Kittens

Bringing home a new kitten can be exciting, but overwhelming. Here are some kitten–specific tips to make your new friend's welcome warm and lasting.

Preparing for Your New Arrival

Before you bring your kitten home, you have some things to do. Your kitten will need its own food and water dishes, food specifically formulated for kittens, a litter box and litter–box supplies, cat carrier, nail clippers, a scratching post and some kitten toys. Once you have your supplies, it’s time to kitten–proof your home. Be sure that all toxic products such as cleaning products, motor oil, antifreeze, brake fluid and other household and automotive chemicals are stored in tightly closed containers. If any of these substances are spilled, clean them up immediately. These toxic substances are especially dangerous for kittens because they groom themselves. A kitten can become ill by simply licking their paws after walking on newly cleaned, wet floor.

Houseplants are very attractive to kittens, but many are poisonous and could cause harm. Medications that are safe for humans may not be safe for kittens. Be sure to keep medicine containers closed tightly and away from your cat and never give your cat any medication unless prescribed by your veterinarian.

Bringing Your Kitten Home

By eight weeks of age, most kittens are ready to eat solid food and leave their mothers to begin life in your family. Find a small, quiet, warm part of the house for your new kitten to live in for the first few weeks until it gets used to its new environment. Gradually, let the kitten begin to explore the house. Be sure to handle and groom your kitten — this will encourage socialization and help you develop a trusting relationship with your new cat.

If you have another cat, be sure to take the newcomer to the veterinarian to ensure it has no transmittable diseases before exposing it to the cat already living with you. Once the kitten has clearance from your veterinarian, allow at least two to three weeks for the cat and kitten to adjust to one another. Don't force them to play together, but try feeding them on opposite sides of the same door. You can also familiarize the cat and kitten with each other by exchanging their blankets from time to time.

Protecting Your Kitten

As your new kitten grows, it faces a variety of parasites and infectious organisms, some of which pose a threat to humans. A preventive health–care program is the foundation of a long and healthy life, so it is important to take your kitten to a veterinarian as soon as possible. If you don't already have a veterinarian, click here to sign up for Veterinarian Locator service, free from Merial.com. While the list does not cover every threat to the health of your kitten or replace veterinary care, it is an excellent place to start discussions with your veterinarian.

Your Kitten's Vaccination Schedule

No matter what kind of kitten you've selected, its vaccination schedule should begin at six to eight weeks of age. After that, regular revaccinations are needed to keep your cat healthy. See your veterinarian to establish a vaccination and revaccination schedule.