Grattis till adoptionen av en kattunge! Nu när du är en ny husdjursförälder finns det flera saker du måste tänka på. Kvalitetsvård för kattungar bör fokusera på att hjälpa husdjuret att anpassa sig till sitt nya hem och säkerställa deras välbefinnande för att främja en hälsosam utveckling.
Det finns flera stadier i en kattunges utveckling, och det är viktigt att förstå hur ditt husdjurs behov kommer att förändras när de mognar.
Vi har sammanställt några användbara råd om kattungar som täcker alla grundläggande aspekter av kattungevård du behöver känna till, inklusive:
Kattungar är lekfulla och nyfikna, vilket kan leda dem till problem såvida du inte vidtar lämpliga förebyggande åtgärder. Så innan du tar hem en kattunge måste du kattsäkra ditt hus och hålla ett öga på ditt nya husdjur för att undvika att din kattunge förstör dina saker eller, ännu värre, skadar sig själva.
Detta inkluderar:
När du först tar med din kattunge hem vill du se till att alla föremål på checklistan för kattungarna är på plats.
Du måste tänka på viktiga föremål som mat, vatten, skålar, kattlåda och en kattsäng, såväl som icke-nödvändiga föremål som ett halsband och identifieringsbricka, loppkam, skötselborste, nagelklippare, skrapstolpe och leksaker.
För en ung kattunge kan ett nytt hem med höga ljud, obekanta lukter och konstiga syner vara en skrämmande plats. Här är saker du kan göra för att göra justeringen smidigare.
Resan till ditt hus ska vara så bekväm som möjligt. Placera en handduk du brukade gnugga kattungens familjemedlemmar eller till och med det inre av kenneln i en kattbärare och försiktigt lägga din kattunge inuti. Ta bort toppen av hållaren snarare än att knuffa kattungen genom dörren om den vägrar komma in.
När du kommer hem placerar du kattungen och bärselen i ett litet, tyst rum i huset (till exempel badrummet eller tvättstugan). Låt kattungen komma ut ur bäraren genom att öppna dörren. Förvara färskt vatten, mat och en kattlåda nära bärarens ingång och låt katten utforska rummet som den vill .
När din kattunge har vant sig vid det tysta rummet, introducerar du dem för resten av rummen i huset ett i taget . Om du har andra husdjur, se till att introducera dem långsamt och säkert . När du introducerar den nya kattungen, håll din hund eller katt i koppel eller låt någon hålla dem. Tillåt husdjuren att undersöka varandra och ingrip endast om tecken på förestående fientlighet upptäcks.
Skapa en säker och säker miljö där du kan lämna din kattunge när du inte kan övervaka dem . En matskål, vattenskål, kattlåda, leksaker och en viloplats bör finnas tillgängliga i detta område.
Undvik att trycka på kattungen att ta sig ur sitt gömställe under de första dagarna i ditt hem. Tillbringa istället tid på golvet på kattungenivå om du vill tilltala ditt nya husdjur. I stället för att trängas in i rummet på en gång, låt också familjemedlemmar besöka individuellt.
All hantering bör helst ske när kattungen påbörjar det under de första dagarna. Efter de första 48 timmarna, hantera kattungen under små mängder under dagen istället för att ge konstant fysisk kontakt. Tillåt endast minimal övervakad interaktion med kattungen först om du har små barn för att undvika att katten blir överhanterad.
Att identifiera och tillhandahålla lämpliga utlopp för alla en kattunges behov är nyckeln till att förebygga beteendeproblem. Från första dagen i ditt hem, uppmuntra säkra och acceptabla lekaktiviteter kommer att göra livet mycket lättare för dig och din katt.
Överväg att tillhandahålla rovleksessioner med mobila leksaker, miniatyrlampor eller trollstavar, samt servera mat i födosöksleksaker och gömma godsaker i lådor eller papperspåsar för att uppmuntra din kattunges intresse för utredning.
Klättringsalternativ och skrapstolpar hjälper till att förhindra förstörelse av möbler . Mycket sällskapliga och lekfulla katter kan också ha nytta av att ha en andra social och lekfull katt i huset, så länge som en säker hierarki har skapats.
