Tips On Raising A Happy Kitten
are new to a home.
Tip #1:
NEVER play with a kitten using your hand as a toy. Your kitten will think it is okay to scratch and bite flesh. There are many cat teaser toys available. A shoestring can entertain a kitten for hours.
Tip #2:
Hold your kitten as often as possible. Let them know how good it feels to be cuddled and loved. This is especially important with shy or timid kittens.
Tip #3:
While holding your kitten gently stroke his belly, legs, chin and any other possibly sensitive areas. This will make your kitty unafraid and calm in the event that you should ever have to medicate him.
Tip #4:
Brush your kitten often, daily if they are long haired. There are many different styles of cat brushes available at pet stores. Brushing will make your kitten feel pretty, which is very important to them. It will also reduce the dander in your house. Dander is the cause of most cat allergies.
Tip #5:
Clip your kittens nails once a week. After a short time of regular clippings you will find that your kitten will probably enjoy being groomed and pampered. Your veterinarian would be happy to teach you this simple technique or you can find instructions for nail clipping in most cat care books. Well clipped nails can eliminate scratched skin and furniture. When cuddling your kitten massage their paws with your fingers, this will help them adjust to having their paws held.
Tip #6:
If you are gone during the day consider leaving on a tv or talk radio station to keep your kitten company. This can help a shy kitten to get acclimated to human voices.
Tip #7:
If when holding your kitten they seem to want down, try sitting down and holding them. Kittens are small and to them it looks like a very long fall to the floor.
Tip #8:
If you have children please remind them that cats and kittens have very sensitive ears and that their squeals of delight could be very painful to a kitten and may even cause the kitten to dislike children.
Tip #9:
Yes, cats can be trained! If your kitten performs an undesirable behavior such as scratching furniture or climbing curtains remember this one simple word "No". Speak it firmly and remove the kitten from that area. Be consistent and never yell. After a short time your kitten will understand the meaning of No. Some people recommend squirting water as a bad behavior deterrant; unless you can squirt the cat without being seen, the cat will associate the water with you and not the bad behavior. Raising a kitten is a form of parenting and I doubt you would squirt your child with water. Be a good parent by being firm and consistent.
Tip #10:
The most important tip of all. Give your kitten unconditional love and affection. If your kitten knows it is loved, it will grow into a happy well adjusted cat.