Getting a new kitten is always an exciting time but kittens require special care and lots of love. Today, the Harlingen vets will give you a guide to kitten care 101.
Bringing Your Kitten Home
Your kitty will likely be curious, confused, and excited — all at once. As much as it’s tempting to let them roam, they’ll adjust better if you limit access at first. Having a smaller secure area to explore initially will help your fur baby get comfortable with the new place.
Making sure the room has hiding places will help your furball feel secure. If there isn’t furniture to hide beneath, place paper bags or cardboard boxes near the walls or cut holes for doorways into them — they won’t notice the difference.
One of the best new kitten tips you’ll get is to resist snuggling and petting as soon as you welcome them into your home. You need to let them come to you and avoid overwhelming them with emotions in the beginning.
Kitten Supplies
Some supplies needed for your new kitten, include:
- A litter box
- A cozy bed
- Food and water dishes
- A scratching post
- Safe toys
- Grooming supplies (shampoo, brush/comb, furminator)
- Collar and ID tag
- Carrier
Make sure to keep the litter box away from the other items — even kittens like their privacy when it comes to bathroom functions.
Schedule Vet Visits
It is important to schedule your kitten's routine exams with Altas Palmas Animal Clinic as soon as possible to start and maintain proper health care. Your kitten will need:
- Check for parasites
- Test for diseases like FIV and FelV
- Examine the possibility of hereditary or other medical conditions
- Provide appropriate vaccines
Your Kittens Diet
Taking care of kittens means you’ll need to think twice about everything, including the food you give them. Kitties are growth machines in their first year and they will need an appropriate diet:
- Two to three times as many calories and nutrients as adult cats.
- Extra protein for muscle and tissue development,
- Fat and fatty acids
- Plenty of calories
Kitten Proofing Your House
Before you give it a free run of the house, make sure it is safe for raising kittens. Put away or cover up anything that could hurt them: electrical cords, yarn, string, medications, poisonous plants, and toilet lids.
Keep kitchen and bathroom cabinets closed so your kitten doesn't encounter bleach, detergent, dental floss, and other household items when exploring.
Washers and dryers may seem out of reach but some resourceful kitties can easily find their way in there. A kitten may climb into a warm dryer for a nap or crawl into a pile of dirty laundry and hide there. A recliner can be another hiding spot for a mischievous feline. Keeping it in an upright position can keep your little kittens from danger.
Don't Leave Them Alone For To Long
If you are away at work for most of the day, invite a neighbor or a pet sitter to keep your fur baby company.