Eftersom katter kan vara krävande varelser, är det viktigt att utveckla sina goda uppföranden i ung ålder. Bitning, svettning och överdriven sång är alla exempel på olämpligt beteende som inte bör tolereras.
Om din kattunge börjar visa dessa beteenden, lämna rummet omedelbart och tyst, stoppa alla interaktioner. Starta om interaktioner efter att kattungen har lugnat sig och tystnat.
Om en kattunges beteende mot människor eller egendom är oacceptabelt kan disciplinering vara nödvändig, men straffet bör undvikas. Ett bestämt "Nej!" kan vara allt som krävs att få din kattunge att stanna. Du kan klappa händerna eller göra ett annat högt ljud för att omdirigera sin uppmärksamhet.
En kattunges första veckor är en virvelvind av utvecklingsförändringar. Att välkomna en ny kattunge i din familj är roligt men också mycket ansvar. Ditt nya husdjur kommer att ha olika behov varje vecka när det gäller mat, värme, medicinsk hjälp och badrumshjälp. Det är viktigt att avgöra vilken typ av vård din kattunge behöver och hur man hjälper dem att växa till en frisk och glad vuxen katt.
Nyfödda kattungar är helt beroende av sin mamma för mat, värme, badrumsstöd och städning. You can handle the newborn kittens for a few minutes at a time if the mother is okay with it. Early engagement with newborn cats can help lay the groundwork for a future companion that is happy and well-adjusted.
Wondering how to help a cat weaned too early? Kittens should ideally stay with their mothers for at least eight weeks so that they can get the full benefit of the mothers' milk, which contains important antibodies.
If a newborn kitten is orphaned, they will need to be bottle-fed with kitten formula every two hours, kept at an appropriate temperature, and stimulated to go to the bathroom.
2-week-old kittens may begin taking a dewormer . Talk with your veterinarian about a kitten deworming schedule. Your kitten’s eyes should be open by this point. If they are not open by day 10, try gently wiping the lids clean with a wash cloth.
At this age, you can place a kitten-safe litter box in their environment. 3-week-old kittens start controlling their own potty breaks, so there’s no need to specifically "train" them. If you are bottle-feeding the kittens, you can scale back to four to six hours between meals .
4-week-old kittens should become used to being around and handled by people . At this stage, you may also try introducing them to new sounds and toys . Orphan kittens of this age should be bottle-fed every five hours , including overnight.
5-week-old kittens may begin the weaning process . At this age, kittens should be offered a mix of solid kitten food mixed with kitten formula or kitten food soaked in water until soft in addition to access to their mother’s milk or a bottle if orphaned. If the kitten is weaned, food and water should be provided at all times.
If they are weaned, 6-weeks old kittens should be given plenty of wet kitten food. Ensure that they have constant access to food, water, and a suitable litter box . To protect kittens against viruses, they should receive their first FVRCP vaccine at the age of six weeks (rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia).
At 2 to 3 months of age, your kitten should get their initial vaccines . They should also be eating solid canned food or kibble about 4 times a day . 8-week-old kittens can be slowly introduced to other pets .
Gently play with your kitten at least once a day so they’ll bond with you but don’t take it personally if they are not interested in playing with you. After your kitten is about 12 weeks old, they will probably be more interested in playing with objects even more than other cats. Use food and treats to teach and reward good behavior .
At 4 to 6 months of age, your kitten should eat a combination of wet and dry formulas three times per day . By the time they’re six months old, female kittens should be spayed and male kittens neutered , provided they are healthy and weigh two lb. Like humans, a kitten's first set of teeth is replaced by their adult teeth, so it is important to start and keep up with dental care regularly at home.
During the first vet visit, the vet will ensure that your kitten is healthy and clear of parasites that can be transmitted to humans, such as intestinal parasites and fleas. Detecting viral illnesses like feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus might help you plan how they will interact with your other cats.
The vet will also check for congenital abnormalities and health issues in cat breeds like a heart murmur, hernia, or cleft palate during the physical exam, and will give your kitten a full round of immunizations and boosters, which will need to be repeated at least once a year after that.
