It is now law that anyone wanting to get a new kitten in England, Scotland or Wales must now buy direct from a breeder, or consider adopting from a rescue centre instead. You should see the kitten with its mother where it was bred and check that the facilities are clean and the litter appears alert and healthy. A kitten should be sociable and alert with bright eyes and no visible health problems. You should be able to handle the kittens freely under supervision. Don’t buy a kitten that is less than 8 weeks old.