need to start growing. Kittens, in their first eight weeks of life, cannot regulate their own body temperature, so they rely on their mother’s milk and the
warm bed, a litter box, and extra litter plus a cat carrier for vet trips and rides in the car. A scratching post will help direct those small, razor sharp claws to a logical spot, too. Toys designed for curious kittens will also help keep the mini-cat constructively occupied. Additionally, new pet parents might want a collar and ID tags, leash, cat brush, toothpaste, and toothbrush. Exposure to these items and routines will allow for a more peaceful transition to adulthood.
Get the Litter Out
warmth of their brood. Ideally, a kitten should
So
be weaned (around eight weeks or so) before leaving the feline family. Cases of orphaned felines babies force humans to step up and
In most cases, kittens will take to a litter box like a fish to water. Cats are naturally clean animals. A new pet parent can improve the odds of getting the new pet to use the box
you’ve added a new, purring
furball to your family! How wonderful! Kittens come wrapped in cuteness and packed with enough energy to run a freight train. (Adopting a pair of kittens isn’t such a bad idea, as cats are social animals and having one of their own as a companion will give them companionship with when you’re out of the house at work.) But how exactly do you build a home life that is easy for you and your cat(s)? Here are some useful tips to know when raising felines.
take on some of the roles a mother cat
“Early on, kittens need to be
plays in order for the animal to survive. Remember, kittens are not
by keeping the animal in a small, closed-off room with a litter box,
exposed to all sorts of situations so they grow up to be well-adapted adults.”
cats yet and operate with a unique set of needs just like human infants.
a cozy bed, food, and water
at first. Adding a blanket or towel that has been scented with the mother and siblings’ smell to the bedding will also help put the new baby at ease. You can place a kitten in the litter pan after playtime or when they finish eating to increase the
Age is More Than A Number
Hit the Stores! (Pet Supply Stores, That Is)
Kittens should not be adopted by human families until after eight weeks of age. Prior to this, their mother and siblings provide them with the warmth and nutrition they
Pre-planning is required for kittens to live comfortably in a new home. Make sure you have kitten food, food and water dishes, a
May 26, 2017
Missouri Pet Breeders Association | Page 42
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