If you�re the cat lover, the very thought of buying a new kitten can be enough to really get your heart pounding readily. Even if you already have a few fur babies, there�s nothing comparable to welcoming a new accessory for your loved ones.
Still, it is quite vital that you handle this process correctly. All kinds of problems migh result from your poor transition and, ultimately, it�s the kitten that ends up suffering for this.
Fortunately, we�ve assembled the greatest listing of strategies for bringing home a brand new kitten successfully.
Whenever possible, hold back until they�re 10 to 12 weeks old
Increasingly more nowadays, everyone is rescuing kittens from shelters. If that�s what you�re planning on doing, than the tip probably doesn�t apply to your circumstances.
However, whenever feasible, let your kitten spend between 10 and 12 weeks using their mother. This additional time will permit them to study from their mom and obtain used to human contact while still using a protective cat around include them as feel safe.
We realize you can�t wait to have your furry friend home, but hold tight not less than 10 weeks as well as the kitten will improve off for this.
Make use of a ticking clock to combat loneliness
Some kittens will probably be noticeably lonely the land bring them home. They�ll miss their siblings and mother and may even regularly meow away from confusion.
Whenever your kitten creates this change, get them, pet them soothingly and speak to them in a warm tone.
Another handy trick is time that ticks and wrap it inside a towel. Then put it near their bed. The ticking noise reminds them of their mother�s heartbeat and help them sleep in the evening.
Cat proof your property to maintain your curious kitten safe
You don�t should be an authority on cats to know that these inquisitive little creatures provide an insatiable curiosity. They're miniature explorers, detectives and naturalists, constantly trying to understand their surroundings. No surprise they take so many naps!
Since the saying goes, though, curiosity damages your cat at the same time, which is the reason it�s vital that you cat-proof your home-so there is no way they could accidentally hurt themselves.
By way of example, some vegetation is poisonous to cats. You�ll would like to get eliminate them before bringing your little friend home.
Another common problem is the cord for drapes or blinds. Your kitten is sure to desire to enjoy it, nevertheless it could end up choking them if you don�t anchor it to the ground or else ensure that is stays out of reach.
Electric cords should be included using a cord manager then kept somewhere your kitten can�t get to while they may try chewing on them.
Anything small like rubber bands, jewelry, children�s toys, etc. must be kept somewhere safe too. Sometimes, kittens will chew on these objects and find yourself swallowing them instead.
A fantastic principle is whatever would have been a potential threat with a toddler is also likely to be dangerous for a kitten too.
Do not let your kitten outside
Although it�s probably for the best that every domestic cats remain indoors always, we know that many people prefer to let their dogs go out and explore the planet beyond their residence.
Whatever you do, though, do not allow your little kitten set out. Yes, they will often stare the window and cry to be let loose. Still, we can�t advise enough against giving in.
Full-grown cats who will be allowed outdoors are near a larger likelihood of contracting diseases and fighting to animals.
Obviously, more compact kittens will probably be even more at risk of most of these threats. They even can become disoriented and struggling to understand back.
Go easy with petting and cuddling at first
Kittens are very cute and adorable, it could be almost impossible to withstand picking them up and cuddling them every chance you will get.
Do your very best self to face up to the temptation to take action using your new kitten, though-at least for a few days when you bring them home.
I understand this sounds impossible, but it�s really to find the best.
Initially, let your new kitten eventually be yours and obtain accustomed to your touch. Then, introduce each member of your household, individually, exactly the same.
When you have children who are 5yrs old or younger, it�s probably best that they don�t use the kitten quite yet unless they�re observed at close range. Though they may have the very best of intentions, children can be quite a bit rough (this is why some shelters won�t let families with children adopt kittens).
Build a secure room on their behalf while they adjust
Furthermore, during these first few days, your cat needs time for it to become comfortable with these new surroundings. So build their bed, placed their food dish nearby and demonstrate to them where their litter box is (we�ll cover that topic shortly).
Ideally, put these 3 things in the secure room where they could be left alone while they become acclimated. Include some safe toys for them to enjoy too-more with that below.
Long after your kitten gets adjusted, organize them in this secured room-with those things mentioned above-whenever you allow. Should you won�t return to their office before nightfall, let them have a nightlight too. Putting them in a secure room will keep their curious minds out of trouble unless you return.
