Pick Me!
Even though there are parts of the country that are still getting some last minute blasts of winter, spring really is right around the corner. With spring comes guess what? Kittens lots of kittens! Kitten season starts around March and lasts until fall. Cats go into season three times a year and in places like California where the weather is warm, they may have four seasons. You see they will keep repeating their cycle until they get pregnant but that is another blog post.
This is a great time to get a kitten if that’s what you’ve wanted to do. You might be leaving the supermarket and find someone with a box of kittens standing outside! Maybe a co-worker who either has some or know someone who knows someone who needs to find homes for their kittens. The shelters and cat rescues will be bursting at the seams with kittens. No problem, you’ll find one or two that will melt your heart.
Before, I repeat, before you bring home your kitten you need to be prepared, remember that kittens are babies and need special care. Be warned that if you go out to “just look” at kittens chances are you will come home with one so be prepared ahead of time. It’s like going out to “just look” at cars, I have been there and done that.
At first you should continue feeding them the same food that they have been eating. If you want to change it later do it gradually so as not to upset their digestion. Do the same with the litter, gradual change is always best.
Be sure to have a carrier with you when you go to bring them home. Have some newspaper or towels in the bottom to make the ride home as comfortable as possible.
- CAT BASKET: The kitten will need a special resting place. This offers protection and privacy. Be sure to put it where it’s warm and not drafty. Be aware that you kitten may and probably will choose another spot completely, but at least you tried!
- LITTER BOX: Even if your kitten is going to be an indoor/outdoor cat this is essential. They are sold everywhere; we have some very nice ones that are covered to help cut down on odor.
- GROOMING: Begin from the start getting your kitten used to being brushed and combed. If you have a long haired cat this is especially important. Brushing will help stay on top of hairballs which are harmful to cats and it’s also makes a time to spend bonding with you new kitten or cat. Get the type of brush that best suites the type of hair your kitten has.
- TOYS: There is nothing more fun or entertaining than watching a kitten play. Be sure to take lots of pictures and movies of them while they are in their kitten stage of life. There are all types of toys from the kind that you hold and wiggle for them to balls and fake mice to even a paper bag!
- SCRATCHING POST: A cat needs a scratching post to sharpen their claws, it will go a long way to save your furniture! Be sure it’s sturdy and should be of a height that a cat can stand up to it. The best kinds are those that are wrapped in sisal hemp.
- DISHES for food and water: Choose the kind that is as heavy and stable as possible, one for food and one for water. Because kittens and cats can get a little messy be sure to put some type of place mat under them to keep the floor clean.
Watch these kids explore their new world:
Your Best Friend Is Counting On You!
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Photo by abcrumley Released under Creative Commons
