Caring for a kitten is a lot of work. With her high energy and intense curiosity and sense of adventure, raising a kitten will keep you on your toes. Careful attention during the first year of life will set a strong foundation for a long, loving relationship with your cat.
Kittens aged 8-12 weeks need four meals a day, 3-6 months three meals, and kittens over 6 months old, two meals.
Follow the guidelines on the food packaging as to how much to provide in each feeding. Give your kitten both moist and dry food, so she is less likely to become a finicky eater later. When you offer moist food, be sure to pick it up after about 30 minutes. Cats love moist food, but if you let them eat it at their leisure, they will become "lazy" eaters. Limit the availability of the good stuff, and your kitten will learn to "get it while the getting is good." It is a good idea to leave dry food out all day so she can snack on it as she pleases. It is vital that your kitten learn to eat dry kibble, as the crunchy food helps keep her teeth and gums healthy.
Your kitten will likely spend a lot of time licking her fur, so you won't need to bathe her. Both she and you will benefit from regular brushing sessions, however. Time spent grooming your kitten gets her used to handling and lets you monitor her health and development. Many kittens are afraid of a brush at first, or think it are a toy. If you are patient and loving, you can teach your young cat to enjoy the soothing sensation of being brushed. Cats often mutually groom each other, so by brushing her you are expressing your "love" to her.
While you groom your cat, begin getting her used to having her ears, eyes, mouth and paws handled. Move your hands over her body, restraining her from time to time as you touch and manipulate different body parts. At first you may only be able to touch her lip, but over a period of days and weeks you should be able to lift her lip and touch her gums. When you handle her paws, gently squeeze her toes to extend her claws. This the technique you will use later to trim her claws, and the sooner you begin getting her used to it the less traumatic it will be for both of you.
Kittens have a lot of energy. If you don't provide an outlet for it, she will find one of her own. Chasing a wind-up toy or ball, stalking and pouncing on a lure attached to a string or just racing around the room are all positive outlets for her energy. Be careful, however, to keep the rough play under control. Never use your hands or feet as a lure. Strongly discourage her from attacking your hands or feet; what seems cute when she's a kitten encourages her to be aggressive with you. Always keep a stuffed toy within reach so that if she tries to attack you, you can rub the animal against her tummy to encourage her to wrestle with it.
To care for a cat you will need to:
* Provide plenty of human companionship
* Provide regular, suitable meals with a constant supply of fresh water
* Provide a clean and comfortable bed
* Provide the cat with outdoor access or be prepared to empty and clean a litter tray on a daily basis
* Groom it regularly. Longhaired cats require daily grooming
* Have it neutered between 4 and 6 months old
* Vaccinate against the major feline diseases regularly
* Worm regularly and provide treatment for fleas
* Take the cat to the vet when it shows any sign of illness - pet insurance can help offset the cost of veterinary treatment.
Pet Medication Supplies http://www.pet-medication-supplies.net can help you get the best possible pet health supplies. http://www.pet-medication-supplies.net - find the best deals in pet medication for flea and tick control, arthritis and lyme disease. Upto 50% discount everyday on brand names.
green cleaning service Park Ridge ..Pomeranians have tiny mouths and itty bitty teeth, but not... Read More
Like most dog owners, you probably take your dog with... Read More
Lemon TetraGlassily transparent, the lemon tetra (hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) could appear... Read More
If you are looking for tips on breeding tropical fish,... Read More
As overwhelming as picking out a pet bird can be,... Read More
If you're contemplating the idea of starting a home-based business... Read More
If your feline friend could speak your language, here a... Read More
My name is Shadrach, and I am a dog -... Read More
A former coworker has a dog that had begun itching... Read More
If you are seriously considering keeping fish as pets or... Read More
We've recently moved into a new apartment complex that really... Read More
It happens all too often. A family or cat friend... Read More
Presently, and throughout the 1990s a phenomena swept through the... Read More
Caring for a kitten is a lot of work. With... Read More
My dog has fleas. That one statement is enough to... Read More
Training a dog is a fairly difficult task. Some find... Read More
'I named all kittens, although they were all stillborn.' 'My... Read More
What is Canine Bloat?Bloat refers to the bloating of the... Read More
Do you have a puppy that jumps on you, company... Read More
Puppies have a natural instinct inside that causes them to... Read More
West Highland White Terriers began their history as the undesirable... Read More
Animal welfare organizations and humane societies have been very successful... Read More
Almost without exception, breeders will advertise that their favorite terrier,... Read More
Dog's come in all shapes and sizes ? out of... Read More
Our dogs are now, more than ever, a very important... Read More
cleaning help near Bannockburn ..One we must regrettably share with our children for they... Read More
Pomeranians have tiny mouths and itty bitty teeth, but not... Read More
While excitement and anticipation will be at the top of... Read More
Out of all the pet animals, the cat is most... Read More
Sure, you may be a master of human First Aid.... Read More
Unfortunately, there are a number of household items which we... Read More
There is a lot of talk going on about what... Read More
They say the eyes are are the gateway to the... Read More
You've seen them in movies and on TV shows, and... Read More
Let me introduce my dogs. I have 3, Nikki and... Read More
Keeping your dog safe is similar to keeping a child... Read More
Just like when you bring home a new baby, you... Read More
Do you want a Westie as a pet? What are... Read More
Dogs mature and age at much different rates, usually according... Read More
As you likely know already, horses have at least 10... Read More
The days are getting longer, and if you have a... Read More
As I listen on my long drive to my grandpa's... Read More
How do you build a goldfish pond outdoors?The tools you... Read More
Did you know that arthritis affects one in five dogs... Read More
By Jeffrey Rolocopyright 2004 AlphaHorseIn the dating world many men... Read More
If your dog could talk, these are some of most... Read More
An essential to your dog's health is his/her regular annual... Read More
Did you know that pets outnumber people in the United... Read More
Kittens communicate in a very distinct way. Did you know... Read More
It was the Saturday morning of August 20, 2004 and... Read More
Pet |