Having a little furry friend around is always a good idea. There are many different cat breeds that make ideal companions for kids and families. Cats look adorable and have a very playful nature. If you have one of them in your home, you’ll find yourself busy taking care of them, training them, and playing with them.
Well, if you are planning to adopt a kitten, there are several things you should know to treat your new furry friend in the best possible way. To guide you in this regard, we have come up with this article. Here we have put together a list of some of the most useful tips on how to take care of a kitten.
Find a Good Vet
The very first thing you need to do is to look for a good vet. Make sure you are paying attention to your pet’s health care. After consulting the vet, make appointments for annual check-ups as well as required vaccination and other related treatments.
Taking good care of the health and hygiene of your kitten is also essential in other ways as well. Your furry friends could be germs carriers making you and your kids vulnerable to contracting different types of diseases, especially if the pets in your home are not properly vaccinated or treated.
Also, if you are planning to adopt a kitten, make sure you have only those plants in your garden that are not harmful to your pet. A study has found that some plants are toxic to cats.
Set a Feeding Schedule
If you really want your kitten to have a sufficient amount of nutrients and other dietary essentials on a regular basis, you should make and follow a proper feeding schedule. This is one of the best tips on how to take care of a kitten.
It is also to make sure that you are not under or overfeeding them. A cat feeding schedule may also vary according to their age. For example, a kitten needs to be fed three times a day: morning, afternoon, and evening. On the other hand, a fully grown cat may only need a meal twice a day, after every 12 hours. So, if you are about to become a cat owner, you should be aware of all these things.
Good Nutrition
Your pet cat should be fed with the right combination of nutrients. It may include some kitten food that usually comes in commercial packaging as well as some natural ingredients. In her first year, you should feed your kitten small amounts of foods that are high in protein and energy that’ll help them properly grow and stay energetic.
Some of the most essential food items may include scrambled eggs, seafood (mostly fish), cooked meat, green leafy salad, and cat grass. Water can also be a source of bacteria and could lead to malnutrition. Always remember to serve your little furry friend with fresh and clean water.
Bedding
Taking care of your kitten’s sleep routine is very essential for you. Like their feeding schedule and nutrition, this would also keep those little cats energized and help them with their growth. Provide them with a very comfortable bed of their own.
Kittens are very social and they love to be around you even when they are taking a nap. But, proper rest is important for their health, which is why experts recommend setting up a sleeping and resting area for your kitten in your home somewhere cozy and secluded.
Litter
Give your kitten proper litter training. Keep litter boxes and trays in your home for your pets. Show your furry friend the place where you have kept the litter box or tray. Let them sniff the litter box and the surrounding area, so they would be able to recognize the place in the future.
When it comes to the litter management of your pets, try to choose products that are kitten-safe. Also, keep in mind that there is no harm in introducing litter boxes or trays to kittens who are older than 3 weeks. The sooner they get trained, the better it is.
Grooming
If you really want to make your cat happy, take care of her grooming needs. You can start with gentle brushing with a cat brush. It is better to start following a proper grooming routine for your kitten from an early age.
It would be a good bonding activity between you and your pet cat. You can also reward your cat with their favorite food treat once they allow you to groom their fur. This is how your cat will be able to recognize grooming as a positive and rewarding activity.
Taking care of their grooming needs is one of the best tips on how to take care of a kitten. Also, short and properly combed and trimmed fur is good for your kitten’s health as it keeps them free from dust particles, furballs, and dead skin, protecting them from different types of breathing allergies.
Gear Up
Before you bring that adorable little animal to your home, it is essential to cat-proof your living space. Get rid of all small inedible items that a cat might chew or swallow. Avoid using plastic when feeding your cats. You can go for food dishes and water bowls that are made from metal (probably stainless steel) and ceramic.
Bring home all the grooming essentials for your little furry friend, including the cat brush. To keep your cat happy and entertained, you should also keep some cat-friendly toys in your home. There shouldn’t be any small parts as they could be easily swallowed. Have a collar and ID tag with a GPS tracking device, so you may be able to easily track your kitten.
Watch for Signs of Illness
The signs and symptoms of illnesses in a cat are quite visible. If your cat is sick, its overall appearance and behavior will change. The frequency of shedding may also decrease or increase, depending on their health condition. Their appetite may also change as well as the appearance of their fur and energy level, which also means they may not be as playful and active as they usually are.
A sick kitten may also be prone to diarrhea, which could lead to vomiting, loose motions, and weight loss. These are some of the most common signs that mean your kitten needs veterinary treatment and attention.
By following the aforementioned tips on how to take care of a kitten, you would be able to give your new pet cat the attention and care it deserves while looking after its health.
