Our New Furry Friend

A new edition to the family is always exciting, it is no different with furry additions to the family. Kittens are fun and playful and bring a sense of joy. Rescuing kittens has its own special reward. Deciding to get a kitten is the easy part. You need to make sure that you and your family are ready for the responsibility of taking care of the little bundle of energy.

You need to make sure that you have everything in place to make the kitten feel safe and comfortable.

Preparing your home for your new kitten

You must remember when you bring your new kitty home, they have just left their mum, siblings and first home. With this in mind, making them comfortable and relaxed is very important. You want your pet to bond with you and feel at home with you and your family.

Here are a few necessities you will have to buy before bringing your kitten home.

  • A litter tray or two – house training a cat is usually quite easy. Kittens have an instinct to use sand to go to the toilet, so it is generally a case of showing them where the litter tray is.
  • Kitty bed – especially in the first few weeks, during this time your kitten may become overwhelmed. That is why it is important to have a safe space for your kitten to go to. A bed that is out of the way of drafts and other elements. This does not have to be an expensive pet bed, but safe, warm and dry are the most important things to remember.
  • Toys for your kitten – little feline fur balls love to play. When you are choosing toys for your kitten make sure they are age appropriate. A stuffed toy for your kitty’s bed might be a good idea as well, it will help him or her feel more secure. The toys you choose should be able to entertain your kitten when you are not there too. No one likes to be bored and your cat will keep mind and body active this way.
  • Pet food is very important. To help ease your kitten into its new home, try and keep the food the same. If you feel you need to make changes to your cat’s diet, do not make the change all at once. Gradually change the food to what your vet recommends to ensure the health and happiness of your kitten.
  • Food and water bowls – make sure you get bowls that your kitten can easily reach the food and water when they need it.

Please do not give your kitten large amounts of fresh milk, it potentially causes diarrhea, ensure there is always fresh water available.

Tips before you bring your kitten home

Finding a vet may seem like something you should do after your kitten is home, but finding a vet before your cat comes home is a good thing. We believe that finding a Vet that you are comfortable with will make your kitten feel more secure on their visits.

Other pets will need to be introduced slowly; this ensures you do not overwhelm your new kitten. Training new pets can be time consuming and is a big responsibility. You need to train your kitten not to scratch your furniture and that scratching in general is not acceptable, unless it is on their scratching post.

Playing with your kitten is not only bonding time, it also helps to hone your kitten’s natural instincts. The games you play with your little cat helps to keep them fit and healthy too, it is important to set aside time to play with your new pet.

Remember to clean out their litter box daily of any solid waste and if you use clumping litter to clean out the whole box every 3 to 4 weeks.

First few weeks

Kittens are commonly homed at 6 weeks or after. This is when they will be able to eat solid foods, run, play and learn.

During the first few weeks of your kitten’s time with you, you will be a regular visitor to your vet. Crofton Downs Veterinary clinic is capable and ready to take care of all your kitten’s needs all the way through to adulthood and maturity.

Your first visit will be a check-up to make sure your kitten is in good health, if your kitten has already been vaccinated before you took it home, you will not need any vaccinations during this visit. If not, the vet will discuss with you which vaccinations are due and if your kitten is healthy enough.

Your kitten, even if they are an indoor fur baby, will get their first dose of deworming medicine at the first Vet visit. They will get checked for external parasites like ticks or fleas and be given treatment if necessary.

After the initial visit your vet will set up a schedule with you to bring your kitten in on a regular basis between the age of 6 weeks and 16 weeks. It is usually 4 visits. This is to make sure that your pet is getting enough nutrition and. This will give your vet the opportunity to give your kitten all the vaccinations they need during this period.

After the initial examinations and vaccinations, we suggest that you bring your kitten in every 12 months for a full examination and their booster shots.

If you ever have any concerns or if your kitten seems to be lethargic or acting differently, we have skilled veterinarians standing by to give your pet the best possible care. If you have any questions about the care or training of your kitten, our friendly staff and vets are happy to give you all the advice you need.

We look forward to meeting you and your furry family member and hearing all the wonderful stories about your kitten’s antics. Remember to bond with your new fur baby, it is therapeutic, not only for your kitten, but for you too.