Provide them a safe space they are able to retreat to
Even after you open your own home for many years, you should give your kitten a safe and secure space they could set you back with a moment�s notice. This can be the carrier box you brought them home in or another small, secure space. Something as simple as a cardboard box could work.
The idea is that you simply would like them to possess somewhere they could retreat to and feel safe in should they hear a loud noise or perhaps become anxious concerning this new territory.
Just be sure it offers them enough room to make around in to enable them to take a look at what�s happening outside.
Supervise other pets around them
For a lot of cat-parents buying a fresh kitten, the minute of simple truth is after they introduce their little pal to the other furry folks or their loved ones.
Before you do this, take your other pet towards the vet so that you know they don�t possess diseases they could spread to your little fur kid.
Even as stated previously, you must offer kitten their very own secure room for the first couple of days. During this period, other four-legged friends will grab their scent and probably sniff across the door.
This can serve as their first formal introduction, your new kitten will still feel safe because of the door standing bewteen barefoot and shoes.
If you introduce the cat to this particular new kitten, there might be some hostility. Therefore, separate them and wait a short time prior to trying again.
With dogs, it�s best you retain your canine-kid over a leash, in the event. You additionally don�t would like kitten to have enough space to hightail it. When they do, your dog�s instinct may be to chase after them.
Always supervise your puppy when it�s around your kitten before latter is fully grown-just to be on the safe side.
Choose appropriate toys that won�t end up hurting them
Once your kitten feels at ease with your house, expect the furry little ball of energy to start out looking for every possibility to play.
Most cat-parents buy their little cat-kids toys to assist satiate this non-stop wish for fun.
There�s nothing wrong achievable, however when again, safety must come first.
Don�t buy your kitten any toys with buttons, ribbon, yarn, bells or some other small features that the little baby could chew off and potentially choke on.
The safest of bets is to get them small, stuffed toys which can be too big to enable them to fit the whole things within their mouths. Balls are the ideal idea too.
Make quality nutrition a high priority, specially when they�re young
Go that step further with your cat�s diet, especially in their 1st year when their own health need the absolute best for correct development. Correct nutrition means you can�t just choose the canned food you will find at your market and stop hunting. Picking high-quality food includes you�re going to have to spend more too.
However, in the long run, these sacrifices will be worth it.
Buying a new kitten can come with many challenges. By giving your kitten the nutrition they desire, you can rule that out as an source for almost any conditions that may arise.
Have patience with litter training, but turn it into a priority
Compared to dogs, cats generally are a bit simpler to welcome home. Specifically, you don�t need to bother about the long and arduous means of housebreaking them.
That being said, although the cat will instinctively bury their own waste, you can�t just buy a cat litter box and expect they�ll do the rest on their own.
Instead, it�s likely to take some patience from you, though if you follow these simple actions, you�ll quickly be rewarded by a kitten to know in which to handle their business.
Just do this:
- After your kitten is performed eating or awakens from a nap, put them inside the kitty.
- If the tiny man or woman doesn�t begin scratching the litter, take one among their front paws and gently simulate the process on their behalf.
- Once they utilize box, be sure to lavish them with praise-cats are incredibly smart and may right away make the connection.
- Until your friend is employing the therapy lamp consistently, stick them in it every hour.
Whatever you decide and do, don�t punish them for going creatively. Again, kittens learn so quickly, this shouldn�t be an ongoing problem in case you keep to the above tips.
Take the kitten on the vet within a day or two
Take the new fur baby to the vet ASAP. Don�t let higher than a day or two past prior to deciding to do that.
An appropriate vacation to the vet consists of having your little kitten checked for fleas, ear mites and worms, amongst other activities. They�ll also plan a follow-up appointment for vaccinations.
By eight weeks, your kitten can be spayed or neutered as well if you need.
As you can tell, bringing your kitten home requires not only moving them from point A to point B. If you would like your little bundle of fur to acclimate well and also be up healthy, you need to put a amount of thought into the process. Thankfully that pursuing the 12 tips above is really very easy to accomplish and definately will cause your kitten fast-becoming comfortable with as well as their new home.
When you have your own tips/stories you�d like to share, don't hesitate to achieve this from the comments section below, so we can all study from your experience!