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Basics For Your Kitten
The "nesting box" needs to be a safe, clean, warm, dry place for kittens to get the tremendous amount of sleep they need to grow and develop in the critical first few weeks. The nest box does not have to be elaborate, and using a cardboard box works just fine!! Warmth is going to be especially vital in the first two weeks of a kitten's life, as they are not able to shiver, and you cannot tell when they are cold. When using the heating pad, be sure to keep it on the lowest setting, and wrap it well with towels and waterproof pads. Set the heating pad BELOW the box itself, to one side or corner under the nest box, so that the kittens can move to a cooler area inside their box if it becomes too warm for them. You will want the nest box to be in a quiet, private, draft-free location, with the sides of the box high enough to keep the kittens in, and the overall box size large enough to allow for some exercise. Be sure that the kittens can not get stuck under some pads in the sides or corners of the box, or that they cannot climb under the layers of towels and get directly on to the heating pad (which is why I recommend placing the pad itself under, not in, the box). Basic Supplies Here's a list of items that will help you and your new kitten get off to a great start: * Bed or sleeping area * Water and food bowls * Toys * Litter box and litter * Cat carrier * Brushes and combs * Scratching post * Kitten Food * A collar (and I.D. tags) Provide a comfortable sleeping area to discourage your kitten from using the furniture. Check pet stores or make a bed from cardboard box. Place box in a warm, quiet spot. Choose bowls designed especially for cats - shallow, broad-based metal or ceramic bowls. Cat toys: avoid toys that have sharp edges or parts that your kitten might swallow; choose soft toys that bounce erratically (the more bounce, the better); beware of yarn and toys with strings. Yarn or string is dangerous if ingested. Supervise all play with these toys. When you bring your new kitten home, at first she may miss her family. She may wake up and meow during the night. Pick her up and comfort her by speaking soothingly and stroking her gently. Put a ticking clock by her bed to remind her of her mother's heartbeat. Put a hot-water bottle (100°to 102°F.) wrapped in a towel near her. This will remind her of her siblings. Easing The Transition Introduce your cat to your home gradually by following these helpful hints: * For the first day or two, keep your kitten confined to one room with a litter box, food and water. Let her become comfortable in this room before introducing her to the rest of the house. * After your new kitten is relaxed and acclimated, allow her to explore and roam the rest of the house. Kitten-Proof Your Home Keep small items such as tinsel, rubber bands, buttons and beads out of reach-your kitten could choke on them. Place all electric cords out of reach. Also be aware of those household products and plants that may be harmful to your new kitten. Cat Carrier You may bring your new kitten home in a cat carrier. Cat carriers are a safe and familiar place for your kitten when you visit the veterinarian or travel, and can keep your curious kitten out of trouble when need be. Litter Box You can help your kitten to understand what is expected by placing her in the litter box after feeding. Kittens do not need a full-size litter box and might do better in a box with lower sides (about 1 inch). Watch your kitten closely. When she begins nosing in corners or squatting, place her in the litter box. Gently scratch the kitten's front paws in the filler, so she begins to learn that this is the place to deposit and bury waste. If your kitten has an accident, wipe it up with a paper towel and place the paper towel in the litter box. Then place the kitten in the litter box and repeat the process of scratching with her front paws. Do not punish your cat for having an accident. This won't help her to learn to use the litter box, it will only teach her not to eliminate in front of you. When your kitten begins to understand, don't take her good behavior for granted. Continue to praise her for using the litter box. Grooming Your New Kitten It is important to make your kitten feel comfortable about grooming from an early age. Look into her ears, eyes, nose and mouth regularly. Look at her paws to prepare her for claw trimming when she needs it. Brush or comb your kitten regularly. Diet/Nutrition Kittens can benefit from a different kind of diet than adult cats, as their stomachs are smaller and their nutritional needs somewhat different. Feed your kitten a kitten food that is specially designed to meet her nutritional requirements. Feed her in small amounts, several times a day. Socialization The most desirable age to adopt a kitten is between 8 and 12 weeks of age. Kittens obtained after 12 weeks may be more difficult to manage. The experiences of kittens during their first few months of life are important in helping to shape their temperaments and personalities as adults. Your kitten will need time to adjust to her new environment, and understanding this is the first step in getting off to a positive start. Place your kitten in a small, quiet place with food and a litter box. As she becomes more comfortable, you can gradually allow her access to other rooms in the house. Talk quietly to your kitten and gently pet her. Set a regular time and place for feeding your kitten. A kitten separated from her litter-mates and deprived of play activity may demonstrate some behavior problems in later life. Play helps introduce her to her environment and is very important in her behavioral development. Stalking and pouncing on imaginary prey aids in a kitten's neural and muscular development. Your kitten's socialization can be enhanced by frequent petting and handling, as studies show that petting a young kitten can make her more responsive as an adult cat. Exposing kittens to as many people as possible is important in helping to lessen their fear of strangers as adult cats. Kittens should also be introduced to children. Show children how to pet the kitten. A kitten not socialized with children may reject or even bite them after she has matured. Holding and Carrying Place one hand under your kitten's chest and use your other hand to support the rear. Gently lift the kitten into the crook of your arm.
Sleeping Your new kitten will sleep up to 16 hours a day. Establish a sleeping place for her right away, but think twice before you make that spot your bed. Once she gets comfortable, your kitten may sleep there for the rest of her life. Playing It's not a good idea to use hands, fingers, feet or clothing when playing with a kitten, as your cute little kitten will eventually grow into a healthy-sized cat and you do not want to encourage aggressive behavior. Providing appropriate toys for exercising her natural predatory instincts of pouncing, stalking and chasing will ensure she has a safe and healthy outlet for these behaviors. Do not use toys that are too heavy for the kitten to move or that are small enough to be swallowed. Scratching Post A scratching post is an excellent investment for your new kitten. It will allow your kitten to scratch, stretch and exercise all at once. |
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