Kitten Care Tips for Beginners

Bringing up a kitten is no different to raising a child. A new kitten in your family deserves the best treatment, proper care and training. Giving a good upbringing to the new kitten requires commitment but one thing I can assure you that it will be repaid tenfold with a loving companion for lifetime. So, if you are looking for adopting a kitten, these tips are for you:

Find a good vet: Look for the best vet in your area. If you are new to this, you can ask your friends who already have pets. The very first thing you will be doing as a pet owner is to get the basic physical examinations done by the vet.

Also, you should be well aware of your kitten’s age as the nutrition requirement and health condition of a kitten largely depends on his age just like nutrition requirements of human infant is different from that of an adult human.

Discuss as much as you can with your vet: Try to take maximum out of your first conversation with your vet. After getting all the physical examinations done by your vet, you can ask for vet’s recommendations on type of food, frequency of feeding and portion size. You can also discuss how to control internal and external parasites for keeping your kitten safe. Socialization and the early signs of illness should be among other things which you will discuss with your vet. Also, ask him for future vet visits and vaccinations which you have to provide to your vet. You vet will also guide on how to introduce your kitten to other pets in the house.

Offer your kitten quality food: Shopping quality food for your kitten is seriously not a piece of cake. You should buy commercial pet food which is especially formulated for kittens. Growing kittens have very specific nutrition requirements which are as much as three times compared to adult ones. While selecting food for your kitten, you should look for balanced nutrition and check whether the food is AAFCO (Association of Animal Feed Control Officials) certified or not.     

Learn to feed and establish a feeding schedule: To meet the nutritional requirements of your kitten, you have to learn how to feed a kitten. You should also make a feeding schedule after discussion with your vet according to the age of your pet. Most vets will recommend feeding a kitten 3 times a day when he is 3-6 months old. Once he gets over 6 months, you can feed him twice daily. Also, provide a fresh bowl of water all the time so that the kitten doesn’t develop diarrhea.    

Socialize, socialize and socialize: Well, your vet has declared your kitten healthy and free of all diseases. Now, you can introduce your kitten to surroundings. Playing with your kitten and introducing him to other pets will strengthen the bond of your relationship. It is always a daunting experience for a tiny kitten to adjust to a new place, so it is your duty to make him comfortable. Good socialization in kittenhood has a great impact on the behavior of an adult cat.    

Also, reward your kitten every time for his good behavior by petting or offering him a treat.

Get kitten toys and other essentials: Take proper of care of your kitten’s entertainment. Offer him toys which he can play with. Toys will keep the kitten busy and entertained. You don’t need to spend so many bucks on toys. Kittens will stay occupied even with a cardboard box.

Also, get all the products for the grooming of the kitten. You should make your kitten familiar with grooming at an early age. Brushing, combing and cleaning teeth are the most basic requirement of grooming.      

Here is the list of essentials for your kitten:

• Collar and ID tags
• Scratching post
• Food bowls
• Cat brush
• Litter box and cat litter
• A comfortable, warm cat bed
• Cat carrier
• Kitten safe toys
• Cat toothbrush and toothpaste

Ensure a good sleeping place for him: Offer him a quite room where he can feel secure and comfortable. The room should be clean, dry and have all the basic amenities. A litter box, comfortable bed and food and water bowls are the most basic requirements in your kitten’s room.

Keep a close watch on his health: A new kitten may be at the risk of diseases. It is wise to keep a close eye on the health of your pet so that you can get to know about the disease before it is too late. If you see any of the following symptoms, it is time to contact your vet:

• Vomiting
• Lack of appetite
• Tiredness
• Breathing problems
• Nasal discharge
• Weight loss
• Pale gums
• Swollen or red eyes
• Swollen abdomen

After all, your new kitten is ought to have the best possible start in his life.