Tips to Take Care of Cats & Kittens

Humans have been keeping cats as pets for up to 8,000 years, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimates. Cats are graceful hunters, but many of them enjoy cuddling up with their human companions. Their content purring and soft fur offer comfort to many pet owners. Cats can make good first pets for children, teaching them responsibility as they care for their kittens. While cats don't require as much training and attention as dogs, there are still things you should know about caring for cats before you decide to adopt one.

  1. What You'll Need

    • A few items are essential for your cat or kitten to stay healthy and happy. You will need to have dishes for its food and water as well as grooming supplies such as a brush. Purchase a cat bed as well, but don't be surprised to find your cat or kitten curled up in all sorts of places throughout your home. You will also need a litter box for your kitty to eliminate in. You certainly don't want to find cat messes buried all over your house. A scratching post where your cat or kitten can sharpen its claws can save your furniture, and you should invest in some cat toys for an energetic kitty to play with as well. Your cat may live indoors, but it also needs a collar with an ID tag, just in case it escapes out a door or window.

    Feeding Your Kitten/Cat

    • You should start your kitten out with a dry kibble kitten formula food. The ASPCA recommends that kittens between the ages of 6 and 12 weeks eat four meals a day and 3 to 6 month-old kittens should eat three times a day. Mix kitten formula with adult formula when you are ready to switch foods for your fully-grown cat. Slowly cut back the amount of kitten formula in the mix to avoid digestive problems. ASPCA guidelines suggest feeding adult cats one large meal or two to three smaller meals per day. Make sure your kitten or cat has access to a bowl of fresh water at all times. You should also wash food and water bowls daily.

    Health Care

    • Take your cat to the vet at least once a year throughout its life for checkups. At these checkups, your veterinarian has the opportunity to detect disease or illness before it becomes serious. The ASPCA recommends vaccinating cats against rabies, panleukopenia, calicivirus and rhinotracheitis. These vaccinations start when your kitten is about 2 months old. It will receive a series of booster shots every three to four weeks until it is 16 weeks old.

    Handling and Play

    • Kittens and even adult cats enjoy playing. Games are a chance for them to practice instinctive behaviors such as hunting and chasing. Invest in toys that you can move around so that they seem to be alive. Feathers, mice or balls on strings are good options for cats. When you pick your cat up, always support the front and hind quarters. Don't pick your cat up by the scruff of the neck or the front legs. Young children should handle kittens with care to avoid hurting them. You should also advise your children to be gentle with a kitten or cat or they may get scratched.