Consider enrolling in cat insurance while your feline friend is still young and healthy. Pet insurance helps you save on unexpected veterinary bills by reimbursing you for the cost of covered services.
Most insurance plans for treatments related to illnesses and/or accidents, but you can also purchase a wellness add-on to reimburse preventive care costs.
Even indoor cats and kittens require protection from pathogens that can be carried in on your shoes or by other pets in your household. Core kitten vaccines include feline panleukopenia (a parvovirus, also known as feline distemper), feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus, and rabies.
Vaccinations should begin at 6–8 weeks of age and be repeated every 3–4 weeks until the kitten reaches the age of 16 weeks. In a year's time, this initial course will need to be boosted again, and then at intervals after that (as recommended by your veterinarian).
Microchipping is an essential way to identify your pet if they escape or get lost. The microchip can be inserted under the skin during vaccinations or while your kitten is sedated for spaying/neutering.
Sterilization, i.e. spaying or neutering should be done before the kitten matures into an adult capable of having kittens. Female cats can become sexually mature from just four months of age, whereas males reach sexual maturity at about seven to nine months.
Fleas and ticks are one of the most common parasitic dangers for cats. If left untreated, these external parasites can cause infestation, discomfort, skin issues, and disease.
There are many different safe and effective flea and tick treatment solutions for kittens available, both prescription and over-the-counter. Talk to your vet about your feline friend's lifestyle and proper flea and tick prevention .
In addition to worms/intestinal parasites, your kitten can contract heartworms. If a cat develops heartworm disease, there’s no treatment. Therefore, we recommend consistent heartworm prevention for cats and kittens, even those living indoors .
All cats should visit their veterinarian for a routine wellness exam at least once a year . This annual wellness exam for pets establishes a baseline of the cat's optimal physical state, allowing the primary care vet to quickly notice changes in the cat's health status during an emergency or illness.
Kittens under one year should be fed high-quality commercial kitten food to make sure that a balanced diet is provided. Avoid giving unsafe food for cats and cow’s milk and instead provide access to clean, fresh water at all times.
Whether you feed your kitted dry or wet cat food is a personal decision that should be based on which one best suits your kittens and your lifestyle. Both dry and wet food designed especially for kittens has extra minerals, vitamins, protein, and extra fat to help them grow big and strong.
If possible, start out using a litter your kitten is already used to . Place the litter box in a quiet corner, away from water and food , and where your pet won’t be disturbed when they need to use the toilet. Be sure to keep the litter box clean by pooper scooping every day.
Provide a quiet and cozy area for your kitten to snuggle down safely. You can use a cardboard box lined with fleece or a comfortable bed with bedding that’s safe and can be easily washed.
Little kittens need to sleep a lot because they have a lot of growing to do. Don't wake your kitten up and wait for them to come out to play. For their own safety, consider keeping your cat indoors and away from any outdoor hazards .
Scratching is normal behavior for cats to keep their nails healthy and to exhibit natural behaviors. A scratching pole (or several scratching poles) should be placed throughout the house to keep your kitten from scratching and damaging your furniture . Cover the furniture with protective material if your kitten begins to scratch it, and provide lots of appropriate alternatives to divert their scratching behavior.
You’re probably already aware that cats love to climb, so be sure to provide your kitten with a tall cat tree , preferably one with numerous raised levels for them to perch on. This will prevent your feline friend from climbing the drapes while at the same time satisfying their natural desire to be high up.
Another thing that kittens love is playing because it allows them to practice their hunting skills . Give your kitten a variety of safe toys to chase, toss, swat, and pounce and play with them for several minutes at a time throughout the day. This will provide your kitten with necessary activity, keep them from becoming bored, and allow them to bond with you.
Kitten socialization is essential when it comes to raising a kitten who will become a well-behaved, healthy adult cat. However, keep in mind that cats have a very short socialization phase, which means that the first 4-16 weeks of life are a critical time for social and behavioral development .
The training and socialization your feline friend receives during kittenhood will influence how well they will interact with people and other pets when they grow up, so do everything you can to get your kitten exposed to as much as possible – strangers, loud noises, walking on leashes, other animals, children, etc. to help them become a better-adjusted adult cat. Just ensure that your kitten has a positive experience out of any socialization exposure you provide.
