The arrival of a new kitten at home is always an exciting event, but it comes with certain responsibilities to ensure their happiness and health. Today, our veterinarians in Apple Valley will explain how to raise a healthy kitten properly.
Taking Care of a Newborn Kitten Care
Kittens are adorable pets but have very specific needs that must be addressed. These needs are different at every stage of their lives. If something goes wrong or isn't taken care of, it can impact their overall health and longevity. Here, we explain how to care for your new furry friend during its kitten years.
0-4 Weeks Old
When a kitten is between zero and four weeks old, it is considered a newborn. In this stage, they still learn to meow, walk, and regulate their body temperature. She will take care of most tasks, including feeding if they have a mother.
You need only ensure that the mother is in good health and that the kitten is in a warm and safe environment. Cover the cage floor or space with a blanket and provide a warm bed for the kitten.
If your newborn kitten does not have a mother, the first thing to do is to take them to a vet. The vet will be able to determine the kitten's health and provide you with detailed instructions on how to meet your little companion's needs.
5-11 Weeks Old
When your kitten is between five and ten weeks old, it should gradually transition from being bottle-fed or fed by its mother to having protein-rich meals three to four times daily.
You can start by pouring formula into a bowl and possibly adding a little softened hard food or canned soft food to help them get used to the process.
At this stage, as their motor skills improve, they'll become more adventurous, so you'll need to keep a close eye on them to ensure they don't get into trouble.
Your kitten will need lots of supervision and playtime between two and four months old.
3-6 Months Old
The ideal time to adopt a new kitten is between three and four months of age. At this age, they are adorable little bundles of mischief and fun. However, your kitten enters adolescence at four months, a challenging phase that may require behavior modification training.
It's important to consider having your kitten spayed or neutered before they reach six to eight months of age.
Bringing Your New Kitten Home
Preparing is a good idea before bringing your new feline family member home. Below are a few things you'll need to have on hand when your kitten comes home:
- Litter box placed somewhere that is easy for your kitten to access but not near their food or bed
- Cat-sized food and water dishes set up in a special spot well away from the litter box
- Cozy bed and safe hiding space. This could be as simple as a cushion in a cat carrier with an open door, a small box with some soft fabric to make a bed or a luxury teepee-style bed.
- Scratching posts and/or interactive play tower
- Cat toys to ensure that your kitten doesn't get bored
- If possible, bringing something home along with the kitten that smells familiar to them can also be a good idea. A blanket their mother has slept on or a soft toy from their first home. This can help to reduce your new kitten's anxiety.
- Specially formulated cleaner to deal with mistakes that are bound to happen when litter training.
Kitten-Proofing Your Home
When you bring your kitten home, it will start enthusiastically exploring your home, so prepare by proofing the house.
- Block off gaps in furniture, cupboards, or appliances where they could become trapped.
- Close the doors on all appliances, such as front-loading washing, washings, dryers, and even toilets.
- Cover or move any wire that looks like the ideal chew toy or cause your kitten to tangle.
Litter Training Your Kitten
Kittens can begin litter box training as early as four weeks when they start to wean off their mom. It's important to ensure that the litter box you purchase is the right size for your new companion. A small box measuring 9 inches by 13 inches is suitable for most kittens, but you'll need to buy a larger box once your cat reaches adulthood. Many cats prefer an uncovered litter box, which is more cost-effective than covered versions.
Cats typically prefer fine litter granules, which are gentler on their paws. However, they do not prefer clumping or non-clumping litter - the choice is yours. Cats are unlikely to use wheat- or corn-based litter because these materials smell like food. A little trial and error should help determine your cat's preference when selecting litter.
Steps for Litter Training
Remain patient and persistent when it comes to litter training your new kitten. Kindness and positive reinforcement will go a long way to instilling good litter box habits in your young feline friend.
- Show your kitten the location of their new litter box and let them sniff around.
- Gently place your kitten in the litter box. In some cases, kittens will instinctively begin pawing at the litter. If they don't, you could demonstrate by doing small digging motions in the clean litter with your fingers.
- If your kitten does not use the litter box when you sit them in it, don't worry. Just be sure to place your kitten gently in the litter box whenever they wake up from a nap and after every meal. Soon, they will begin using the litter box without your help.
- When your kitten does use the litter box appropriately, provide some positive reinforcement with playtime or a small treat.
- If your kitten makes a mistake, do not yell or punish them. Clean up the mess.
Keep in mind that it is essential to keep your kitten's litter box clean and fresh-smelling. Many cats will not use a dirty or smelly litter tray.
Playtime
Playing with your new feline friend is an excellent idea to keep your kitten out of mischief. Playtime keeps your kitten's mind active and helps her expend some of her boundless energy. If your kitten starts biting or exhibiting predatory behaviors such as pouncing, jumping, or chewing, it's time to get out a toy and channel your kitten's energy into more positive activities. Cat toys attached to a string and stick can be very handy. Change your kitten's toys regularly to prevent boredom.
Avoid wiggling your fingers when playing. Allowing your kitten to bite or claw will make her think these behaviors are acceptable. Instead, ignore bad behavior and use positive reinforcement for good behavior. If your kitten bites or scratches your feet, stand perfectly still so she learns that your toes are not prey.
Lastly, positive reinforcement should be used to encourage appropriate behavior.
Preventive Care for Your Kitten
Remember to schedule your kitten's first veterinary appointment within the first week of bringing them home. During this visit, the vet will assess your kitten's health, discuss dietary requirements, and address any questions or concerns you may have.
Follow-up wellness check-ups are crucial for maintaining your kitten's health and well-being. They allow the vet to monitor for potential issues and provide necessary vaccinations and parasite protection.
It's important to stay on schedule with vaccinations, with the first set administered at six to eight weeks of age, and to have your kitten spayed or neutered at five to six months to prevent serious illnesses and diseases.
When Your Kitten Should See a Vet
When caring for a kitten, it is important to watch for signs of potential problems or veterinary emergencies at every stage of its life. If you notice any of the following signs, call your vet immediately and schedule an appointment.
Newborn Kittens
Here is what you need to keep an eye out for in a newborn kitten:
- Delays or difficulties in motor skills or coordination
- Lethargy
- Refusing food (especially if being bottle-fed)
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
4 Weeks +
When your kitten is four weeks old or older, you still need to keep an eye out for the signs above in addition to these behavioral signs:
- Litter box usage/ not using the litter box
- Signs of play biting or aggression
- Fears and other concerning behaviors that should be managed when they are still young
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. Please make an appointment with your vet to accurately diagnose your pet's condition.
