?How Should Kittens Be Cared For

 

Are you thinking of adopting a kitten or just thinking about it? 

Taking home a wide-eyed, velvet-nosed ball of fluff (hey, who's saving who?) is probably the best thing you can do. Even if you've had a kitten before, it's a good idea to brush up on the basics.

When is the best time to adopt?

When kittens are 10 to 12 weeks old, it's best to separate them from their biological mothers and siblings. It's best to carry them home at six to seven weeks old if the litter hasn't had much human interaction.

In terms of personality, this is one case where curiosity doesn't kill the cat: look for a curious kitten who is playful rather than shy. Above all, choose a cat-itude that is appropriate for all family members.

Preparation for the birth of the kitten

Safely stow things that Kitty could chew, swallow, or choke on before introducing her to her new surroundings. Tissues, paper towels, toilet paper, pens, pencils, rubber bands, jewelry, balloons, and other small things should all be kept out of reach of paws. If you have other pets, make sure they've recently seen a veterinarian to avoid spreading an infection to their new sibling.

Additional cat-proofing advice:

·       Bundle electronic cords, anchor window cords, and cap outlets

·       For a list of poisonous plants to avoid, call the Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435).

·       Keep acetaminophen (Tylenol) out of cats' reach; it's poisonous.

·       Keep roach or ant traps hidden.

Close toilet lids, washer and dryer doors, and kitchen and bathroom cabinets because household products such as bleach, detergent, and antifreeze can be extremely dangerous.

• Kitty's lair

• For Kitty to adapt to her new existence, choose a secluded space away from other furry family members. If she has trouble sleeping, consider wrapping a ticking clock in a blanket and placing it by her bed. Open her carrier and keep her food, water bowls, litter box, and toys close by.

• Kitty's lair • Select a secluded location away from other furry family members for Kitty to adjust to her new life. Consider wrapping a ticking clock in a blanket and putting it next to her bed if she has trouble sleeping. Keep her food, water bowls, litter box, and toys near by in her carrier.

• You'll probably have more fun watching Kitty play than she'll have playing, but you'll still want to keep an eye on her when she's not playing. Check out how she enters and exits her carrier in her new room. Even if she rushes in, she can need additional time to acclimate. You'll know she's about to explore the rest of the house if she saunters.

• Get to know your relatives

• Because a kitten can take up to two weeks to completely relax, restrict human interactions over the first few days, then gradually expose her to family members, one at a time, so she becomes familiar with everyone's contact.

• Show young kids how to catch kittens with one hand behind their front legs and the other under their hindquarters. They should also be aware that tugging on Kitty's scruff, paws, or tail is not permitted. And, despite the possibility of tantrums, children under the age of four should not be allowed to handle Kitty, particularly unsupervised.

• Because other household pets will instantly sniff out their new sibling, introduce Kitty on her turf; don't give her free reign of the house because that is their domain.

• While you watch, the resident cat(s) will check Kitty out for a few moments. If a hissy fit occurs, quickly separate the siblings and try again in a few days. When it comes to Fido, make sure he's properly leashed when he sees her, and prevent Kitty from running away, or he'll think it's time to chase her down.

• Reward good behavior with well-deserved treats if all siblings behave well. Even, once Kitty is fully grown, never leave playtime unattended.

• Is it okay if we stalk? Since cats have a natural desire to explore, let Kitty wander one room at a time at first. Place her open carrier in the room she's investigating in case she becomes agitated and needs to flee quickly. Allow Kitty to investigate while you keep a close eye on her in case she hides under a bed or scoots under the sofa.

If she begins to knead your pricey duvet, gently place her back on the floor to teach her that your bed is off limits.

• Open 24 hours a day • Since kittens develop so quickly, they need a lot of nutrients and energy—roughly two to three times that of cats. Protein can account for 30% of their total energy during their first year, so feed them dry kitten food or nutrient-dense kitten-formula canned food. The majority of Kitty's diet should consist of high-quality dry and wet foods that are high in protein and essential amino acids to provide her with a balanced diet.

• Unlike puppies, kittens do not eat their whole meal in one sitting, allowing you to set up an all-day/night buffet. Dry food is convenient because it will not spoil if left out for an extended period of time; make sure fresh water is always available. You can also prevent Fido and other siblings from stealing Kitty's food by placing her bowl in a place where they can't reach it.

• Mind her business • Kittens dig instinctively to bury their waste, but they may need some encouragement when it comes to doing so. Introduce Kitty to her litter box after she's done feeding or taking a catnap.

. If she doesn't seem to like it, direct a front paw and pretend to dig. This process would have to be replicated on a regular basis.

• Keep Kitty on the same food, feeding schedule, and litter as she was before the adoption for the first few weeks. Once she's adjusted, you can gradually introduce other litter items and foods.

The initial examination

It's a good idea to arrange a vet appointment before taking Kitty home so she can be checked out within a few days of her arrival. Your veterinarian will examine her for ear mites and fleas, deworm her, and administer the appropriate shots and vaccinations.

He'll also figure out when the right time is to spay or neuter your pet, which may be as early as eight weeks old. Kitty is protected from mammary, uterine, and ovarian cancers by spaying, and neutering decreases the male's risk of prostate cancer by neutering. You'll have a "spray-free" home and less odorous litter box cleanup as a bonus.

Canines aren't the only ones that profit from training here, Kitty, Kitty. Kitty etiquette has caught on, and you can teach your cat to come when you call it, much like puppy pre-school. Furthermore, if you have more than one cat, you may need to prevent roughhousing.

Above all, savor every precious moment with your newest extended family member!

Must-Haves for Kittens

·       Bowls for food and drink

·       3 ft. high course-textured column/post for stretching/scratching o Fun, healthy exercise toys (e.g., wands, balls, “treat” dispensers)

·       A soft blanket or towel to line the cat bed

·       Grooming brush/nail clipper o Cat carrier o ID tag or microchip implanted Even if Kitty is the queen of the castle, you must be prepared in case she escapes. A safety collar with an ID tag will securely return her home.