6 Tips for First-time Kitten Owners

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Making the decision to become a cat owner is an exciting time, and no one can resist the idea of a tiny ball of fluffy fun coming into their home. Of course, as you would expect with any new journey into pet ownership, it is likely that there will be some bumps in the road as you adjust to life with your new family member. The first few weeks are probably going to be the most challenging, but there are steps you can take to ease the transition. If you are considering bringing a kitten into your home and are not sure what to expect, here are 6 tips to help you put your best paw forward.

Choosing the right kitten

Choosing the right kitten

It is rarely a good idea to present someone with a kitten (or any pet) as a surprise. Everyone in the household needs to agree to the new addition and what the change will mean, and you need to be sure that no one is allergic. When you are all sure, it is time to decide on the type of kitten that you want. You might be interested in a particular breed or color of kitten but remember that all of them have their own personalities, so be sure to meet them before you commit. Kittens should not leave their mother or littermates until they are at least eight weeks old.

Get the kitten checked by a vet

Get the kitten checked by a vet

One of the first jobs on your list should be to get them checked over by vets in Liberty Park, AL. They will check them for signs of illness or developmental issues so you can have peace of mind your kitten is in good shape and has been well cared for up to that point. You should also ensure that your kitten has all the vaccinations they need before being allowed outside.

Kitten-proofing the home

Kittens are adventurous and curious, and in many cases, have no sense of danger. They will climb anything they can get their claws into, eat just about anything they can, and will crawl into the tiniest of spaces. Before your kitten is allowed to roam the house, make sure you have kitten proofed as much as you can. It is best to delay introductions to other pets in your house until they are settled in, and the eventual introduction should be gradual and always supervised.

Choose high-quality food

Choose high-quality food

Choose a place for your kitten’s food and water bowls that is in a calm area and not accessible to your other pets. Their water should be refreshed every day, and you should feed them the highest-quality food that you can to help them grow up as strong and healthy as possible.

Have two litter boxes

Cats are naturally clean animals and are often reluctant to use a litter box if it is dirty. This is why many experts recommend that you have two litter boxes, so they always have an alternative and that you keep on top of cleaning it regularly.

Make time for play and socialization

Kittens are bundles of energy, and when they are not kept busy, they can become destructive. You should play with your kitten as much as possible to tire them out and develop the bond between you. It is also wise to introduce them to as many new people, sounds, and smells as possible, so they grow into a confident and friendly cat.

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