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Bringing a new kitten into your home is an exciting experience! Who doesn't love a cute and cuddly ball of fur? Along with the snuggles and purrs, it's important to remember that your new kitten also requires a lot of care and attention to help them grow into a healthy, happy, and confident adult cat. As a pet owner, we want you to know how to properly care for your kitten and when to take them to the vet. At North Powers Animal Hospital, we're here to give you the information you need and help you give your new feline friend a great life. In this article, we'll cover important topics like how to pick up your kitten, how to tell if your kitten is happy and healthy, and more.
What is the Most Important Thing to Know About Raising a Healthy Kitten?
Preventative care is essential when it comes to raising a healthy kitten. Not only do kittens need vaccinations and flea and tick prevention, but we also should screen kittens for health problems, since cats tend to hide signs of illness rather than being obvious at the start. They also need a balanced diet, plenty of exercise, and playtime. We also need to teach kittens how to socialize, to help them become comfortable around people and other animals.
The Right and Wrong Ways to Pick Up Your Kitten
It may be surprising, but there is a right way and wrong way to pick up a kitten. The wrong way is picking them up by their scruff, which can cause pain and injury. The right way is supporting their chest with one hand while using the other hand to support their hind legs and bottom. Keep them close to your body for support and comfort, but don't hold them too tightly, as this can cause stress. If they become restless or agitated, gently place them back down on the ground. You may need to practice several times to get your kitten used to being picked up and held. As adults, some cats enjoy being picked up and held, while others prefer to be loved on the ground, but training your cat to be picked up is an important part in their overall care. Using treats as positive reinforcement can make this a more positive experience for you and your kitten.
How to Tell if Your Kitten is Happy and Healthy
There are several signs to look out for to determine if your kitten is happy and healthy. Happy kittens purr, meow, eat regularly, groom, knead, use their litter box, and engage in playtime with toys or people. Many also snuggle up with their owners, but some cats prefer to spend time supervising you from a distance instead! If your kitten is displaying these behaviors, it's a good sign that they are healthy and content. Contact your veterinarian right away if you notice any sudden changes in your kitten's behavior or think there might be something wrong.
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How to Feed Your Kitten
Kittens and adult cats have different dietary needs, so it's important to select a high-quality kitten food with a large proportion of animal-based protein, calcium, and phosphorus. This is because kittens need proper nutrition to support their rapid growth and high energy levels. Wet food is higher in moisture, which can help with hydration, urinary tract health, and kidney function. Dry food is easier to feed in multi-cat households and can help with oral hygiene. However, some cats may overeat dry food and gain excessive weight, leading to various health problems. Measuring your cat's food helps you to monitor their overall food intake, and helps prevent obesity. Exposing your kitten to wet and dry food at an early age is important, so that they recognize both types as good food to eat.
Kittens have higher energy needs than adult cats, making it difficult for them to get enough calories in one meal. We recommend feeding kittens three to four meals a day, and incorporating puzzle toys and "hunting" behavior to help kittens with mental stimulation and learning, as well as a constructive way to burn off some of their boundless energy! Pay attention to your kitten's specific nutritional needs, including protein, amino acids such as taurine, minerals, and vitamins for healthy growth and development. When in doubt about what food best suits your cat's needs, talk to your veterinarian.
Necessary Products for Your Kitten
Food and water bowls: Choose wide, shallow bowls that allow your kitten to easily access their food and water without their whiskers constantly contacting the sides of the bowl. Some cats find this more comfortable and may be less likely to avoid their bowls.
Litter box: Your kitten's litter box should have a low entrance or be low-profile enough that they can easily climb in and out. As your kitten grows and becomes more confident, you can transition to larger litter boxes.
Beds and resting areas: Provide several safe places for your kitten to rest and sleep. Ideally, these should include both floor-level and elevated options. Having multiple resting spots allows your kitten to choose where they feel most comfortable while also giving them opportunities to safely explore their new environment.
Cat tree or climbing area: A lower-profile cat tree can provide a safe place for your kitten to perch and observe their surroundings. Elevated spaces can help cats feel secure while also encouraging appropriate climbing and exploration.
Grooming supplies: Basic grooming supplies should include nail trimmers and a soft slicker brush. Kittens should become accustomed to regular grooming and nail trims early in life. Additional grooming tools may be necessary depending on your kitten's coat type.
Toys: Offer a variety of toys to encourage play and exploration. Wand toys and toys that move, make noise, or mimic prey can provide excellent opportunities for interactive play. However, toys containing feathers, strings, ribbons, or other small parts can become an ingestion hazard and should only be used with supervision. Rotate your kitten's toys regularly to keep them interesting, and keep several toys available so you can periodically switch their selection.
