The kitten's arrival at the house The new kitten We've had the idea for some time and, finally, we have decided to have a kitten in the house. We have certainly made the right decision. From now on, we are going to share happy moments and experiences with a faithful and affectionate friend. However, it is important to consider that a kitten is something more than a small heart-warming ball of fur. Our new friend needs attention and taking care of. Further, before it reaches its new home, we must make a few small preparations to guarantee the health of our new friend. But we don't have to worry, taking care of and feeding it is not difficult. We simply have to know a little about what food it needs, how to take care of its health and a few guidelines of behaviour, as well as a little bit about its biology so that it can live with us in harmony. We have to take the time to find out about these things and to receive the new member of the family in the best possible conditions. We will all be grateful. Choosing a veterinarian Choosing the veterinarian is one of first and most important tasks. We should not put it off. As soon as we have it or we have chosen the kitten that will join our family, we make sure it visits the vet straight away, as well as giving it our affection and caresses. If we do not know where to go, we can ask in the store where we have bought the kitten or, simply, ask someone else who has a cat. We can also try animal protection associations and public information services. Once we have chosen a veterinarian, preferably one near our home, it is important to visit the clinic to be sure it provides adequate conditions of hygiene and attention. We must realise that the veterinarian is going to become one of the important people for the development and growth of our kitten in perfect condition; therefore, it is important to maintain a close relationship with him. We can clear up all our doubts with the vet and ask all the questions that seem important to us; most professionals always are prepared to answer your questions. Let us make the visit to the veterinarian an activity that we share with our kitten, one that binds us closer to it. We should not see this visit as a mere obligation. The kitten needs it and we can also enjoy this time that we dedicate to it. It is very important to know where the nearest emergency veterinary clinic is, in case of any unexpected event. We can ask our usual veterinarian and we must always have his address and telephone number at hand.
A specialist is the most suitable person to determine the kitten's health and to point out the care it needs, as well as the periodic check-ups that it requires. Which accessory do I need to buy? This is also one of the important matters that we must deal with when we have decided to have a kitten. We must have everything prepared before it arrives at home; then we will be able to enjoy the first hours fully that we are going to spend with our new friend. We do not have to worry too much, because the kitten is not going to need many things. We'll soon see how easy it is to find: A transport basket or cage. They are usually made of plastic or metal wire, although some are made of plasticised wood and cardboard. The most practical solution is one that is easy to clean and that is big enough for the cat, once it has grown to be an adult, to be able to stand and turn around without difficulty. It is important to see that it is well ventilated, that the kitten can see outside so that it does not feel trapped and that a towel or at least newspaper that can absorb any mess is laid on the floor. We cannot do without this accessory because it is going to be very useful when we have to transport the cat somewhere or to take it in the car. Litter box or tray: one of the advantages of kittens is that they are clean animals that are not going to force us to constantly take care of their evacuations. We will only have to worry that its tray is kept clean, since kittens do not like using dirty or smelly trays. The best thing is to decide on a sufficiently large tray so that the kitten will fit when it has become an adult and sufficiently deep that it does not throw out the sand when it scrapes and digs. Until they get used to them, kittens can find their tray uncomfortable to enter; this is why some people choose trays with low sides that enable them to enter easily. Once the kitten has grown, they replace them with conventional ones. Anyway, the important thing is that they are easy to clean, since we will avoid annoyances in this way. Cat litter. Some people prefer to use sawdust or strips of paper to save expense. However, these materials get dirtier and do not avoid smells. It is better and more practical to use litter sold for this purpose. They are a little more expensive, but they also absorb more, stay clean longer and avoid smells much better. When cleaning the tray we mustn't forget the shovel to remove the dirty litter. The tray must cleaned with soap and water about every two days; however, very strong disinfectants should not be used since they might affect the kitten's sense of smell. The