Introducing The Kitten to Its New Home
By selecting a kitten as your pet, you have chosen an extremely clean pet with legendary skills for hunting and one that usually needs little housetraining because for most cats using the litter box is instinctual. All these advantages come in one furry package that requires little care but provides excellent companionship. Cats, however, demand that their love and loyalty be earned.
Cats must have regular meals, clean litter, grooming, and attention in the form of play. A cat will be quite content to live its entire life indoors provided that its owner offers companionship.
Needed supplies for a new kitten include: a proper health record with dates of vaccination and deworming, high quality kitten food, bowls for food and water, a litter pan with litter and scoop, a scratching pad and scratching post, grooming tools, a pet carrier and of course toys. Many cats will have better hydration and health with a fountain to provide circulating water.
Prepare your home for the new kitten before letting it loose. Be sure all doors and windows are closed to prevent escape. Place the kitten’s bed (crate) in a secluded area and the litter box in another quiet area. Take the kitten out and let it explore the room where it is to stay. Kittens and cats will explore endlessly until they feel totally comfortable in the surroundings.
When the kitten becomes comfortable, its tail will go straight up. Once it feels comfortable, it will start to groom itself.
Show the kitten the litter box, and place the kitten in it several times. It is rare for a kitten to reject the box. If this does happen, the litter box should be moved to another private area. If the problem continues, it may be necessary to change the type of litter you are using or to place several boxes around the home. It is recommended to have one more litter box than you have cats. In houses with several cats, it is also helpful to have litter boxes in at least two different rooms in the house. The kitten will find one that suits its need for privacy. Remember, cats are EXTREMELY clean pets.
It is surprisingly easy for kittens, cats and even dogs to adapt to each other – if they are introduced gradually and gently. Additionally, giving each animal its own personal area will provide a sense of security and comfort.
Allow the kitten plenty of REST TIME. Cats sleep about 22 hours each day. Adequate rest is necessary for optimum growth and development.
Guard against the kitten swallowing foreign objects. Quite often, we must perform surgery to remove foreign objects from the stomach and intestinal tract. These objects include string, fishing line, marbles, needles, or just about any other small object you can think of.
By reducing stress and allowing the kitten to feel comfortable on its own terms, you will enjoy many years of affection, love and loyal companionship.
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