Welcoming a new four-legged child into your home can bring with it some insecurities. Even experienced owners often wonder how to care for kittens .
Whether it’s an unexpected pregnancy or adoption, a baby pet needs special care, and we need to be prepared. If you’re wondering how to care for a kitten , you’re in the right place! Keep reading and learn 7 tips for a smooth adaptation.
1. Starting at the right time
Cats are very cute, and when they are babies, they are even more charming! However, you need to be calm when welcoming a kitten into your home. Dr. Cássia Paulon explains that the first step in caring for a newborn cat is knowing the right time to adopt. “The ideal is to wait until they are two months old,” she explains.
During this period, the cat must live with its mother and siblings. This is an important phase for the pet’s maturation and development, explains the Petz veterinarian.
2. Have the right accessories
Another important point about how to care for a kitten is to have the right accessories for the cat. Imagine that you are moving to a house without a stove, refrigerator, bed or shower. Living with a kitten will be a little complicated, right?
It’s a similar situation for pets, who need certain items for their development. Dr. Cássia recommends that every home with a cat have them. Of course, the pet will need a lot of love and attention. However, these items will make it easier for the kitten to adapt and make it feel safer.
- Litter box: this item is essential not only for keeping the house clean. Cats feel uncomfortable doing their business outside of the litter box. Having a litter box is a way to show them that they are welcome;
- Feeders and waterers: this is another way to show that the home is welcoming the puppy. By identifying that the area always has food, the pet creates a routine and becomes less insecure;
- Toys: kittens have a lot of energy! And to stimulate their development, toys are essential. In addition to contributing to the pet’s maturation, they help to de-stress and relieve some tasks for the guardians,
- House or bed: cats love to hide and feel protected. That’s why a bed is so important. Dr. Cássia explains that it doesn’t have to be a traditional bed. Some cats like dens and boxes, which are easily found in stores like Petz.
3. Take care of your diet
If your cat has recently had babies and you’re wondering how to care for a kitten , feeding them will be easier. Up until about three weeks of age, the mother usually takes good care of her offspring, providing her with rich and nutritious breast milk.
After this time, it is recommended to start introducing kitten food , preferably from the super premium category. This type of product is made with noble ingredients and has the exact amounts of nutrients that a kitten needs to develop.
If the kitten is less than three weeks old and, for some reason, cannot feed on its mother’s milk, it is advisable to look for pet milk. It should be given using special cat bottles, with a shape adapted for the kitten. These products are easily found in specialized stores, such as Petz.
If you find homemade recipes that recommend giving your cat cow’s milk or other similar food, don’t be fooled. Veterinarians stress that these products can cause harm to the animal’s body. “Cow’s milk, for example, can cause gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea,” explains Dr. Cássia.
4. Place some hiding places around the house
Cats are naturally suspicious pets. Due to their somewhat wild nature, it takes them a while to become intimate and they need to feel safe. One tip when thinking about how to care for kittens is to spread some hiding places around the house. “It is recommended to leave several resting places throughout the house,” says Dr.
Another tip is to place these spaces at different heights. Cats, due to their natural characteristics, love to shelter at heights. And don’t worry: there’s no need to worry about falling. Cats are very skilled and always land on their feet.
5. Remember about vaccinations and deworming
Another fundamental aspect of caring for a kitten is to take care of its health. In this regard, it is important to remember vaccinations and deworming. These simple practices can prevent health problems and even serious illnesses. Dr. Cássia reminds us of some of the main vaccinations:
- Multiple vaccine: prevents different diseases, common in cats. It should be administered from 60 days of age,
- Anti-rabies: prevents the dreaded rabies, a serious and fatal disease. It should be administered from the 5th month onwards.
Find a veterinarian to check your four-legged friend’s vaccination record. They will be able to indicate all the necessary procedures.
6. Get castrated
We often associate neutering with adult cats only. However, Dr. Cássia states that when we think about caring for kittens , this is an important point. “From 6 months of age, we can already consider neutering cats,” she explains.
In addition to being a key procedure for responsible pet ownership, neutering has been proven to prevent diseases in cats, such as cancer and infections.
7. Provide games and lots of activities
Anyone who thinks that cats are sleepy and lazy is because they have never had a newborn cat at home! These little beasts love to have fun with toys, cuddles and little hunts!
To help your furry friend develop, it is essential to offer plenty of games and activities. “Cats usually like balls, scratching posts, feather wands and catnip toys ,” says Dr. Cássia.
However, it is essential that the owner dedicates time to playing with their friend. Affection and games are great ways to strengthen relationships and, therefore, make your pet more comfortable and safe.
Remember that caring for kittens is an adventure with some tasks. However, the whole process is certainly rewarded by the company of adorable kittens.