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Read MoreCaring for kittens
A Guide To New Cat Parents
Caring for kittens is pretty similar to that of bringing up babies. Proper care and training when they are young increases the odds they will grow up to be healthy, well-adjusted adults.
Naturally, a new kitten is learning, growing, and becoming accustomed to their new home environment. They need to play and explore, but also feel as they are in a safe space.
Start welcoming a new kitten into your household with these tips.
caring for kittens essentials checklist
Having the basic essentials will help a kitten acclimate to her new environment faster. The list includes:
Bed – A kitten is growing so choose a bed that will not outgrow her size. Beds with removable outer covers will enable you to wash the areas that come in contact with your pet. Regular washing will help reduce the spread of bacteria, and eliminate on odors.
Food and Water Bowls – Avoid plastic bowls as they collect bacteria’s easily. Choose stainless steel and ceramic bowls instead. Do wash food and drink bowls daily.
Cat Litter – Your kitten will grow into a cat, and adult cats need a large and comfortable space as a toilet. Choose a litter that is unscented, absorbent, and dust-free to prevent any allergic reactions. Never place the litter box near your cat’s food and water. Cats do not pee and poop where they eat.
Toys – A kitten loves to climb and scratch. They are also inherently curious. Scratching posts, cat trees and interactive toys will keep her entertained.
Grooming – Keep a brush available to use. Brushing your kitten’s fur can help reduce shedding, distribute oils, and can prevent matting of fur.
Nail Trimmers – Scratching on furniture is a cat’s inherent nature. Keep a set of nail trimmer to prevent nail overgrowth because not all cats instinctively sharpen their nails.
Dental Care – Start a routine home dental care to reduce and help prevent tartar buildup and gingivitis.
feeding and caring for kittens
Just like a human baby, a kitten’s feeding requirements must be age appropriate and important in caring for kittens. First find out the kitten’s correct age.
Kittens have a higher requirement for protein, amino acids, and minerals. Ideally, kittens should get about 30% of their energy from protein.
Under Eight Weeks
Caring for kittens in this age group require special care including bottle-feeding the kitten for every two hours up to when they are four weeks of age.
Eight Weeks And Over
Once a kitten has surpassed eight weeks of age, they should be fed three to four times a day with normal kitten food rich in protein and highly digestible. Ensure the foods whether dry kibble or wet food to be formulated for kittens.
kittens hygiene
A kitten may not have the skills to clean themselves after eating or to self-groom to keep her fur clean. Human intervention is necessary to ensure your kitten is clean and healthy.
Cleaning After Food
After eating or if your kitten looks dirty or dusty, simply take a slightly damp soft cloth and wipe him down gently with one or two swipes.
Toilet Needs
A small kitten of a few weeks old and under needs help to eliminate. You will need to rub her abdomen and under her tail to encourage her to eliminate. Use a moistened cotton ball. You will need to do this after each feeding.
Check your kitten’s bottom daily as she cannot reach to clean under her tail. Wiping our kitten’s bottom with a soft damp cloth daily will keep her clean and odor-free until she learns to clean herself.
Bathing Your Kitten
Bathing a kitten or a cat is unnecessary unless she has a skin condition and your veterinarian recommends it. Use just a few inches of warm water in a tub or sink and kitten shampoo. Be sure to dry your kitten well with a towel and keep him warm until he is fully dry.
Grooming
Brush your kitten daily with a soft pet brush. This will help remove excess hair and will keep her cleaner. For kittens with long fur, try brushing her for a minute each time or twice per day.
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