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Adopting a kitten from a rescue or local animal shelter is a rewarding experience. A healthy, well-cared-for cat can live around 15 to 20 years, meaning that you have years of fun to look forward to with your new furry friend.
Nevertheless, adopting a kitten is a big responsibility, one you have to be sure you are ready for before you make the commitment. Kittens need to be taught rules and boundaries, and they need acceptable outlets for their boundless energy. Here are some tips for taking care of the newest member of your family.
Kitten-Proof Your Home
Kittens are like human babies in that they explore the world with their mouths. This can them into trouble if they get ahold of something they could choke on or swallow something that is poisonous. Before bringing your new kitten home, look for things around the house that could be dangerous for her, such as medications, electrical cords, or ribbons. Put these things away in tightly closing medicine cabinets or plastic tubs with lids. Cats get better at jumping as they grow, so don't assume that something is out of your cat's reach just because it is on a high shelf.
Provide Appropriate Toys
Kittens have lots of energy, and they need appropriate outlets in which to expend it. If your kitten has plenty of toys around, he is less likely to get bored and start looking for mischief. Toys that look like prey animals because they have feathers or fur, make noise, or that move around may all be appropriate.
Store-bought cat toys should have a message on the package stating the age of the cat that they are appropriate for; pay attention to this. Catnip doesn't really affect cats until they are six months old, so save the catnip toys until your cat reaches this benchmark.
You can also make toys for your kitten yourself. Just make sure they are safe. For example, paper bags are fun for cats to crawl in and out of, but remove any string handles first. Under no circumstances should you ever give your kitten ribbons or string to play with. If she swallows it, it could get caught in her intestines and cause serious injury.
Get a Litterbox
Kittens have an instinctual urge to urinate and defecate on soft sand, a habit that has probably been reinforced by watching their mothers. Therefore, your kitten probably already knows what a litterbox is for and just needs to be shown where it is. If your kitty needs a little more encouragement, take him to the litterbox following playtime or meals. Don't try to force anything, but if he does what you want, give him positive reinforcement in the form of praise and maybe a special treat. Be patient with him and don't punish or scold him if he has an accident. Just clean it up and look for the next opportunity to praise him.
If your kitten doesn't seem to get the point about the litterbox, look to see if there are reasons why she is not using it. Cats don't like dirty litterboxes, so make sure you scoop the litterbox out on a daily basis. If your kitten is still very young, the sides may be too tall for her, so try to find a litterbox with shorter sides. Put the litterbox in an out-of-the-way place to give your kitty some privacy. Avoid startling her when she is using the litterbox, or she may associate it with fear.
Feed Your Kitten the Right Food
Growing kittens need more calories than adult cats do. Until your kitten is a year old, he needs food that is specially formulated to meet his nutritional requirements. When your kitten is young, it is appropriate to make dry food available at all times, but when he becomes an adult, he should have scheduled mealtimes so he doesn't put on weight. As with the litterbox, the food dish should be sized appropriately so your kitty can reach it. Your cat should have access to fresh water at all times. His food and water should be separate from his litterbox, preferably in a completely different room.
Provide a Scratching Post
Cats have a need to file down their claws by scratching. Rather than trying to discourage this behavior, you should provide an acceptable outlet for it in the form of a scratching post. There are also cardboard scratchers that sit on the floor that some cats prefer. Reward your kitten when she scratches on the scratching post, and redirect her when she tries to scratch on the furniture.
Find a Vet
Your veterinarian is where you will go for advice about unforeseen challenges that arise when raising a new kitten. If you do not already have a vet, ask for referrals from your friends who have cats. Arrange an initial consultation to introduce yourself and your cat to the vet. While all vets are qualified to treat pets of all types, some are more comfortable treating cats, which you should be able to tell during your initial consultation.
Get Your Cat Spayed or Neutered
If your kitten doesn't come to you spayed or neutered, arrange to have this done as soon as possible. Spaying or neutering does not have to wait until your kitten is grown up. It can take place at eight weeks of age. Spaying and neutering help prevent unwanted behaviors, such as spraying or yowling, and reduce your cat's risk of future health problems.
Be patient with your kitty, have a sense of humor, and enjoy this special period in his life. Kittenhood is short, so make the most of it while it lasts.