bed. It is necessary to prepare a place where the kitten can rest. But we do not have to worry, because we do not need to spend much on this. There are fibreglass beds on the market that are easy to clean; however, the kitten will be happy with a simple cardboard box with a high wall that protects it from draughts and with an opening at the front. To make it more comfortable, we can place a cushion with a washable cover. These will also help to keep it warm. We should place the box in a quiet place and to keep it, as far as possible, always in the same spot. Food. Kittens grow very quickly; that is why it is very important that they have access to good quality food so that they remain healthy. The best thing is to choose food that is specially sold for kittens, because it will be complete and balanced and therefore have the necessary vitamins, minerals and nutrients for your kitten's healthy growth in the best conditions. Containers for water and food. When choosing them it is important to consider two fundamental aspects: in the first place, they are easy to clean and, secondly, that they are sufficiently heavy so that the kitten does not overturn them. This is why plastic containers are not the best. Moreover, this material can produce allergies in some kittens. It is better to choose stainless steel containers or, if not, ceramic ones. We must clean them often using hot water and soap and, above all, we must
never forget to keep them separate from the ordinary household dishes. Scraper or scratching post. We may think that our kitten does not need this device, but if the kitten gets used to using it, it can save problems and possible annoyances. Kittens do not need to sharpen their claws as popular rumour has it. However, they do like to stretch, to rub up against something to clean themselves, and they need some kind of support to do so. Several kinds are sold in specialised stores, but we can also make one ourselves. We only need a wooden board and a piece of carpet. The scratcher must be sufficiently large so that the kitten can use it when it is an adult and it must be well fastened to bear the cat's movements. Collar, harness and leash. It might surprise you to learn that if we accustom our kitten to wearing a leash when it begins to go out, many will accept it naturally. Apparently, some breeds, like Siamese cats, get used to this accessory better than others. It is a very advantageous system for people living in cities with lots of traffic and who do not want the cat to always be in the house. However, it is better not to insist if the cat does not get used to it at a very early age, since an adult cat will never accept a leash. If we decide to try this out with our kitten, a harness is preferable to a leash because it gives greater mobility. We must not doubt about buying a collar with an identification plate because if our cat gets lost there is always more chance of getting it back. We should choose a collar partly made of elastic, so if the cat catches its collar on something, it can loosen it and not choke. Cleaning utensils. It is very important to get the kitten used to regular cleaning from an early age, especially if it is a longhaired breed, although shorthaired breeds need regular cleaning, too. A comb for fleas that enables us to remove dead hair is essential. A natural chamois cloth is also useful for reinforcing the task of combing. If the kitten is a longhaired breed it is better to choose a special brush. We must insist on making this task a habit; we must not wait until the fur is matted and combing it becomes painful for the animal. If the cat rejects being combed, we must do it regularly and progressively and until it get used to this new activity that we are going to keep up. With time it will thank us for it. Toys. Playing is a vital activity for our kitten and, moreover it is allows us to establish a closer relationship with it. It is very important for the kitten to have access to toys with which to play and that, additionally, it will enjoy very pleasant times playing with the simple things that are within anyone s reach. Kittens are playful and curious and therefore anything that rolls or makes noise is going to attract them. A ping-pong ball or the cardboard roll from the centre of a toilet paper roll are safe toys for them. Special toys can be bought in the pet shops, but it is most important to avoid toys that can hurt it. Although kittens find them very attractive, wool, thread or rubbers, for example, if swallowed could cause obstructions. Also, it is necessary to prevent the kitten from playing with pointed objects, or small objects like buttons or those with small pieces that could be swallowed. We must also avoid giving soft rubber toys for babies, teddies or sponges, because if they swallow a little piece they can have gastrointestinal problems. And, of course, it is important to remove plastic bags, because if it decides to play with them it might get trapped and suffocate. We must not forget that kittens like tidy places and that is why we must ensure that their utensils always clean Protecting our kitten's home.
