Are you adopting a kitten? That’s a pretty big life event in our book. You’re starting out on a long journey of love, cuddles, and friendship with your new pet! Of course, if you want little Fluffy to grow into a happy, healthy, adult, you’ll need to do some pet parenting now, while she’s young. Read on as an Aurora, CO vet offers some advice on raising your furry buddy.
Offer Good Food
Little Fluffy won’t stay small very long. Provide a high-quality kitten food and plenty of fresh water. Your tiny furball needs fuel for that growth spurt!
Keep Kitty Safe
Baby cats are very, very curious, and want to explore absolutely everything around them. Keep your curious explorer inside, and make sure she can’t ingest or get into chemicals or other hazardous substances. You’ll also want to remove or secure anything small or sharp. Ask your vet for kittenproofing tips.
Litter
When Fluffy is an adult, you can use any litter or litterbox you choose. However, for now, avoid clay or clumping litters. Kittens are quite clumsy, and sometimes accidentally ingest litter. That can be very dangerous with these products!
Petiquette
This is the time to teach your tiny buddy proper manners. It may be cute now when Fluffy attacks your toes, but this will not be cute or fun if she does it when she’s fully grown. You’ll also want to discourage your pint-sized pet from doing things like jumping on counters and scratching improperly. Never hit or yell at your kitten for misbehaving: just squirt her with water, clap your hands, or say “No’ in a stern tone. She’ll get the hint eventually!
Socialize
We can’t overstate the importance of getting your feline buddy used to being handled. Have some friends and family members come over to play with your new pet. (We suspect you won’t have too much trouble getting volunteers.)
Veterinary Care
Little Fluffy will need to come in a few times. Vaccinations, exams, parasite control, and spay/neuter surgery are all on the agenda. Follow your vet’s recommended appointment schedule.
Purrs And Cuddles
Kittens are very tiny and fragile, and they love feeling warm, safe, and loved. Offer your feline pal lots of cuddles and attention!
As your Aurora, CO pet clinic, we look forward to watching your new pet grow into a happy, healthy adult. Call us anytime!
