If you have decided to bring a new kitten into your life, you may have several questions pertaining to proper kitten care and raising a kitten. Of course, you will want to be a responsible pet owner and provide your furry friend with a happy and healthy environment. As such, the following information can teach you all you need to know about raising kittens, your new charge.
Tips on How to Raise a Kitten
Kitten Vaccinations and Dewormings
Kittens, just like human babies, need regular vaccinations to protect them from various illnesses. They will need several dewormings until they are about three months old as well. With that said, before you bring your kitten home, find out if it has had any vaccinations or dewormings.
It is recommended that you take your new feline baby to your veterinarian two or three days after bringing it to your home. In this way, you can set up a regular vaccination and deworming schedule for your pet. Finally, be sure to discuss a flea prevention program with your vet during your first visit.
Feeding Your Kitten
Proper nutrition is essential during the first stage of your kitten’s life. Your new feline family member will need a good food that is specially-designed for kittens and that provides all of the protein and calcium a growing cat needs. From about six to 12 weeks, you should feed your kitten three times per day.
At about 12 weeks, you can cut one meal out. The amount of food you will need to feed your kitten will vary depending on its age. As such, be sure to read the food’s label and feeding guidelines. Steer away from giving human food to your kitten and if you choose to offer treats, make sure they are meant for felines.
Litter Training Your Kitten
Fortunately, most kittens learn to eliminate in a litter box simply by observing their mothers. Nevertheless, there are some that do not. If this is the case with your kitten and you notice it squatting, pick it up, firmly say no and carry it to the litter box. Place it in the litter box, gently grab its paw and make scratching motions in the litter. Learn How to Litter Train a Kitten. Eventually, your kitty will learn where you want it to relieve itself.
The Importance of Kitten Socialization
Proper socialization can mean the difference between an unruly adult cat and an easy-going, friendly one. With that said, begin introducing your kitten to new people and other pets at an early age. However, always make sure that you supervise these interactions as felines can be easily spooked, especially by dogs.
Learning how to raise a kitten is quite easy when you use the tips described above. When you provide your new pet with the proper care, you can be sure that you will have a happy and healthy friend for many years to come.
Kitten Care Tips
- Kittens love to eat plants. Since many plants can harm animals, be sure to keep them away from your new pet.
- Keep your kitten’s litter box clean as cats do not like to use filthy boxes.
- Felines are curious by nature. As such, be sure to keep all cleaning products in a locked cabinet.
- Make sure your kitten has access to fresh water at all times.
- Invest in a pet tag, collar, bed, food dish and water bowl before you bring your kitten home.
A nursing kitten can suffer from a syndrome called Fading Kitten Syndrome. Learn more about this disease: Fading Kitten Syndrome.
