Adopting a kitten is fun but also comes with responsibilities. To ensure that she grows into a healthy, happy adult cat; it takes the right food and care. Utilize these tips to create a strong bond for life.
Adopting a Kitten? 5 Tips for Raising Your Feline Friend
Nutritional Requirements
Resist the urge to buy cat foods solely based on brand recommendations or advertisement strategies. Kittens need specially formulated food with minimal carbs and fillers but with high taurine and protein ratios. You can consult animal care professionals such as those at the Glenvale Veterinary Clinic for advice.
However, don’t make a drastic diet change because it might cause stomach upset. Instead, introduce the new food slowly. Once your kitten has adjusted, only serve the food that meets the required nutritional levels.
Feeding Schedule
Kittens up to six months old need to have at least three meals per day, but they should not have dry food before eight weeks of age. You can also include snacks. At this stage in their lives, boneless fish, raw or cooked liver, and cooked egg yolk help with bone development. Feed tiny amounts of these in between meals, and serve all food on a shallow plate for easy access.
Liquid Intake
Contrary to popular belief, cats of all ages should not have cow’s milk because it causes stomach upset. Weaned kittens only need to have fresh water. If you have orphaned cats younger than six weeks, feed them replacement formula made for kittens.
Socialization
Cats only become aloof when they weren’t properly handled early on. That’s why it’s important to spend time socializing your new kitten. This includes frequent petting, grooming and playtime. Just like children, some kittens are more rambunctious than others. When your furry friend wants to scratch or bite during interactive time, give her a toy to redirect attention.
You should also get your little feline companion used to different textures, surfaces, people and noises. However, remember to make these experiences positive. This includes diligent supervision when she is around children and strangers.
Litter Box Access
Generally, kittens will instinctively seek out a litter box for relief because they like to cover their waste. You can help by placing her in the box after play and meal times. Clean the litter pan every day, and make sure it’s in a room where she has access around the clock. Additionally, the box should have low sides.
Of course, raising your new kitten should take place under a reputable veterinarian’s care. Only medical professionals can detect problems early on. They can also give advice in regards to appropriate immunizations and spaying or neutering procedures.
This sounds good to me looking good
These are great comments. People just do not realize there has to be structure.
These are all great tips. We just adopted another kitten a few months ago!
Wonderful tips! I miss my little kitty!
I’ve never adopted a kitten. Always been rescue adult cats. Good points.
All very important and great tips. We rescued a fur baby and make sure all of these tips are in play.
I adopted my 2 cats together when they were kittens and it was so much fun watching them play with each other. They are much older now but still do play occasionally.
All great tips! We’ve had many cats of all ages through out the years and they really are the easiest to care for if you know the basics. To me, it’s common sense, but I know someone who has never had a cat wouldn’t know some fairly simple things.
These are great tips, thanks for sharing!They are indeed a big responsibility that not everyone can handle. I have adopted all of the cats that I have had in my life and it has always been so rewarding. 🙂
Our family h ad a cat for 15 years. He was a stray long haired tabby. In the end diabetes got him. I am considering getting a new little kitty!
we love cats and kittens , just love them.
Lots to train if you get a kitten. I adopted mine when he was 10 months, so he was litter trained .. kind of