There’s a lot to think about before committing to a new pet, but even more so when you’re considering a very young one. If you’re wondering whether to choose a kitten over an adult cat, there are important things to know in order to make an informed decision. Prepare yourself and ensure your household is a ready space for any new kitten.
- They Will Demand a Lot of Energy
While adult cats are famously independent and don’t mind being left alone for a while, kittens will require a lot of attention, play time, and care, and will have heaps of energy. This means that you need to be prepared to give a lot of time and attention to a new kitten.
- They Will Need to be Constantly Supervised
Kittens cannot be left alone at home in the early days, which means this can be problematic for those who can’t get time off work or have very busy lifestyles. When bringing a kitten home, you’ll need to make sure that you can take time off from everything else for a while in order to never leave them alone and constantly supervise them.
This is because not only do kittens need to learn to socialize, but they could get into a lot of trouble if they’re left alone to explore.
- Your Home Will Need to be Kitten-Proof
Home preparation is key before your kitten arrives. You will need to make sure that there is absolutely no opportunity for your kitten to escape, such as open windows or doors, and that everything they can scratch, chew, or damage like wires are moved out of sight. Your home may need a thorough overhaul to make sure it’s ready for a new kitten.
- Their Health Plan Can Be Demanding
When you’re taking home a kitten rather than a cat, this means that there are many more expectations when it comes to health and well-being, and this will need to be done in a shorter space of time in the early days. Kittens will require more initial vaccinations and treatments which will need to be done by a certain time as they grow.
When considering initial vaccinations and treatment plans for your kitten, it’s a good idea to consult with vet services like veterinarianmidlothianva.com so you can best understand exactly what your growing kitten needs.
- You Will Need to Implement Litter Box Training as Soon as Possible
Your kitten has the opportunity to make a mess in your home, so introducing them to their litter tray as soon as you can is key. This is also going to require patience and training with positive reinforcements to help encourage your kitten to use the litter tray.
- They Will Probably Disturb Your Sleep
Kittens, like puppies, will normally cry during the night when you have gone to bed. As it’s encouraged that you leave your kitten near their litter tray and not in the bedroom with you, it’s more likely that they will cry upon being separated. Even though this will stop eventually when they learn, be prepared for lots of disturbed nights.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
Speak Your Mind