Kittens are very cute but are they the right fit for your family?
Is there any creature on Earth cuter than a kitten? Behind the big eyes, soft fur and cute little meows there is some work involved to caring for a kitten.
Your first job as a the new parent of a pint-sized kitten is to keep them safe. Kittens love to explore and they can sometimes get themselves into trouble. Keep an eye on your new kitten and when you are not playing with them, while they are still small, crate them. Make their crate a cozy warm sanctuary, with fresh water and a litter box. Your kitten will sleep about 20 hours a day, which is normal, but when they wake up be ready to play!
It is not uncommon for curious kitten to become stuck in a vent, wall or a damaged piece of furniture. Make sure any holes in walls are repaired, vents are secure and cabinet doors stay closed and latched.
Be prepared with lots of toys! From feathers on string to bell-filled balls, kittens will chase anything. Don’t worry about catnip until your cat is at least one year old as catnip is an acquired taste. Young cats and kittens don’t respond as well as older cats to catnip.
Use your play time to socialize your new kitten. Invite friends over to hold and pet them. Play with their paws and claws and trim the tips of their claws to help prevent scratching and get them used to nail trimming. Never allow your kitten to hold on and bite your hands when playing or risk teaching them the bad habit of biting. Remember everything your teach them as kittens they will do as adult cats, so be on your best behavior.
Plan a trip to the vet for vaccinations and to schedule your kitten to be spayed or neutered.
At 6 to 8 weeks your kitten will receive their first round of vaccinations, de-worming and flea treatment. Your vet will advise you on your options for flea control and preventing parasites.
Having your kittens spayed or neutered young, usually around 12 to 16 weeks, can greatly reduce their risk of developing reproductive cancers.
Before you bring home any animal be sure you have the time energy and resources to care for them properly.