Adopting a kitten is a fun and exciting process. A cat can bring warmth and happiness to any home and family. Cats make wonderful companions and require varying levels of playtime, attention, and exercise based on the individual cat’s needs. Most kittens, however, have a common set of needs in order to grow into healthy adult cats. Read on for our top 10 kitten care tips.
1. Choose the Right Food
Like people, baby cats have different food needs than adult cats. Kitten food can be wet or dry and should be high-protein and easy to digest. Some pet owners will give kittens a mix of wet and dry food. Adult cat food does not have the same level of caloric and nutritional content as kitten food, so it is important to choose a food formulated specifically for kittens. Quality kitten foods usually contain:
- DHA (fatty acids)
- Taurine (amino acids)
- Folic acid
- At least 35% protein
You can give your kitten high-protein foods like cooked egg yolk, boneless fish, and cooked or raw liver to help build strong bones. Be sure to consult your veterinarian for assistance in planning your kitten’s diet.
2. Keep Water Available at All Times
After weaning, kittens lose the ability to digest milk sugar efficiently. Therefore, water should be available for your kitten at all times. Set up water bowls around your house for your kitten to find, and be sure to direct them to the water for the first few weeks as they get to know your house. Choose shallow bowls that are easy for kittens to use. Change the water at least once per day, as many kittens will reject water that is not clean. Try a running water fountain if your kitten is reluctant, as instinctively, cats gravitate towards running water and associate still water with contamination.
3. Start Litter Box Training Immediately
When you first bring your kitten home, try to keep them in the same room with the litter box as much as possible. For most kittens, using the litter box will be instinctual because cats naturally prefer to bury their waste. If the box is nearby and easy-to-find, they will likely start getting used to it quickly.
During the first few weeks, place your kitten directly into the box after eating or play to help them make the association. Make sure you are keeping the box clean – otherwise, they may be discouraged from using it. You will need to invest in a scoop and a quality litter box.
4. Make a Spaying/Neutering Appointment
There are multiple health reasons to spay or neuter your cat, including avoiding cancer and unwanted pregnancies. Appointments generally take less than half an hour and are available at many humane societies and veterinary clinics.
The procedure can be done as early as 8 weeks and should be done prior to 6 months of age. Be conscious of the following abnormal recovery symptoms:
