The best way to acquire a `moggy` (non pedigree), is from someone you know, a cats home, the RSPCA, or cats protection. Sometimes a local vet will advertise for homes wanted also.
For a pedigree, word of mouth is best or go to a place you can check thoroughly before purchasing your cat. See the mother in a ll cases if at all possible, also look at any other siblings. Check for signs of fleas, worms or any other disorders. All kittens should be lively and full of fun by the time they are ready to leave their mothers, so make sure they are.
If you do find a kitten or take one in from an unknown source, then its best to take them straight to a vet for a health check.
Even fleas and worms can be serious at a young age.
You must be sure to be ready for the new arrival.
There should be a feeding dish and separate water dish, a litter tray and a comfortable bed or beds to snuggle down in.
Kittens should be handled regularly but not forced into it.
Let them sleep when they want to, cats don't like to be disturbed.
Plenty of toys should be supplied, as its a kittens natural instinct to practice hunting and chasing, which domestic indoor cats use toys for although cats which are allowed out will often bring home offerings of some kind, alive or ready killed.
New kittens will investigate everything, so be sure to make things secure as it wont take long for it to start to climb and jump.
Hide wires as these can be chewed.
Keep paint and dangerous chemicals away safely too.
Things you don't want broken should be at least for the time being placed somewhere secure and out of reach.
Close cupboards, doors and drawers after you as kittens love to climb in and fall asleep, leaving an upset owner thinking they have lost the new `baby`.
Start using the kittens name as soon as possible so the cat will begin to get used to it and soon start to come when called.
Always watch where you walk as the kitten may just pop out from nowhere.
Close tumble driers, washing machines, fridges, ovens and freezers after checking inside.
Don't leave anything around that the kitten may find interesting and is likely to eat, such as laces, wool, cotton and needles etc...these can be very harmful if they swallow them.
Check any house plants you own, aren`t poisonous to cats as once again the kitten may chew them.
Finally keep windows on a latch small enough so as not to allow the kitten to get out, not for a few months at least and even then only under supervision to start with.

Never put the litter tray too close to the feeding bowls, cats don`t like to feed near to the loo!...well would you?
Unless you intend to allow your cat free run of your home, close doors from the start where the `no go` areas are. Especially the bedroom, if you don't want the kitten to take over the bed when he/she grows up.

Don't hold kittens by the scruff, just because their mums do it doesn`t mean its safe for a human to.
Cradle a kitten, make them feel secure and that way it doesn't hurt them either.

Kittens like to feed often. So supply plenty of food at regular times.
Dried food is OK, but for kittens moist meat is better. Plenty of water. Milk can be given but a lot of cats find this too rich and it can cause stomach upsets, however if you want to give it a try then start now. the kitten doesn`t seem to tolerate it then stop straight away and stick to just water.

There is no need to cut a cats claws as long as you supply a good scratching post. If however you do want to clip them, then unless you have the right cutters and know what you are doing, you should ask a vet to do it.
Ears should be checked regularly, as ear mites can be a nuisance and irritate. (see disease and illness).
Normally cats should not be bathed as they do the job well enough for themselves. Cats don`t like water anyway and you could have a battle on your hands!
Finally don`t forget those all important vaccinations. Check with your vet for the best time for them to be given, and then keep up with the boosters each year.
Kittens are renowned for being mischievious and playful. Make sure they have plenty of toys etc to play with that way it might save some of your furniture. Scratching posts are essential although most cats will still find the sofa irresistable!
At around 5 to 6 months of age, unless you want to breed from your cat, the kitten should be neutered as this is usually the time when they will begin with their first `season`.