Taking Care Of A New Kitten

When kittens are born, they appear helpless. This may make owners of kittens nervous about caring for kittens. Taking care of a new kitten does not need to be stressful. Most mother cats, referred to as queens, take care of all the kitten’s needs for food, warmth, and cleanliness. The queen typically trains the kittens to use the litter box as well. The kitten owner should know a few basics about kitten care to ensure that the kitten is being properly cared for.

Taking care of a new kitten while the kitten is with its mother is more as concerned observer than primary care giver. The kitten owner should make sure that the kitten is suckling and growing. The queen and her kittens should not be in a drafty place. If warmth is a concern, some cat breeders use a heating pad under a blanket or towels to help keep the kittens warm.

Once a kitten is weaned from its mother, it should be eating cat food designed for kittens. When the kitten owner receives the kitten, the new kitten owner is wise to try to provide the same food to avoid stomach upset caused by abruptly switching kitten food. If the kitten owner must switch kitten food, the change should be gradual by feeding the kitten both foods and gradually increasing the amount of the food to which the kitten is being switched.

When introducing a kitten to a new home, the kitten should be allowed to slowly grow accustomed to its new surroundings. Opening the cat crate and allowing the kitten to emerge and explore on its own is one method. Another method of gradual adjustment is to keep the kitten in one room at first. If there are more cats already in the household, keep the kitten and all the items the kitten needs in one room first, then move the kitten to another room after a few days. Allow the other cats into the room where the kitten was so that they can adjust to the kitten’s scent before putting them together.

The home should be kitten-proofed to prevent accidental injury. Kitten-proofing a home is an ongoing process of checking for things that could harm the kitten then removing the danger. Kittens could find small objects to swallow or cords to chew on if the home is not kitten-proof. Kitten owners should contact their veterinarians and get information on the suggested schedule for vaccines and spaying or neutering.