TAKING CARE OF YOUR
NEW KITTEN

Bringing home your new kitten is an exciting time for everyone. It is important to remember that bringing home your kitty is a lot like bringing home a new baby. There are supplies you will need, such as...

Litter pan and Litter - make sure the litter pan is an appropriate size for your new kitten, if it is to high sided, you kitten might have trouble climbing in. Also, it is usually best to use non-clumping litter for young kittens as they tend to "taste" things, much as a human baby does.
Clumping litter can cause intestinal blockages if enough is digested. You can switch to clumping litter if you like when your kitty is older.
Food Water - ask your breeder what type of food your kitten is used to. Have a supply on hand. Often breeders will send you home with enough food for the first few days. Don't panic if your new kitty is hesitant about eating at first. Remember, the kitten's surroundings have just changed. He/she may need a day or so to adjust. However, if your kitten doesn't appear to be drinking keep a close eye out. Dehydration can be dangerous and set in fast. Make sure fresh water is always available. If you are not sure your kitten is drinking/eating, check your litter box to see if it has been used. It is possible the kitten is eating or drinking when you are not looking.
As always, if your kitten doesn't appear healthy or seem right to you, call your vet or breeder for advice.

A Bed - your new kitty needs a place to sleep. It need not be fancy, but should be comfortable, warm and dry, clean and in a safe place. An old soft blanket can do the trick nicely as can a store bought bed.

Toys - Ever walked through the toy section at yourlocal pet supply center? There are tons of options here. But you need not go broke buying toys. Some simple suggestions are...a ping pong ball, small rubber ball, a small rolled up piece of paper. Beware of dangerous items such as bread ties (when swallowed they can perforate an intestine), tinsel from a Christmas tree, sharp edged small objects and dangling electrical cords.

Grooming Items - Ask your breeder what they recommend. For a long haired kitten, a comb or brush will be a must! Your breeder should be able to advise you on what type. I prefer a greyhound style comb myself, and a pin brush (the kind without the balls on the tips)

Make things easy on you and your new kitten, do some reading first.
Know what you are getting into.
The links below are to sites that will help make the transition as smooth as possible.

CFA...Caring for Cats

The Central Animal Hospital. The New Kitten Page
HOME
PLANTS WHICH ARE TOXIC TO YOUR KITTY
KITTY AGE COMPARISON CHART
DOES YOUR CAT OWN YOU?
FAMOUS CAT QUOTES

CATS AND THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS

PERSIAN CATS
 CAT TIPS
MIRACLE CAT  DIET
GIVING KITTY A BATH
UNBENDING RULES FOR CATS
MEET MICKEY


marciedoyle@hotmail.com