Conference misery::feline_v1

    Please see notes - #1918 and #1922.
    
    Sounds like a good home for one of these little ones.
    
    Have fun....
    Barbara

    You could also try the Volunteer Humane Society.  Its in Lancaster.
     They usually have some cuties there...

    If you don't mind paying $10 -$30, most local pet stores have
    kittens at this price.  They have mostly shorthair (the ones I've
    seen), have been wormed, and in some cases have had their kitten
    shots as well.
    
    I don't know if the pet store people would know the "history" of
    each cat though, but it's worth a try.  There's a pet store in
    Shopper's world in Framingham, on the 2nd level, if I could
    only remember the name....they had about a dozen kittens, last
    time I visited.
    
    PS. I "inherited" 2 kittens 6 mo. ago from a guy who moved out
    of my apt. building and had to leave them.  Their owner was basically
    a stranger to me, and I knew nothing of the kittens background,
    but they both turned out to have great personalities!  If you and
    your daughter give them a loving home, they will most likely be
    fine!
    

    re: .3
    
    While a kitten in a pet store may be tempting, it's usually not
    the best idea.  At least with dogs, most pets in pet store are
    bred by "puppy mills" and I assume the same goes for cats.  These
    are unreputable breeders who breed for quantity, no quality.  Many
    pet store animals are ill and under-socialized.  Imagine -- you
    take a young animal, in the developmental months (both physically
    and mentally) and lock them in a cage for awhile.  It's very 
    stressful for the animal.  Anyway, I discourage the purchase of
    pets from pet stores because it encourages this type of breeder.
    Look to your local humane society if you want a free kitten, or to
    a reputable breeder for a pure bred.  Please.
    
    Karen, Tristan and Tenzing.

    re: .4
    
    Wow, I didn't know that!  Sounds bad. 
    
    I mentioned the pet store because, the last time I visited, I saw
    a woman bringing in two very young kittens who had been born in
    her private home (not a "kitten mill").  She couldn't keep them
    because her landlord wouldn't allow any more cats. 
    
    I'm sure if they stay a long time in the pet store, it is a stressful
    experience. then again, would the pound be any different?
    
    In general I think cats (especially kittens) are quite adaptable
    and can adjust well to a new environment in a "loving" home.  But
    your point is well taken if in fact most pet stores are supplied
    by puppy or kitten "mills"...I didn't know such things existed!
    
    The thing that makes me really sick, is when I go into a pet
    store and see a 6-12 month old (almost full grown) puppy or
    kitten still confined to a cage. i think that is horrible!  One
    pet store worker told me that one such dog was there because
    "people always want to come in and buy the tiniest, cutest ones...
    and leave the older ones!"  How awful...
    
    re: .0...Let us know if/when you find a kitten if you havent yet.
    Good luck!  I'm sure your daughter will love it!
    
    

    I think the "mutt" cats you see in pet stores are
    usually from people walking in off the street, not
    from the kitten mills.   We were forced to bring
    two kittens to a pet store (we adopted the mother)
    when we could find no shelter that would take them.
    
    The purebreds are usually the ones from the mills.
    
    Donna
    
    p.s.  I use the term "mutt" with only the utmost of
          affection.  I'm owned by 3 of them.
    

    to .0:  See notes 1939 and 1951 (if you still havent found a kitten)
    

    I second the opinion that a pet store is not the place to buy a
    purebred kitten.  Reputable breeders will not sell kittens to pet
    stores.  Most pet stores require breeders to give them the kittens
    when they are very young (six weeks or younger).  In my opinion,
    this is much too early to separate a kitten from it's mother.  My
    kitten's usually nurse until they are close to twelve weeks old.
    I can't imagine them being ready to adjust to a new environment
    at this age.
    
    Jo

    Please see note 1997 if you still need a cat.
    
    Suzanne