What to expect when you get a kitten?
Getting a kitten is exciting and the first month will be a time to learn! Beginning with the essentials: take a trip to the nearby store and get cat food and treats, dishes, a litter box, bed, carrier, collar and ID tags, brush or a flea comb. If you have elderly cats at home, you might want to get synthetic calming pheromones. This helps older cats and the new kitty feel calm and relaxed as they get to know each other.
The Setup
Think about a cosy space to place the bed. Storage for food and toys must be found. For those with other cats you’ll need to find room for one more litter box!
The first few days
This is the honeymoon period and it will be so exciting! At the top of your priority list should be litter box training. Allow this time for your kitty to explore your home and acclimate to the living conditions. If you have any other pets, let them sniff your new furry feline from a distance and keep the kitten in a single room until your pets are comfortable with your kitten. Plan a visit to The Cat Hospital in the first week, for vaccinations and a health check. Your vet will check for parasites and other health issues. It’s also a great time to ask questions! We’re here to help.
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From Day 10 On
By now, your kitten will know where the litter box, food and water is found. You need to train your kitten about boundaries and household rules. Be as affectionate as possible and reward your kitty for good behaviour.
Encourage your furry friend to venture outside its comfort zone little by little every day. Get your cat a fitting collar and add some identification, for instance, a name tag with a phone number. You can come to The Cat Hospital for a permanent form of identification, such as a microchip.
At this point, you might notice new behaviours such as scratching, climbing, chewing and jumping. Yet another trip to the store, you reckon? You can explore the many choices in scratching surfaces, items to climb, toys, and even catnip.
Expose your kitty to new sights and sensations. By now, your cat should get used to wearing a collar, riding in a pet carrier or a car, and grooming activities such as bathing, brushing and nail trimming. With all this, your kitten will grow into a well-balanced adult.
Things to know about feeding
Up to six months: Feed your kitten three to four times per day. This is the time for rapid growth and development. So, put her on a quality kitten diet to meet her energy needs. To make things easier, free-feed your kitty by leaving a bowl of kibble.
Six to nine months: The kitten enters adolescence and growth slows. Feed your kitty no more than twice a day and transition away from free-feeding.
Nine to twelve months: By this time, your cat is approaching adulthood. Begin the transition to adult cat food. Keep a keen eye on their weight.
We’re Here to Help
The team at The Cat Hospital say “Congratulations”! We love cats and we know you will too. Give us a call to schedule your first visit!
Call Us Today (236) 425-1111 | Visit Our Office at 1338 Battle St., Kamloops BC | Email Us: info@thecathospital.ca