Kitten Care

You’ve made a new furry addition to your family – fantastic! When your kitten is still so small and cute, it could be tough to imagine them with kittens of their own. However, as your cat reaches sexual maturity between four to six months old, they could potentially have kittens whilst they are still kittens themselves! Therefore as a new pet owner, you’ll need to start thinking about cat neutering early on. Neutering felines means that your cat will avoid any unplanned pregnancies and it can also protect them from certain diseases.

Cats and kittens are playful by nature, they love interacting with you and the fun they have when playing is a reward in itself! Kitten play has numerous benefits for your cat, including encouraging exercise, helping you both bond and engaging their natural hunting instincts. Most importantly, kitten play is incredibly fun for both you and your cat! We’ve put together this useful guide packed full of useful information to tell you everything from what are the best kitten toys to the reasons behind why cats actually like to play. Keep reading to find out more. Why do cats like to play? According to? Vet Street, your kitten’s love for play actually relates to their wild ancestors. What appears as ‘play’ is your cat actually learning vital survival skills such as how to stalk, chase and trap prey. While our domestic kitties don’t actually have any need for these hunting skills, the instinct will usually remain strong.

So you’ve welcomed a new bundle of fur to your family – congratulations! Now that you’ve settled the new arrival into your home, you’ll be wondering how you can help them grow up healthy and strong. They might be tiny now, but they’re going to grow – and quickly! Within six months, they’ll have reached 75% of their adult body mass, which is why feeding them a nutritionally-rich kitten food now is so important. To help them during this important time, the Purina Pet Care Team have some helpful tips to help you choose the best kitten food.

Your new cat is precious, so you will want to make their new environment as safe as possible. So where do you start when creating a cat proof garden? Cats, and especially kittens, are naturally inquisitive, and investigate objects by touching, sniffing and tasting them. When you bring a new cat into your home they’ll be curious about everything and unlike us, won’t be able tell the different between what is and isn’t dangerous. If you’re not sure how to cat proof your garden, follow our checklist to keep your pet out of trouble! Dangerous plants to remove for a cat proof garden Although we think of cats as meat-eaters, don’t be surprised if you spot your cat chewing vegetables or other plants. Some cats like to munch on grass outdoors, or nibble at the leaves of potted houseplants indoors. Keep an eye on exactly what your cat is grazing on, as some plants have parts that are toxic to them. Make sure your project to cat proof your garden includes getting rid of these toxic plants for cats: • Lilies; • Azalea; • Daffodil; • Tomato; • Foxglove; • Yew; • Hydrangea; • Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane); • Philodendron; • Mistletoe; • Poinsettia. Your vet can give you a complete list of plants that could be harmful to your cat, or click here for a list of dangerous plants for cats. Do you need to cat proof the garden for an indoor cat? Yes. Your cat or kitten has a natural instinct to play outdoors, establish territory, climb trees, and catnap in the sun. As fun as this sounds, there are some things that you’ll need to look out for in the great outdoors. When outside, cats are exposed to more diseases and parasites, risk getting lost or stolen, and could potentially get hurt by a car. To allow your cat outdoors and also keep them safe, you can create a cat proof garden. Some cats are quite happy staying indoors – although that does rely on you knowing how to make a cat friendly home and make their environment exciting to compensate for the lack of outdoor stimulation. Other cats will prefer to roam outdoors – deciding between which option is best for your cat will take careful consideration on your part. If you decide to allow your cat outdoors, ask your breeder or vet for advice and make sure you've made their outdoor space as safe as possible.

Cats are famously independent, which is one reason why they are so well suited as pets, especially for those who are best suited to furry friend who isn’t so needy. This personality trait can have a flip side, as it can potentially make them a bit anti-social and unpredictable. So, if you’re introducing a new cat to your home and to other pets, be patient, understanding and approach with care – with a bit of time, everyone should get on just fine. Bringing a kitten home The good news is that adult cats tend to be much more welcoming to kittens or young cats than other adults. If both cats are neutered, better still (providing your vet advises that the kitten’s old enough to be neutered). Before bringing a kitten home, or in the first few days of introducing a kitten to a cat, get your existing cat used to the smell of their new companion. Swap their bedding back and forth over the first week and, if either cat gets angry or distressed around the scent, try to offer calm reassurance by associating the new scent with a positive experience, such as a tasty treat. While cats and dogs can be great friends, or live quite happily together even if they’re not, some pets should be kept away from cats. Small furry animals, like rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, rats, gerbils and chinchillas, as well as reptiles, must be protected at all times from cats.

From trailing leads to irresistible, but dangerous food scraps, there is so much to be mindful of when welcoming a new cat. Find out how to make your home safe for your pet. Playful, curious and extremely mischievous, cats won’t wait long before taking over your entire house and everything that’s in it. So, before you welcome your little ball of fur, make sure you’ve got the basics covered by cat proofing your entire home. From dangling cords to abandoned shopping bags and the beauty products on your nightstand, here is the list of unsuspecting items that can cause serious trouble in the company of a feline. Kitten and cat-proofing your home With so many things to consider, cat-proofing your home requires a solid plan. Here is what to keep in mind for a friendly and safe space:1. Windows and doors When you first bring your new cat or kitten home, keep all windows and doors closed until they’re fully settled in, have had all their vaccinations and have been neutered.

