Gefeliciteerd met het adopteren van een kitten! Nu je een nieuwe huisdierouder bent, zijn er verschillende dingen waar je rekening mee moet houden. Kwaliteitszorg voor kittens moet erop gericht zijn het huisdier te helpen zich aan te passen aan zijn nieuwe thuis en zijn welzijn te verzekeren om een gezonde ontwikkeling te bevorderen.
Er zijn verschillende stadia in de ontwikkeling van een kitten en het is van cruciaal belang om te begrijpen hoe de behoeften van uw huisdier zullen veranderen naarmate ze ouder worden.
We hebben een aantal nuttige kittenadviezen verzameld waarin alle basisaspecten van de verzorging van kittens worden behandeld die u moet weten, waaronder:
Kittens zijn speels en nieuwsgierig, wat voor problemen kan zorgen tenzij u adequate preventieve maatregelen neemt. Dus voordat u een kitten mee naar huis neemt, moet u uw huis kitten-proof maken en uw nieuwe huisdier goed in de gaten houden om te voorkomen dat uw kitten uw spullen vernietigt of, erger nog, zichzelf verwondt.
Dit omvat:
Wanneer u uw kitten voor het eerst mee naar huis neemt, wilt u er zeker van zijn dat alle items op de checklist voor kittenbenodigdheden aanwezig zijn.
U moet denken aan essentiële items zoals voedsel, water, kommen, kattenbak en een kattenmand, maar ook aan niet-essentiële items zoals een halsband en identificatielabel, vlooienkam, verzorgingsborstel, nagelknipper, krabpaal en speelgoed.
Voor een jong kitten kan een nieuw huis met harde geluiden, onbekende geuren en vreemde bezienswaardigheden een angstaanjagende plek zijn. Hier zijn dingen die u kunt doen om de aanpassing soepeler te laten verlopen.
De reis naar uw huis moet zo comfortabel mogelijk zijn. Plaats een handdoek je wreef de familieleden van het kitten of zelfs de binnenkant van de kennel in een kattenmand en legde je kitten er voorzichtig in. Verwijder de bovenkant van de drager in plaats van het kitten door de deur te duwen als ze weigeren naar binnen te gaan.
Als je eenmaal thuis bent, plaats het kitten en de reismand in een kleine, stille kamer in huis (bijvoorbeeld de badkamer of wasruimte). Geef het kitten de tijd om uit de reismand te komen door het deurtje te openen. Houd vers water, voer en een kattenbak bij de ingang van het reismandje en laat de kat de kamer verkennen wanneer hij of zij wil .
Als uw kitten eenmaal gewend is geraakt aan de stille kamer, laat u ze één voor één kennismaken met de overige kamers in huis . Als je andere huisdieren hebt, zorg er dan voor dat je ze langzaam en veilig introduceert . Houd bij het introduceren van het nieuwe kitten uw hond of kat aan de lijn of laat hem door iemand vasthouden. Laat de huisdieren elkaar onderzoeken en grijp alleen in als er tekenen van dreigende vijandigheid worden gedetecteerd.
Creëer een veilige omgeving waar u uw kitten kunt achterlaten als u niet in staat bent om toezicht op ze te houden . In dit gebied moeten een voerbak, waterbak, kattenbak, speelgoed en een rustplek beschikbaar zijn.
Vermijd het kitten onder druk te zetten om uit zijn schuilplaats te komen tijdens de eerste dagen bij u thuis. Breng in plaats daarvan tijd op de grond door op kittenniveau als u een beroep wilt doen op uw nieuwe huisdier. Laat familieleden ook individueel op bezoek komen, in plaats van allemaal tegelijk de kamer binnen te dringen.
Elke behandeling zou idealiter moeten plaatsvinden wanneer het kitten ermee begint gedurende de eerste paar dagen. Na de eerste 48 uur, behandel het kitten gedurende een kleine tijd gedurende de dag in plaats van constant fysiek contact te geven. Sta in het begin slechts minimale interactie met het kitten toe als u jonge kinderen heeft om te voorkomen dat de kat te veel wordt behandeld.
Het identificeren en bieden van geschikte verkooppunten voor alle behoeften van een kitten is de sleutel tot het voorkomen van gedragsproblemen. Vanaf de eerste dag in uw huis, veilige en acceptabele speelactiviteiten aanmoedigen zal het leven voor jou en je kat veel gemakkelijker maken.
