Before you bring your new kitten home, you need to know how to raise a kitten so you understand what you can expect and to make the transition as smooth as possible for every member of the household.
Most kittens leave their mothers at the age of 6 weeks, by which time they are weaned, eating well and have learnt not to toilet where they sleep. This is a good age to take your kitten home as it will easily be able to cope on its own. Kittens that are too young may not thrive.
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 need to be properly prepared in advance and have what you need for the kitten. You will need a litter tray and a supply of litter, food and water bowls, kitten food, a bed and some toys. Cats are naturally clean animals, and your kitten should learn to use the litter tray quickly. A cat won't use a dirty tray, so make sure the litter is changed regularly. The litter tray needs to be in a quiet place, out of general traffic areas in the house.
Find out what your kitten has been eating, and try to continue the same food at least for the first two weeks. This prevents stomach upsets caused by a change of diet, and also reduces the amount of change the little kitten has to contend with all at once. Feed your kitten at regular times, in a quiet place, and always have fresh water available. Keep the food and water dishes clean.
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 provide your kitten with exercise and activity to it doesn't get bored; with no toys to play with, kitten may play with the lounge room curtains instead! Have several playtimes together each day, as this tires the kitten and forms a bond between it and its family. Cat toys are available in a fabulous variety, but some paper rolled into a ball or a sock filled with paper are just as effective and as much fun.
A new kitten will generally settle quickly into their new home. Some discipline may be necessary if your kitten decides to sharpen its claws on the furniture or climb your curtains, but a firm "no" should be enough. Invest in a cat scratching post; claw sharpening is a cat's natural instinct.
Knowing how to raise a kitten will help you and the kitten adjust to life together and get this wonderful relationship off to a good start.
Most kittens leave their mothers at the age of 6 weeks, by which time they are weaned, eating well and have learnt not to toilet where they sleep. This is a good age to take your kitten home as it will easily be able to cope on its own. Kittens that are too young may not thrive.
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 need to be properly prepared in advance and have what you need for the kitten. You will need a litter tray and a supply of litter, food and water bowls, kitten food, a bed and some toys. Cats are naturally clean animals, and your kitten should learn to use the litter tray quickly. A cat won't use a dirty tray, so make sure the litter is changed regularly. The litter tray needs to be in a quiet place, out of general traffic areas in the house.
Find out what your kitten has been eating, and try to continue the same food at least for the first two weeks. This prevents stomach upsets caused by a change of diet, and also reduces the amount of change the little kitten has to contend with all at once. Feed your kitten at regular times, in a quiet place, and always have fresh water available. Keep the food and water dishes clean.
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 provide your kitten with exercise and activity to it doesn't get bored; with no toys to play with, kitten may play with the lounge room curtains instead! Have several playtimes together each day, as this tires the kitten and forms a bond between it and its family. Cat toys are available in a fabulous variety, but some paper rolled into a ball or a sock filled with paper are just as effective and as much fun.
A new kitten will generally settle quickly into their new home. Some discipline may be necessary if your kitten decides to sharpen its claws on the furniture or climb your curtains, but a firm "no" should be enough. Invest in a cat scratching post; claw sharpening is a cat's natural instinct.
Knowing how to raise a kitten will help you and the kitten adjust to life together and get this wonderful relationship off to a good start.
About the Author:
Do you have a new kitten or cat? If you are a beginner to owning a feline, Cat Keepers is a great resource for helpful advice on how to raise a kitten for the first time. If you arent sure how to raise a cat we have everything you need to help you begin.
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