NEWBORN KITTEN CARE
New kitten tips to help get her off to a great start
Although newborn kitten care should include her first trip to the veterinarian, a nutritious diet, bonding time and age-appropriate toys, new kitten care isn't always so intuitive. That's why we've developed a few kitten tips to help get your relationship started off right.
- Six to eight weeks is the ideal age to bring a kitten home. She is old enough to eat solid food, but still young enough to attach to you right away.
- Pick up your kitten at the beginning of a weekend so you'll have two full days to start her training and time to take her to the veterinarian. Play with your kitten, but give her time for naps.
“Unlike dogs, who have a social hierarchy, every cat thinks she is queen.”
- Kitten-proof your home. Are there dangling electrical cords, plastic bags, or tempting objects within your kitten's reach? Store hazardous household supplies and houseplants out of reach.
- Unlike dogs, who have a social hierarchy, every cat thinks she is queen. Her sense of self has to do with the territory she "owns" - the house, a room, or a sofa. Without enough territory to go around, a cat may mark her turf by spraying urine.
- To correct nipping and scratching, offer toys instead of your hand. Disengage your hand by pushing towards her (if you pull away, she'll hang on tighter). Say "NO," but never hit. If this doesn't help, a quick squirt from a water spray bottle will usually do the trick.