Overweeg om roofzuchtige speelsessies te geven met mobiel speelgoed, miniatuurlampjes of toverstokken, maar ook om voedsel te serveren in foerageerspeelgoed en traktaties in dozen of papieren zakken te verstoppen om de interesse van uw kitten voor onderzoek te stimuleren.
Klimalternatieven en krabpalen helpen vernietiging van meubels te voorkomen . Zeer sociale en speelse katten kunnen ook baat hebben bij het hebben van een tweede sociale en speelse kat in huis, zolang er maar een veilige hiërarchie is gecreëerd.
Omdat katten veeleisende wezens kunnen zijn, is het van cruciaal belang om hun goede manieren op jonge leeftijd te ontwikkelen. Bijten, meppen en overmatige vocalisatie zijn allemaal voorbeelden van ongepast gedrag dat niet mag worden getolereerd.
Als uw kitten dit gedrag begint te vertonen, verlaat dan de kamer onmiddellijk en stil, waarbij alle interacties worden gestopt. Herstart interacties nadat het kitten is gekalmeerd en tot rust is gekomen.
Als het gedrag van een kitten ten opzichte van mensen of eigendommen onaanvaardbaar is, kan disciplinering nodig zijn, maar de straf moet worden vermeden. Een stevige "Nee!" is misschien alles wat nodig is om uw kitten tot stilstand te brengen. Je kunt in je handen klappen of een ander hard geluid maken om hun aandacht te herleiden.
De eerste paar weken van een kitten zijn een wervelwind van ontwikkelingsveranderingen. Een nieuw kitten verwelkomen in uw gezin is leuk, maar ook een grote verantwoordelijkheid. Uw nieuwe baby-huisdier zal elke week andere behoeften hebben op het gebied van eten, warmte, medische hulp en badkamerhulp. Het is van cruciaal belang om te bepalen wat voor soort zorg uw kitten nodig heeft en hoe u hem kunt helpen uitgroeien tot een gezonde en gelukkige volwassen kat.
Pasgeboren kittens zijn volledig afhankelijk van hun moeder voor voedsel, warmte, badkamerondersteuning en reiniging. You can handle the newborn kittens for a few minutes at a time if the mother is okay with it. Early engagement with newborn cats can help lay the groundwork for a future companion that is happy and well-adjusted.
Wondering how to help a cat weaned too early? Kittens should ideally stay with their mothers for at least eight weeks so that they can get the full benefit of the mothers' milk, which contains important antibodies.
If a newborn kitten is orphaned, they will need to be bottle-fed with kitten formula every two hours, kept at an appropriate temperature, and stimulated to go to the bathroom.
2-week-old kittens may begin taking a dewormer . Talk with your veterinarian about a kitten deworming schedule. Your kitten’s eyes should be open by this point. If they are not open by day 10, try gently wiping the lids clean with a wash cloth.
At this age, you can place a kitten-safe litter box in their environment. 3-week-old kittens start controlling their own potty breaks, so there’s no need to specifically "train" them. If you are bottle-feeding the kittens, you can scale back to four to six hours between meals .
4-week-old kittens should become used to being around and handled by people . At this stage, you may also try introducing them to new sounds and toys . Orphan kittens of this age should be bottle-fed every five hours , including overnight.
5-week-old kittens may begin the weaning process . At this age, kittens should be offered a mix of solid kitten food mixed with kitten formula or kitten food soaked in water until soft in addition to access to their mother’s milk or a bottle if orphaned. If the kitten is weaned, food and water should be provided at all times.
If they are weaned, 6-weeks old kittens should be given plenty of wet kitten food. Ensure that they have constant access to food, water, and a suitable litter box . To protect kittens against viruses, they should receive their first FVRCP vaccine at the age of six weeks (rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia).
At 2 to 3 months of age, your kitten should get their initial vaccines . They should also be eating solid canned food or kibble about 4 times a day . 8-week-old kittens can be slowly introduced to other pets .
Gently play with your kitten at least once a day so they’ll bond with you but don’t take it personally if they are not interested in playing with you. After your kitten is about 12 weeks old, they will probably be more interested in playing with objects even more than other cats. Use food and treats to teach and reward good behavior .
At 4 to 6 months of age, your kitten should eat a combination of wet and dry formulas three times per day . By the time they’re six months old, female kittens should be spayed and male kittens neutered , provided they are healthy and weigh two lb. Like humans, a kitten's first set of teeth is replaced by their adult teeth, so it is important to start and keep up with dental care regularly at home.
