Care of Kittens

How to start out on the right "paw"

Check out things for your new kitty at Drs. Foster & Smith - The Trusted Name for Cat Products

Who can resist the charms of a kitten?  Even though we think of them as just a bundle of “fun”, they do require some special “kitten” care to make sure they grow up healthy and happy. Here's a short list of the must do items:

Your kitten will have lots of fun with a play place where they can work on their agility and coordination development!

 They will continue to enjoy this play station as they grow into adulthood, especially if you place it near a window so they can see the great outdoors.
Milk -  Kittens should not have cow’s milk.  It can make them sick and give them diarrhea.  If the kitten has been orphaned, you can obtain mother’s milk replacer at your local pet store. 

Weaning – You will need to take care that your kitten is not weaned too early.  Mothers usually start weaning their kittens at around 4 weeks.  By 8 weeks, your kitten should be eating solid food and they no longer require milk for proper nutritional care.

Water – Keep clean, fresh water available at all times for your new kitten.  Take care to use a low sided container so your kitten can easily reach it.   Since kittens are so playful, please make sure the water bowl is heavy enough so the kitten cannot tip it over. 

Food – Kittens require a diet that is especially rich in protein, calcium and other nutrients for the first year of their life.  Adult cat food is not sufficient for kittens.  Take care to use a high quality product for your kitten, either canned or dry.  Kittens will eat “frequently” as their tummies are so small.

Warmth – Young kittens need to stay warm, but their small bodies don’t retain heat well.  Take care to provide them with a warm, safe place to curl up for naps.  This is especially important to do for “single” kittens that have no sibling to nap with.

Litter Boxes – You should start your kitten out with regular litter, not the clumping kind and take proper care of it so it is clean for your kitten.  This will instill good litter box habits for your kitten.  Make sure the sides of the box are low enough for the kitten to climb into and out of easily.  Once your kitten is 3 months old, you should be able to switch it to the clumping litter as the danger of them swallowing it and creating blockages in their digestive track should be minimal.

Here's a great solution
if you are short on space for the litter box
in your space!

Baths – Kittens will naturally take care of cleaning themselves, but the mother helps them develop this behavior also.  You can assist keeping your kitten clean by stroking them with a damp washrag, much as their mom would do.  In caring for your kitten, baths are usually reserved if they have gotten especially dirty or if they need a flea bath.

Petting – Help your kitten become socialized by spending lots of care time with them.  They love to be stroked gently around the ears and under the chin.  Be sure to speak in a low, soft voice as they are afraid of loud noises.  Make sure you pet them all over their body so they get used to being handled when they are being cared for by others.

Vet Care – Kittens will need to be de-wormed and should also be tested for Feline Leukemia and FIV.  Make sure that your new kitten gets the appropriate vet care, including required vaccinations.

Playtime – Caring for your kitten also includes playing.  This activity is very important to help them socialize, get exercise, and have fun!  Remember that young kittens have no idea when they are hurting you, so be patient and forgiving.  Provide plenty of “toys” for your kitten to rough house with and let them know by giving a high pitched yelp when they get too enthusiastic in their play with your limbs!


 

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