So you have decided to add a kitten to your household. Some basics of kitten care include preparing your home for the kitten, feeding and daily care, discovering things around the house that may be harmful to your new kitten, and responsible pet ownership.
To prepare your home for the new member, there are several things you should consider. First, look around your house, keeping in mind that kittens love to explore, to hide, to chew and to climb. Next, remove or place any dangling strings from curtains and such in high places so as not to tempt the kitty. Also remove breakables from shelves and secure low cabinets. Finally, keep the toilet lid down or, better still, restrict the kitten from the bathroom area.
Your kitten will have pretty basic needs, including a bed, a clean litter box, food & water, and a scratching post. Maintain these items as you would your own. When the cat’s bed becomes too full of loose hair, have it cleaned. When feeding a kitten, try to clean the food and water bowls at least once a day to prevent bacteria growth. You should also see that the litter box is cleaned often, fully replacing the litter every few days. It’s also a nice idea to have a few toys ready when you bring your kitten home.
Before letting your kitten have free-reign of the house, you must consider that some everyday house plants and chemicals can be deadly to cats. If you are unsure about any items in your house, do a bit of research online or phone your veterinarian.
Veterinary visits are a major responsibility when you care for a kitten. You must have your kitten examined as soon possible, not only for required vaccinations, but for a general check-up to make sure your new pal is settling in alright. You may also be require to register your pet with the local government (many cities require this, however it is not always a requirement for rural communities).
Some people find that litter training a kitten is quite easy. Most cats seem to be drawn to the litter box and need little or no assistance at all. However, some cats can be particularly difficult. You may find it easier to keep the litter box in an open, obvious area that the kitten can easily find. Also, do not completely replace the litter. Leaving a bit of "dirty litter" in the box can attract the kitten there as his nose will associate the litter box as the proper place to potty.
Owning a kitten is a fun and rewarding experience. Love and take good care of your kitten and you will have a loyal companion for years to come.
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