During the first vet visit, the vet will ensure that your kitten is healthy and clear of parasites that can be transmitted to humans, such as intestinal parasites and fleas. Detecting viral illnesses like feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus might help you plan how they will interact with your other cats.
The vet will also check for congenital abnormalities and health issues in cat breeds like a heart murmur, hernia, or cleft palate during the physical exam, and will give your kitten a full round of immunizations and boosters, which will need to be repeated at least once a year after that.
Consider enrolling in cat insurance while your feline friend is still young and healthy. Pet insurance helps you save on unexpected veterinary bills by reimbursing you for the cost of covered services.
Most insurance plans for treatments related to illnesses and/or accidents, but you can also purchase a wellness add-on to reimburse preventive care costs.
Even indoor cats and kittens require protection from pathogens that can be carried in on your shoes or by other pets in your household. Core kitten vaccines include feline panleukopenia (a parvovirus, also known as feline distemper), feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus, and rabies.
Vaccinations should begin at 6–8 weeks of age and be repeated every 3–4 weeks until the kitten reaches the age of 16 weeks. In a year's time, this initial course will need to be boosted again, and then at intervals after that (as recommended by your veterinarian).
Microchipping is an essential way to identify your pet if they escape or get lost. The microchip can be inserted under the skin during vaccinations or while your kitten is sedated for spaying/neutering.
Sterilization, i.e. spaying or neutering should be done before the kitten matures into an adult capable of having kittens. Female cats can become sexually mature from just four months of age, whereas males reach sexual maturity at about seven to nine months.
Fleas and ticks are one of the most common parasitic dangers for cats. If left untreated, these external parasites can cause infestation, discomfort, skin issues, and disease.
There are many different safe and effective flea and tick treatment solutions for kittens available, both prescription and over-the-counter. Talk to your vet about your feline friend's lifestyle and proper flea and tick prevention .
In addition to worms/intestinal parasites, your kitten can contract heartworms. If a cat develops heartworm disease, there’s no treatment. Therefore, we recommend consistent heartworm prevention for cats and kittens, even those living indoors .
All cats should visit their veterinarian for a routine wellness exam at least once a year . This annual wellness exam for pets establishes a baseline of the cat's optimal physical state, allowing the primary care vet to quickly notice changes in the cat's health status during an emergency or illness.
Kittens under one year should be fed high-quality commercial kitten food to make sure that a balanced diet is provided. Avoid giving unsafe food for cats and cow’s milk and instead provide access to clean, fresh water at all times.
Whether you feed your kitted dry or wet cat food is a personal decision that should be based on which one best suits your kittens and your lifestyle. Both dry and wet food designed especially for kittens has extra minerals, vitamins, protein, and extra fat to help them grow big and strong.
If possible, start out using a litter your kitten is already used to . Place the litter box in a quiet corner, away from water and food , and where your pet won’t be disturbed when they need to use the toilet. Be sure to keep the litter box clean by pooper scooping every day.
Provide a quiet and cozy area for your kitten to snuggle down safely. You can use a cardboard box lined with fleece or a comfortable bed with bedding that’s safe and can be easily washed.
Little kittens need to sleep a lot because they have a lot of growing to do. Don't wake your kitten up and wait for them to come out to play. For their own safety, consider keeping your cat indoors and away from any outdoor hazards .
Scratching is normal behavior for cats to keep their nails healthy and to exhibit natural behaviors. A scratching pole (or several scratching poles) should be placed throughout the house to keep your kitten from scratching and damaging your furniture . Cover the furniture with protective material if your kitten begins to scratch it, and provide lots of appropriate alternatives to divert their scratching behavior.
You’re probably already aware that cats love to climb, so be sure to provide your kitten with a tall cat tree , preferably one with numerous raised levels for them to perch on. This will prevent your feline friend from climbing the drapes while at the same time satisfying their natural desire to be high up.
Another thing that kittens love is playing because it allows them to practice their hunting skills . Give your kitten a variety of safe toys to chase, toss, swat, and pounce and play with them for several minutes at a time throughout the day. This will provide your kitten with necessary activity, keep them from becoming bored, and allow them to bond with you.
Kitten socialization is essential when it comes to raising a kitten who will become a well-behaved, healthy adult cat. However, keep in mind that cats have a very short socialization phase, which means that the first 4-16 weeks of life are a critical time for social and behavioral development .