Kittens require a lot of love and interaction from their parents. The more gentle petting they receive from you, the friendlier and more social they’ll become . Every day, devote two or three sessions to petting and handling your kitten. When the veterinarian needs to inspect them, this will make them feel more at ease. Rubbing their paws and toes will help them relax when it's time to cut their claws.
Introduce your kitten to guests visiting. Try to expose your pet to people of various ages, ethnicities, sizes, and sexes as they grow up, as they might develop a fear of humans if they meet too few of them. If there are children in the house, all interactions should be supervised , and you should teach them how to handle your kitten in a safe, respectful, and proper manner.
Introduce your kitten to a comb and brush from a young age and allow them to play with the tools so that they grow comfortable with them.
Begin grooming your baby pet as soon as possible so that the grooming sessions become a pleasurable bonding experience and a part of everyday maintenance.
Reward your pet with a treat, patting, or vocal praise for allowing you to groom them. This will teach your kitten that grooming is a good thing, making it easy for both of you.
By the age of three, more than half of all cats will have dental problems. If left untreated, this can have a devastating impact on your feline companion's health and could result in early death due to severe inflammation, kidney disease, or heart problems.
Brushing a cat's teeth on a daily basis is ideal , but once a week is more realistic. Try to get your kitten accustomed to having their teeth brushed early on. Start by putting flavored gel treats on the toothbrush and letting your kitten lick it off, then gradually work your way up to brushing their teeth.
Many pet parents wonder if kittens need baths, and the answer is not really. In general, cats don’t need to be bathed on a regular basis and most of them actually find bathing quite stressful. Therefore, you should avoid bathing unless recommended by your veterinarian for medical reasons.
Don’t forget to set time aside to play with your kitten every day . Not only is playing fun, but it also alleviates boredom, reduces bad behavior, teaches your kitten coordination, and helps socialize them.
Think about whether you’re going to let your cat venture outside . Studies show that indoor felines have less risk of injuries, parasites, and infection compared to those allowed outdoors.
However, staying indoors also has risks , such as behavior problems and obesity. Partial outdoor access might be the best solution for better physical and mental wellbeing, but your cat should never be left without supervision.
The best place for a kitten to sleep is a warm, safe, and draught-free spot . For the first few nights, it's okay to keep the kitten near you .
Young kittens tend to sleep more than adult cats. A kitten will often sleep for 16 to 20 hours per day and spend the rest in nonstop activity.
Most kittens begin walking when they’re about three weeks old , although coordination takes a bit longer. You can safely assume that a kitten who is walking and playing is at least four weeks old.
According to AAHA, some of the most essential items your kitten will need include kitten food, bowls, litter box, brush, cat bed, toys, a scratching post or scratching pad, a safety cat collar with an ID tag, and a travel carrier.
Young kittens typically eat 1/4 to 1/2 cup of food at a time . If your kitten is underweight, the daily calorie requirement may need to be increased. If, on the other hand, your kitten is gaining too much weight too rapidly, you'll need to reduce the amount of food they are consuming.
If you are not sure how much food is enough for your kitten, talk to your vet or use our kitten feeding chart . The vet will use a tool called a body condition score to assess your pet’s weight and recommend an adequate amount of food.
According to VCA Hospitals, “In order for the cat to learn to accept and enjoy physical contact from people, it is critical that the human hand only be associated with positive experiences and that physical punishment is not used.”
Pet your kitten, speak to them in a gentle voice, scratch them behind the ears, and give them a gentle squeeze . Every cat has certain body regions that are more sensitive than others, so try to figure out where they don't want to be touched and avoid that area. Most cats are more sensitive to their bellies. For reluctant kittens, consider using treats during the petting sessions.
Reward-based training is the most effective and humane way to train pets , according to the RSPCA. It involves rewarding your cat when they perform a ‘desired’ behavior. Rewards can be in the form of patting, treats, or verbal praise.
Your kitten will have grown into an adult cat after a year . They will be playful and well socialized at this age, as well as healthy, with a shiny coat, strong muscles, and great hunting instincts.
