Kittens are adorable animals. If you are thinking about adopting a kitten, you should understand that the care a kitten requires is different than what an adult cat needs. Cats are very independent animals, but kittens need to be taught properly so that they can grow to become independent and social. If you are planning to adopt a kitten, there are a few kitten care tips that you should know.
Feeding Your Kitten
When you first bring your kitten home, it isn't a good idea to leave a bowl of food on the floor and let her feed herself. Instead, set up a feeding schedule. Kittens who are between three and six months old should be fed three times a day. You can scale down to twice a day when she is six months old. At this time, you can start leaving hard kitten food in a bowl on the floor for her to snack on between meals.
Litter Box
Kittens will often use the litter box instinctively. However, when you first bring your kitten home, you might need to help her. This means placing her in the litter box after she eats and after she plays. Within a week, she should be able to do this on her own.
Socialize Her
If you don't start socializing your kitten early, she will likely be skittish. She will want to hide rather than coming out and playing, and she won't be very friendly. As soon as you bring your kitten home, you should hold her and pet her often. It is also a good idea to invite people over to play with your kitten. Getting her used to you as well as other people who don't live in the home is essential.
Let Her Play
Kittens love to play. Therefore, you should get her some cat toys. There are toys available that allow your kitten to play alone and there are toys available so that the two of you can play together. You can also give her objects that she can explore and hide in. Most kittens love to play in paper bags and cardboard boxes.
Scratching Posts
Cats of all ages have an instinct to scratch. If you want to save your furniture and your door frames, you should get your kitten a scratching post. Each time she uses it, you should reward her with a treat.
As soon as you bring your kitten home, you should make an appointment with TLC For Pets in Reisterstown. It is crucial that your kitten sees our veterinarian for a complete exam and her first shots. We can also discuss having your kitten spayed or neutered which will be important in a few months.