Scratching posts: Provide both vertical and horizontal scratching surfaces. Pay attention to where your kitten naturally wants to scratch and place an appropriate scratching post or pad nearby. Matching the type and location of scratching surface to your kitten's preferences can make it much easier to teach them where scratching is appropriate while protecting your furniture.
Collar and identification: Collars are optional, but if you choose to use one, select a properly fitted breakaway collar. Identification tags can include your contact information. Some kittens may find bells irritating or frightening, particularly if they are sensitive to noise.
Pet carrier: A secure carrier is essential for transportation and veterinary visits. Choose one that can be safely secured in your vehicle and that provides enough room for your kitten to sit, stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Training treats: Small, high-value treats can be extremely useful when teaching your kitten new behaviors and helping them develop positive associations with handling and veterinary visits. Small treats, dental treats, or lickable treats can all work well. The goal is to find something your kitten loves and use it as positive reinforcement.
Pheromone support: Some kittens may have difficulty adjusting to a new home or may be particularly nervous during the transition. A feline pheromone diffuser may be helpful in creating a more comfortable environment for these kittens.
When to Take Your Kitten to the Vet for Exams and Vaccinations
Schedule your kitten's first veterinary appointment as soon as possible after bringing them home. Kittens should start seeing a veterinarian when they are 6-8 weeks old. Because of this, your new family member may already have their first set of vaccines before going home with you. The remaining vaccinations will be administered in a series until your kitten is 16-20 weeks of age. Core vaccinations will protect your kitten from the most common diseases: feline distemper (panleukopenia), feline viral rhinotracheitis (feline herpes virus 1), calicivirus, and rabies. The American Association of Feline Practitioners also recommends that all kittens start the feline leukemia vaccine series until they are 1 year of age; after that, it becomes a lifestyle vaccine. The feline leukemia vaccine (FeLV) is important for cats who live outdoors or spend time around outdoor cats, but also protects your kitten if they escape outside, or if you bring a new cat into the home. Your vet will help you determine which vaccinations are most important for your new feline friend.
Getting the Most Out of Your First Vet Visit
Your first vet visit with your kitten is an excellent opportunity to ask questions and learn more about caring for your new pet. Gather relevant paperwork such as adoption documents, medical records, and vaccination history. It's also helpful to make a list of any medications or supplements your pet is on, along with the food they are being fed. Bring your kitten's favorite treats and toys for the vet and their staff to give them during their appointment, which can help build trust and positive associations with going to the vet. Plan to bring a stool sample to the visit to check for intestinal parasites. Be proactive by making a list of any symptoms your kitten is exhibiting, along with your concerns. This will help your veterinarian better understand your pet's needs.
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Early Signs of Health Issues in Your Kitten
Familiarize yourself with the early signs and symptoms of health issues in your kitten. Concerning symptoms include:
- Decreased appetite
- Decreased energy levels
- Diarrhea
- Not using the litter box
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Sneezing
- Discharge from the eyes or nose
- Changes in behavior from normal
Kittens can become very ill in a very short period of time, so these signs typically require immediate attention. Common health issues affecting kittens include upper respiratory infections (URI), intestinal parasites, ear mites, and fleas. If you observe any of these signs in your kitten, take them to the vet for a checkup as soon as possible.
Understanding Kitten Behavior
A kitten's parents and littermates influence their behavior, so it's important for them to spend time with their mother and siblings to learn appropriate social skills and how to be a cat. Kittens communicate using various vocalizations like meows, purring, hisses, and growls. They also use body language, such as rubbing, rolling over, and stretching. Understanding these signals can help you decipher your kitten's needs and feelings. A kitten walking quickly with an upright/question mark tail is a confident kitten who is interested in interaction, while flat ears and a twitching tail may mean that your kitten is scared or irritated.
Kittens are known for their playfulness, which is essential for developing vital adult skills. There are three main forms of play in kittens: social play with their mother or littermates; object play to develop eye-paw coordination and hunting skills; and locomotory play, which aids in developing balance and agility. Cats are most active during dawn and dusk, as this is the time they are most likely to catch prey in the wild. This is one of the best opportunities to interact with play and hunting, as it fits your cat's natural rhythms of behavior. Be sure to allow them to catch their prey at the end, to avoid frustration.
Kitten Care at North Powers Animal Hospital
Raising a kitten is a rewarding experience that will bring you joy and companionship for years to come. However, you must understand their needs to ensure a healthy, happy life. North Powers Animal Hospital is here to provide you with everything your kitten needs to enjoy a long, healthy, and happy life.
If you live in or near Colorado Springs, CO, and are looking for quality pet care, come visit us at North Powers Animal Hospital where your pet is our priority. Contact us at (719) 212-1857 to set an appointment, or email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!