It is a good idea to learn how to raise a kitten, before you actually bring your new kitten home. This way you are well prepared and have a better understanding of what is required and what to expect.
Your kitten will probably be about 6 to 8 weeks of age when you bring it home, which is a good age to be separated from its litter mates. By then it will be fully weaned, eating solid food and have some idea about clean toileting habits. Kittens younger than 4 weeks may not thrive.
Make sure your kitten has had all the necessary vaccinations for its age, and adhere to any local registration regulations that apply in your area. Have your new kitten checked by your local vet as soon as possible after you get it home, to make sure there are no health issues. Ask the vet about future health needs like worming, spaying and vaccinations.
You will need to be prepared with some important items, like an easy-to-clean litter tray and a bag of litter, bowls for food and water, kitten's food, a bed and a few of toys. Cats are naturally clean animals, and will use the litter tray as long as it has clean litter in it; so show it where the litter tray is and there shouldn't be too many messes. Replace the litter and wash the tray regularly, as cats won't use dirty litter. Keep the litter tray in a quiet corner.
Find out what your kitten has been eating, and try to continue the same food at least for the first two weeks. This prevents stomach upsets caused by a change of diet, and also reduces the amount of change the little kitten has to contend with all at once. Feed your kitten at regular times, in a quiet place, and always have fresh water available. Keep the food and water dishes clean.
You can buy all kinds of cat bedding and while a cat likes sleeping in a basket, a blanket or soft towels will do the job. Take the kitten to its bed after feeding and at night, and it will soon get the idea. Remember that a kitten is still a baby and needs to be able to sleep a lot in the first few weeks in your home.
You need to provide toys for your kitten for activity and to prevent boredom. Kittens love to play and without toys may well decide to play with something inappropriate. Make sure you have several play sessions with your kitten each day; this creates a bond between you. While there is a huge range of cat toys available, a ball of paper or a stuffed sock is just as much fun for the kitten.
Cats generally settle easily into their new home. Some discipline may be necessary to help your cat understand the house rules when kitten decides to sharpen claws on your chair legs or swing on the curtains. Your kitten will appreciate a cat scratching post and it will help to save your furniture.
Know how to raise a kitten properly, and you will set up a lifelong relationship that you can both enjoy and appreciate.
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