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Tips for Getting A New Kitten
By Tamara Sevigny
Welcoming a new kitten into your home is very exciting! …and overwhelming. There is a little more to just picking up your new friend and bringing her home. Here are a few suggestions to get you on your way.
Bringing a kitten home
When you first bring home your new friend put her in a small, quiet place with food, water and a litter box. It is tempting to hold and play with her constantly but better to let her adjust a little first. As she becomes more comfortable allow her access to other rooms.
Try to spend at least an hour a day with her to help her bond with you and get used to her new home. Talk quietly and pet her gently to avoid scaring her. Offer her toys and a scratching post. If you have children make sure they understand that she is not a toy, but a loving animal that must be treated with care and respect.
Cat carrier
Bringing your new kitten home in a carrier will familiarize her with the carrier early on. Carriers can become a safe and familiar place for your cat when you go to the veterinarian or travel and can keep her out of trouble when needed. Your kitten may enjoy it as a safe place to sleep when you first bring her home.
Kitten proof your home
Your kitten can get into a lot of trouble very easily. Keeping small items out of reach such as tinsel, rubber bands, buttons, beads, etc. will keep your kitten from choking on them. Also make sure household cleaners, detergents, medicines and other possible harmful products are out of reach. Keep electrical cords out of reach or wrapped in electrical tape.
Litter box
Your kitten will probably already be familiar with using a litter box when you bring her home. You can reinforce this or teach her by putting her in the litter box after eating. Make sure the litter box has low enough sides for her to get into it herself without any trouble. If she needs to be litter trained watch out for nosing in corners and squatting. If this occurs pick her up and put her in the litter box immediately. Gently scratch the kitten’s front paws in the litter to teach her that the litter box is where she should go to the bathroom and to bury it in the litter.
Grooming
It is important to make your kitten comfortable with grooming. At an early age start to brush her on a regular bases. Look at her eyes, ears, nose, mouth and paws. Gently squeeze her toes as you would to trim her claws if needed.
Diet
Your kitten should have a big appetite, and will require feeding several times per day. Always feed her in the same place and at the same time to establish a routine. Kittens need a different diet then older cats, their stomachs are smaller and nutritional needs are different. Feed her kitten food in small amounts. Avoid supermarket brands, but always use the same brand once you choose what is right for her.
Medical exams
Very soon after getting your kitten she will need to visit the veterinarian. At her first visit you should expect:
• A physical exam to determine the health of your kitten.
• Search for external parasites (fleas, ticks, lice, mites).
• Test for internal parasites (tapeworm, roundworm) if you bring a feces sample.
• First vaccines will be administered or discussion of the types of vaccines your kitten will need to receive.
• Discussion of eventual spaying or neutering and the age the operation should be done.
The first visit is very important. It will provide your veterinarian a reference to evaluate and compare the health of your kitten during future exams.
These are just a few things to get you on your way. Talking with your vet about any concerns and getting a book on caring for kittens and cats will ensure a long and happy life together for you and your feline friend.
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