For curious and adventurous kittens houses can be attractive places to explore, which, on the other hand, are not free from dangers. For that reason, we must take some small precautions to avoid unpleasant episodes. In the kitchen. Accidents can occur with pots that can spill, with the open doors of certain household appliances like the washing machine, dryer or oven, whose warmth may attract the kitten; and with closets with cleaning products like bleach, disinfectants, detergents or insecticides. It is necessary to take special care if they fall on the cat's fur, since the kitten may lick himself and some of these products are very toxic. Antifreeze liquids can be very attractive, because these products contain ethylene glycol, a sweet-tasting substance that is very pleasant to many kittens' palates, but also unfortunately very poisonous. We must also take good care that the kitten does not get into the dustbin because, in addition to the remains of the products mentioned above, the animal may eat small bones that get stuck in their throat. They can also come across remnants of plastics, especially those for joining beverage tins and in which they can be trapped. In the sitting room. We must take great care with electrical cables because some kittens like to chew on them, with the danger that implies. It is important to keep them tied and short to avoid any risk. We must avoid precariously perched objects or shelves filled with valuable ornaments. Fireplaces must have fireguards and care taken with lit stoves. In the bathroom. We must be sure the toilet lid is down at all times, since a kitten might try to drink the water and become trapped if the lid were to fall. Medicines must be kept in a safe place, even those that are considered theoretically safe like aspirin, since they are dangerous for the kitten. In the bedrooms. The drawers, chests and closets must stay closed, because as cats like quiet and dark places, they might get trapped inside. In the garden or if there are plants in the house. Many plants are poisonous if chewed. Consult your veterinarian and avoid having them at home. In the garage. Before starting the engine it is advisable to try the horn and check that the kitten is not on the bonnet. They find it an inviting spot because of the heat it gives off. Apparently inoffensive products or objects can be very dangerous to the kitten. The kitten's arrival at the house It is best to take the kitten home when it is between seven and eight weeks old. At this time it has been weaned and he does not feel especially bound to the place it was born. It is a good time to adapt to its new home without much difficulty. There are also breeders who prefer to give their kittens a little later, that is to say, at twelve weeks, and there are those who say that from the fifth or sixth week the kitten can adapt without problems to the new house. In the latter case we must consider that our kitten is going to require greater attention. However, there are experts who assure that in these circumstances, and in spite of the effort, they become very affectionate cats when they grow up. It is advisable that the kitten arrive at the house when there are not too many obligations, that is to say, during the weekend or the holidays. This way we will have more time for it; we will have more peace and quiet to get to know it and so that it adapts to its new habits. We must not get carried away by the enthusiasm of the novelty, nor overload it with fun and games; it is still very small and
needs its sleep and rest. It is recommended to dedicate all our time to it during the first days and not let it go out, since it may get into danger. Showing the kitten its new home As soon as the kitten arrives at home we will show it its things: the cat litter box, the food and the water containers, its bed and scratcher. It is important that these last two are close together, since the kitten will use the scratcher when it gets up from one of its short rests. At the outset, the kitten will probably not know how to use the cat litter box, but we do not need to worry too much about it. Kittens are very clean animals and, with a few simple guidelines, they are going to learn to use the tray straight away. If there are children in house, they are going to understand immediately. Normally cats and babies get along very well, and it is not likely that a kitten would hurt a child. At any rate, we can always take a few precautions. In the first place, we must make the children understand that the kitten is not a toy. That is why they must not scare it or pull its tail or ears, since the animal might become scared and scratch them. Then it is very important to teach the children how to hold it correctly. A kitten is small enough to fit in the palm of the hand, by placing the palm under its chest and holding its front legs gently. The kitten must never be lifted by the front legs or the neck. Kittens love being stroked, and receiving attention and love, and their personality develops fully when they are handled and played with. It is very important to treat the kitten very well. If there is already another cat in house, we should present it to the new kitten little by little. If the cat has been sterilised, whether male or female, it will eventually accept the kitten without problems, but until we are sure it is better not to leave them alone. If there is a dog, they must also get to know each other little by little, but take into account that, as surprising as it seems, it is very easy for a dog to accept a kitten quickly. We should not hide the kitten in a room when people come to the house. If it does not bother visitors it is recommended that we present/display the new member of the home to them; this will help the kitten accept new people and to ease its social development. Presenting/showing the kitten progressively to the members of its new family and to the other animals of the house will help it integrate easily. Naming our kitten It is best if the name of our kitten is short and easily identifiable. We should use it from our first contact with it, repeating it frequently while we stroke it, so that it relates this to displays of affection. It will then respond immediately to its name and come when we call it. The first visit to the veterinarian Although we have acquired the kitten with all guarantees, we must take it immediately to the veterinarian. An expert is the one who can really evaluate what state it is in. We should summarise
as much information about our cat as we can: its date of birth or if it has been vaccinated. During the first visit it is important to pay attention to the cleanliness of the doctor's office and the cordiality and efficiency of the staff. We must not wait until we suspect that our kitten is suffering from some illness before visiting the vet. The first visit in a relaxed atmosphere will help to inform us on all aspects that we should know about our kitten and, most importantly, to establish a climate of confidence in a relaxed atmosphere. The vaccines must be administered from six weeks of age.