Things About Kittens

Cats are intelligent, agile hunters that have been domesticated for centuries. Buying a kitten and learning how to care for its daily needs is an important part of forming a strong, lasting relationship with a pet cat that can last for many years. Kittens are generally easy to care for and train since cats grow up to become more independent than dogs, and therefore need less formal training.

  1. What to Feed a Kitten

    • Most veterinarians recommend feeding a good-quality dry pellet food and canned food specifically for kittens. It's normally best to avoid the cheapest brands of food on the shelf as these often contain poor-quality ingredients and byproducts. Dry food helps keep the cat's teeth clean and canned food makes it more appealing. Some people feed home-cooked foods to their cats such as salmon or chicken, rice and vegetables; however, if choosing to feed a kitten fresh foods, consult a veterinarian and discuss which foods will provide a balanced diet for the cat and which to avoid. Some substances are toxic to cats, such as onions, raisins, houseplants and chocolate. It is best to avoid giving milk as many kittens are allergic to it and may get diarrhea or gain unnecessary weight. Dry food can be made continually available, but food and water bowls need to be kept clean at all times.

    Scratching Posts and Toys

    • Kittens, like adult cats, will need an area where they can scratch and stretch their claws. This is necessary for cats and a scratching post is a good outlet for a kitten so it won't tear up the furniture or carpet. Scratching posts can be purchased at pet stores or, if you are handy, made at home from an old piece of carpet tacked to a solid post. A kitten can be shown the post and encouraged to use it by praising him when he uses it and saying a sharp "no" when he scratches the furniture. Kittens also need to play and a few safe toys specifically for a kitten can be bought at a pet store. Toilet paper tubes and hard balls can also be used, but thread and needles should be kept out of reach.

    Stopping Bad Behavior

    • Kittens don't respond well to spanking or being chased. Instead, one common and harmless method for discouraging bad behavior is a plant spray bottle filled with water that is squirted at the kitten while he's committing the "crime" such as scratching the padded chair instead of the scratching post. A single jet of water will reach him from across the room if necessary.

    More Things About Kittens

    • Unless the kitten spends most of its time outdoors, it may want to use a litter box indoors. A kitten can be trained to use a litter box from an early age. It will also need to have its vaccinations up to date, and a veterinarian can provide necessary information on vaccine requirements. Having a kitten checked for worms is also advisable. Kittens need a warm, safe and cozy place to sleep, where they will not be disturbed. This may be a couch or a cat bed.