These tips on how to raise a kitten will make sure you know what to expect before you bring the kitten home, and will have a good understanding of what is needed for the kitten to settle into its new home quickly and easily.
Most kittens are between 6 and 8 weeks when you bring them home, which is a good age to start a new life. At this age they are fully weaned, eating proper food and have learnt the basics of clean habits. Kittens that are very young may not thrive properly.
Make sure your kitten has had all the necessary vaccinations for its age, and adhere to any local registration regulations that apply in your area. Have your new kitten checked by your local vet as soon as possible after you get it home, to make sure there are no health issues. Ask the vet about future health needs like worming, spaying and vaccinations.
You will need to be prepared with some important items, like an easy-to-clean litter tray and a bag of litter, bowls for food and water, kitten’s food, a bed and a few of toys. Cats are naturally clean animals, and will use the litter tray as long as it has clean litter in it; so show it where the litter tray is and there shouldn’t be too many messes. Replace the litter and wash the tray regularly, as cats won’t use dirty litter. Keep the litter tray in a quiet corner.
It is a good idea to continue using the same food the kitten is used to, for the first two weeks. This helps to avoid stomach upsets which can be caused by a change of diet, and also limits the number of new things the little kitten has to get used to. Feed your kitten at the same time each day, and keep fresh water available. Don’t allow children to interfere with it at feeding times. Wash the kitten’s dishes regularly.
You can buy all kinds of cat bedding and while a cat likes sleeping in a basket, a blanket or soft towels will do the job. Take the kitten to its bed after feeding and at night, and it will soon get the idea. Remember that a kitten is still a baby and needs to be able to sleep a lot in the first few weeks in your home.
Toys are essential for your kitten to provide exercise and activity to prevent boredom; if you don’t provide the toys, the kitten may well decide that the lounge room curtains make a good plaything! Spend some time, several times each day, to play with the kitten to create a bond between it and its human family. You can buy a vast variety of cat toys, or paper rolled into a ball, an old sock stuffed with paper or even a toy car.
Cats are fairly independent creatures and generally settle in to their new home easily. Discipline is a necessary part of life to allow everyone to live comfortably together, and you may need to prevent your kitten from sharpening claws on furniture and climbing the curtains. A cat scratching post is a really good idea, as claw sharpening is a natural instinct.
Know how to raise a kitten properly, and you will set up a lifelong relationship that you can both enjoy and appreciate.
Do you have a new kitten or cat? If you are new to owning a feline, Cat Keepers is your source for helpful advice on how to raise a kitten for the first time. If you arent sure how to raise a cat we have all the information you need to help get you started.
Tags: cat, Home and Family, kitten, pets
