Welcoming a new kitten? Here's what you need to know
A new kitten is bundle of fur, purrs and endless energy. Whether you are welcoming your first kitten or adding another feline member to your family, create a comfortable, safe environment to help him grow into a secure, affectionate, well-behaved kitty.
Some time spent preparing your home for your new kitten makes the transition easier. Curious kittens can easily get themselves into trouble, so kitten-proofing is necessary.
Remove any objects that might be a choking hazard, like yarn or strings. Secure power cords or cords of window blinds to eliminate strangulation risks. Look for places where he might get stuck as he explores his new home.
Kittens chew on anything and everything, so rid your home of poisonous plants. Make sure washer and dryer doors stay closed and cleaning products are inaccessible.
Have a room ready with his litter box, bowls for food and water, some toys and his bed. Keep some space between the litter box and his food. If there are other pets in the home, let the new kitten get used to his own space without company until he seems comfortable.
Put his cat carrier in this room with the door open so he can play or sleep inside it, preventing him from equating it with a trip to the veterinarian.
Prepare a special place in his safe room for him to escape when he needs some alone time. Whether it is a purchased cat "house" or a cardboard box, it provides a quiet, safe spot when stimuli becomes overwhelming. One of your old T-shirts with your scent placed inside may give additional comfort and help in the bonding process.
Other items to get before kitty arrives are tools for grooming and a toothbrush so these activities can be introduced early. A scratching post gives your new kitten an outlet for using his claws appropriately.
A new kitten may need extra attention the first few days as he adjusts to life in a new home without his mom and littermates. But limit the number of different people handling him for the first few days. Eventually, he will benefit from being introduced to a variety of people and experiences, so he doesn't become a "scaredy cat," afraid of new people or sounds.
Once he is comfortable in his safe room, let him explore the rest of the house at his own pace. It may only take a week or so for outgoing felines; shy kitties may need much longer.
Always supervise children with a kitten, making sure they know how to hold and play with him. Supervision should also be provided when kittens are playing with any items that might be ingested, like yarn, strings, loose shoelaces or sweatshirt strings, etc.
He will also require a great deal of supervision to direct his curiosity in positive directions and keep him safe. If he won't be allowed to jump on the bed, counters or tables, gently remove him and put him back on the floor whenever he does.
Use positive reinforcement instead of punishment, giving treats and praise when he is behaving and redirecting inappropriate actions instead of punishing bad behavior. A kitten scratching on the couch should be redirected to his scratching post. Offer a toy mouse to a kitten biting your hand.
Training a kitten to use the litter box should be relatively easy. He often learns from watching his mother, but if not, put him in the litter box after a nap or a meal and encourage him to dig in the litter.
It is important to take your new kitten to the veterinarian within the first week. She will examine him from nose to tail and answer any questions you may have.
She will also ask you to bring a sample of your kitten's feces, because it is not uncommon for kittens to have some sort of intestinal parasites that requires deworming.
Flea and parasite preventions will be discussed, and she will also recommend a vaccination program, including a rabies vaccination that is now required by state law.
• Diana Stoll is the Practice Manager at Red Barn Animal Hospital with locations in Hampshire and Gilberts. Visit redbarnpetvet.com, or call (847) 683-4788 (Hampshire) or (847) 426-1000 (Gilberts).