanied, and then returning to sleep and guard his stock at the end of the day. She was a loyal and hardworking cat that was loved by the many people who frequented the shop. Such nostalgic memories have prompted me to re-think the possibilities of bringing another furry member into my life and do a quick post on kitten care.

(Update: I have since adopted an adorable ragdoll.)

What questions should I tackle, Fortitude Valley Vet?

  • Can you commit to at least 12 years to take care of a cat? In my line of work, old cats that have lived up to 18+ years are certainly not uncommon. Remember a cat is a living creature that needs his/her emotional and physical needs satisfied daily.
  • Have you discussed with your family members yet? Not everyone is a kitty lover.
  • Do you have the finances to support a cat? Food, kitty litter, routine vet costs, unexpected vet costs can chew up a significant amount of your financial budget.
  • Do you have a support system in place to assist you when you need to go on holidays? Your friends or family members may not be as opened to having your cat stay with them for a short period of time. Fortitude Valley Vet can help you with cat boarding.
Other simpler ones

  • Short or long haired? You will need to spend time grooming a beautiful long haired cat. Some long-haired breeds like Ragdolls are less demanding but a Persian may be a totally different kind of fur ball. 
  • Pure breed or mixed? Pure breeds have more predictable traits that may suit your lifestyle. Ragdolls are particularly very human-orientated. Persians are laid back and quieter. Mixed breeds are just as enchanting and many of my clients will attest to that fact.
  • Adopting an adult or kitten?  This is really a personal choice. There are many wonderful adult cats in the shelter waiting for you to bring them into your life. Why not consider this if you have no age preference. 
  • Indoors or outdoors? My stand is that all cats will benefit more from being indoor with access to an enclosed outdoor catwalk/run. Keeping your cat indoors will keep him/her safe from being attacked by other cats or animals, run over by cars or contract fatal diseases such as FeLV/FIV. It is also better for our native wildlife as cats love to stalk and prey on indigenous animals. I prefer my birds chirping away on the trees.

Stay tune for tomorrow's blog on more Kitten Basics.


If you have more cat questions, come see us at Fortitude Valley Vet, Emporium. (07) 3216 0045