The training and socialization your feline friend receives during kittenhood will influence how well they will interact with people and other pets when they grow up, so do everything you can to get your kitten exposed to as much as possible – strangers, loud noises, walking on leashes, other animals, children, etc. to help them become a better-adjusted adult cat. Just ensure that your kitten has a positive experience out of any socialization exposure you provide.
Kittens require a lot of love and interaction from their parents. The more gentle petting they receive from you, the friendlier and more social they’ll become . Every day, devote two or three sessions to petting and handling your kitten. When the veterinarian needs to inspect them, this will make them feel more at ease. Rubbing their paws and toes will help them relax when it's time to cut their claws.
Introduce your kitten to guests visiting. Try to expose your pet to people of various ages, ethnicities, sizes, and sexes as they grow up, as they might develop a fear of humans if they meet too few of them. If there are children in the house, all interactions should be supervised , and you should teach them how to handle your kitten in a safe, respectful, and proper manner.
Introduce your kitten to a comb and brush from a young age and allow them to play with the tools so that they grow comfortable with them.
Begin grooming your baby pet as soon as possible so that the grooming sessions become a pleasurable bonding experience and a part of everyday maintenance.
Reward your pet with a treat, patting, or vocal praise for allowing you to groom them. This will teach your kitten that grooming is a good thing, making it easy for both of you.
By the age of three, more than half of all cats will have dental problems. If left untreated, this can have a devastating impact on your feline companion's health and could result in early death due to severe inflammation, kidney disease, or heart problems.
Brushing a cat's teeth on a daily basis is ideal , but once a week is more realistic. Try to get your kitten accustomed to having their teeth brushed early on. Start by putting flavored gel treats on the toothbrush and letting your kitten lick it off, then gradually work your way up to brushing their teeth.
Many pet parents wonder if kittens need baths, and the answer is not really. In general, cats don’t need to be bathed on a regular basis and most of them actually find bathing quite stressful. Therefore, you should avoid bathing unless recommended by your veterinarian for medical reasons.
Don’t forget to set time aside to play with your kitten every day . Not only is playing fun, but it also alleviates boredom, reduces bad behavior, teaches your kitten coordination, and helps socialize them.
Think about whether you’re going to let your cat venture outside . Studies show that indoor felines have less risk of injuries, parasites, and infection compared to those allowed outdoors.
However, staying indoors also has risks , such as behavior problems and obesity. Partial outdoor access might be the best solution for better physical and mental wellbeing, but your cat should never be left without supervision.
The best place for a kitten to sleep is a warm, safe, and draught-free spot . For the first few nights, it's okay to keep the kitten near you .
Young kittens tend to sleep more than adult cats. A kitten will often sleep for 16 to 20 hours per day and spend the rest in nonstop activity.
Most kittens begin walking when they’re about three weeks old , although coordination takes a bit longer. You can safely assume that a kitten who is walking and playing is at least four weeks old.
According to AAHA, some of the most essential items your kitten will need include kitten food, bowls, litter box, brush, cat bed, toys, a scratching post or scratching pad, a safety cat collar with an ID tag, and a travel carrier.
Young kittens typically eat 1/4 to 1/2 cup of food at a time . If your kitten is underweight, the daily calorie requirement may need to be increased. If, on the other hand, your kitten is gaining too much weight too rapidly, you'll need to reduce the amount of food they are consuming.
If you are not sure how much food is enough for your kitten, talk to your vet or use our kitten feeding chart . The vet will use a tool called a body condition score to assess your pet’s weight and recommend an adequate amount of food.
According to VCA Hospitals, “In order for the cat to learn to accept and enjoy physical contact from people, it is critical that the human hand only be associated with positive experiences and that physical punishment is not used.”
Pet your kitten, speak to them in a gentle voice, scratch them behind the ears, and give them a gentle squeeze . Every cat has certain body regions that are more sensitive than others, so try to figure out where they don't want to be touched and avoid that area. Most cats are more sensitive to their bellies. For reluctant kittens, consider using treats during the petting sessions.
Reward-based training is the most effective and humane way to train pets , according to the RSPCA. It involves rewarding your cat when they perform a ‘desired’ behavior. Rewards can be in the form of patting, treats, or verbal praise.
Your kitten will have grown into an adult cat after a year . They will be playful and well socialized at this age, as well as healthy, with a shiny coat, strong muscles, and great hunting instincts.
