Adopting a kitten may just be one of the best experiences of your life. They’ll keep you company, offer fun, and be the perfect furry siblings for your kids. Did you know that cats can even be trained to provide emotional assistance?!
But becoming a cat parent can also feel overwhelming – especially if this is your first time as a pet owner. Fortunately, you don’t have to be alone in this! In this guide, we’ll cover all you need to know about getting your home ready to welcome a new kitten. We’ll also talk about the key factors to look for in a good vet – a professional figure who can guide you through the challenges of becoming a cat parent!
Pro tip: Looking to make things easier? Involve your whole family by teaching your kids how to treat pets with love and compassion!
Understanding and Providing for Scratching Behavior
As a pet parent, you’ll soon discover that kittens have instincts to scratch! While this is entirely normal, the last thing you’ll want is to sacrifice your couch or chairs! That’s why providing them with an appropriate outlet is crucial.
For example, investing in good-quality scratching posts can help protect your furniture and curtains. If you want options matching your home design and space needs, different types include free-standing, wall-mounted, or even corner scratching posts. Unsure which one to choose? Start with an essential alternative, then experiment to see what your kitten prefers!
Kitten-Proofing Your Home: Essential Steps To Keep Your Pet Safe
Bringing home a small kitten is just like looking after a small child! They’ll be drawn towards exploring cabinets and playing with cables. Because of this, it is important to be mindful of loose cords that can be chewed on, medicines, and other chemicals that may cause harm. Ideally, you should lock or store away potentially dangerous items and secure windows that can pose a threat. Last but not least, be sure to store away – at least for some time – those valuable items that can be easily broken.
Ensuring Freedom To Roam
Once adequately trained, you can let your kittens roam through your garden or terrace. This is the best way to allow them to enjoy exciting adventures over the day and keep them entertained when you are at work. But how can you keep your home secure in the meantime? Solutions such as sliding glass pet door installation can help you modify your access to the garden or outer area to ensure that your pets can roam free without compromising the security of your home.
Choosing the Right Kind of Litter for Your Kitten
You must train your kitten correctly during the first days and weeks at home. This will help establish a relationship of care and respect between you and your pet! For this, you’ll need to choose a type of litter that feels safe and comfortable for your kitten.
Speak to a specialist to understand what litter is best for your furry friend. And remember, your kitten may try to taste the litter at first – so you should find a safe type that won’t harm their digestive system!
What To Keep In Mind When Looking for A Good Vet
Finding a trustworthy vet isn’t always easy – especially as each kitten and pet parent may have unique needs. In any case, some of the must-haves to look for in a veterinarian include:
- Look for local recommendations from friends and family
- Check their online reviews
- Set up an appointment to get a first-hand experience of your chosen clinic
- Ask whether they accept walk-ins and whether they are available after-hours
- Check the range of services offered, as well as their price
- Learn more about how emergencies are covered
Giving The Gift of (Play)Time: Invest in Toys and Rethink Your Routine
Playtime is vital for your kitten’s development and bonding with you. Because of this, you should emphasize finding suitable toys – and don’t forget to look at your schedule to find enough time to dedicate to your kitten. According to guidelines by the Humane Society, it’s best to play at least two to three times a day, for about 15 minutes each time, using interactive toys. This helps your kitten stay active and happy and satisfies their instincts of chasing and hunting. The routine also enables you to create a stronger bond with your little furball!
Nutrition Basics: What to Feed Your Kitten
It goes without saying that proper nutrition is essential for the healthy development of your kitten. However, striking the right balance and finding the best food for your pet isn’t always straightforward. Although each kitten is unique – and you should seek the opinion of a specialized vet – you should keep in mind the following guidelines:
- Kittens generally need up to twice the energy intake of adult cats
- They may have particular dietary requirements
- Opt for kitten-specific food, which is specifically formulated for the nutrient-rich diet kittens require
- Prioritize high-quality protein sources like chicken, fish, or turkey
- Avoid food with artificial colors, flavors, or unnecessary fillers
Giving your kitten the wrong food can lead to serious health problems – so get it right by speaking to a vet!
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