Great news - the time has finally come when you can welcome your new kitten into your home! Just like bringing home a new-born baby, you’ll want everything to be just right so that they’ll settle in quickly and feel right at home. Making the decision to get a kitten is incredibly exciting as not only will you be gaining a new furry friend, but you’ll also be getting an extra family member! Before bringing a kitten home, you’ll need to spend a bit of time preparing for them. That’s why we’ve created this guide to tell you everything you need to know about getting a new kitten, so you can welcome your new four-legged friend into a warm, friendly environment where they’ll feel safe, comfortable and right at home! Before your new kitten comes home Before bringing home a new kitten, there’s a bit of admin for you to do! Here are a few things to get sorted before they arrive: • If you don’t already have a vet, ask local cat owners to recommend one, and get your new kitten registered straight away. It’s much less stressful to know they’re on the books already, as you’ll need to take them for their kitten vaccinations and neutering. It’s also worth it for the peace of mind in case they’re ever unwell.

About Kittens The arrival of a new kitten is a wonderful time, but we know it can be an anxious one too. Keeping them safe and happy takes planning and patience for everyone in the household, but the effort will pay off, as your new pet grows into a confident, affectionate new family member who knows there’s no place like home. Remember, the more love and care you give your kitten, the happier and healthier they’ll be! Introducing Your Kitten To Family A new kitten is a new family member. Here is the most effective way to introduce your kitten to the family without causing any sibling rivalry! Your new cat and your family When you bring kittens home, let them rest and get their bearings first. Once they’re ready, you can start introducing them to their new human family. Get everyone to sit on the floor and only touch the kitten if approached. There should be no grabbing or arguing. If kittens hide, tempt them out with a toy or a treat – encourage but don’t force them to be sociable. If you have children, they will need to learn how to handle kittens properly. • Teach them how to stroke the cat gently. Toddlers generally ‘pat’, which can hurt. • Teach them where to stroke kittens – the top of the head and along the back. • Although tummies are irresistible when a kitten is rolling and playing, most are rather sensitive about this area and may lash out. • The litter tray is not a sandpit – so don’t let young children play in it! • Your kitten should always be left alone when feeding, toileting, or sleeping. • Tails should never be pulled. • Hands should be washed after handling the kitten and the litter tray. Introducing Your New Kitten To Other Cats Most cats will eventually accept a newcomer, though it depends on the personalities involved. Let your kitten settle in for a couple of days before any introductions are made. When introducing a cat to another cat – they will either learn to ignore each other or become best friends, curling up with each other for a nap and grooming each other regularly. • Play it safe and use an indoor pen or carrier to protect your new arrival from any over-reaction from the surprised resident territory holder. Put the carrier on the floor of a chosen safe room. • Invite the older cat into the room. Both cats will be able to assess each other through the bars of the crate without coming to any harm. • Stroke your older cat to provide some reassurance and show there is no favouritism. • Don’t worry if there is a spat with hissing and arched backs – this is natural. • Once the introductions have started going smoothly, reverse the positions and bring the kitten to meet the older cat. Praise them both if they are civil to each other and give them each a treat. • Hold the next meeting in another room. Keep moving around the house so the kitten’s scent spreads too. • Repeat short introductions frequently until there is less of a reaction from either of the cats. • Before you know it, they will be getting on with their own lives with only the odd scrap.

Kitten Care Every pet owner wants to ensure that they’re properly caring for their pet. It’s a small price to pay for all the love and affection you’ll receive from them. So it’s good to keep these tips in mind for providing ongoing care for your kitten. Grooming, of course, should be part of your day-to-day routine. And while cats naturally groom themselves, they also need a little help from you. We’ll show you how. While caring for your kitten’s appearance is important, it’s also important to care for their emotional well-being. One of the most common behaviour issues in kittens is separation anxiety. It can be frightening for a small kitten to be left alone, but there are some simple things you can do to help you kitten adjust to spending time on its own. But there can be other sources of stress for your kitten, too. Even things you wouldn’t think would affect them, like moving to a new house can impact on their health and social confidence. Don’t miss our tips for caring for your kitten, to help make sure your kitten settles securely into life with its new family. Kitten Grooming If you start early enough, kittens and cats love being groomed. Most will even learn to come running when they see the brush in your hand TIPS ON GROOMING Kittens are perfectly capable of grooming themselves. Their rough tongues are like mini-brushes, removing dead hair and distributing oils through the coat. However, your kitten will still appreciate a helping hand, especially for example, to remove knots from their coat. Grooming isn’t just about making kittens look good – it removes dead hair, keeps the coat and skin healthy, and offers you an opportunity to build a bond.

Choosing the Perfect Kitten Deciding to get a kitten is easy. Finding the perfect one is a bit trickier. When it comes to choosing a new kitten the first step is to track down an animal shelter or reputable breeder. HOW TO FIND YOUR PERFECT MATCH Shelter Kittens Animal shelters hold kittens of all varieties and ages. A good shelter will have clean litter trays and toys as well as warm and sheltered areas for sleeping. The staff will ask you lots of questions and you should do the same to them – this way, there’s a better chance that you’ll find your perfect match. Most reputable charities may neuter their cats before they are released or insist that you sign an agreement ensuring the operation is performed. FINDING A BREEDER Breed clubs may also have a list of litters available, or can put you in contact with breeders in your area. You can also try going to a cat show to meet breeders and owners to find out more information. Pedigree kittens are generally available all year round. Once you’ve found a breed, here are some questions to ask them: • What is the extent of their interest in the breed? Do they show them, breed regularly or are they just pets? These factors may indicate the level of attention being devoted to preparing kittens properly for life as a pet. • How many litters do they produce each year? Responsible breeders will only produce one litter per female cat per year. • How many litters has this particular cat produced? • Where will the litter be raised? Home reared kittens will be far better socialised than ones kept in a cattery. • What after-sales service do they provide? Responsible breeders will offer advice and support for the life of the cat. • Are there any known genetic problems in the breeder’s lines?