Feline leukemia (FeLV) is a virus that weakens your cat's immune system. Unfortunately, when the immune system does not function properly, your cat may be more likely to develop other diseases, su ...View Article
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If you are thinking about adopting a kitten that has not experienced much human contact, it is recommended to wait until the kitten is about 11 or 12 weeks old before separating the kitten from its mother. Kittens raised in a household with continual human contact, however, can safely be adopted when they are seven weeks old. Also, always make sure your new kitten is weaned and eating kibble before bringing him home. Once your kitten has had time to adjust to his new surroundings, schedule a wellness exam appointment with a cat veterinarian in Henderson and find out when Kitty can start receiving life-saving vaccinations.
Kittens need a lot of easily digested, protein-rich food provided in small amounts several times a day. Fresh water should also be available at all times. Avoid feeding kittens cheap brands of cat food because they tend to contain more filler (corn, grains) than actual meat proteins. Cats are true carnivores (obligates) that need only one type of food--meat. Although your kitten may like to nibble on cheese or drink milk, they are not equipped with the metabolic processes required to properly digest non-meat foods. As your kitten reaches adulthood, he will start to eat more at one time and need fewer smaller meals throughout the day. Start feeding your kitten adult cat food when he is one year old.
Kittens are born with the instinct to bury whatever they eliminate so just showing them a litter box is all the training you need to give them. Cleaning it regularly will encourage them to continue using the litter box. If you have multiple cats in your household, providing each cat with their own litter box is recommended to help prevent any behavioral issues.
How well kittens are socialized impacts their behavior as an adult cat. Kittens that were not acclimated to humans, everyday household noises, and strangers will likely be nervous, skittish and possibly aggressive adult cats. Pet and talk to your cat frequently and introduce him to string toys and catnip-filled mice. Buy a pet brush and groom your kitten several times a week. Kittens get quickly bored when there is nothing to chase, catch or play with. If your kitten starts getting into things he shouldn't be getting into, he's probably bored and needs more to do. Of course, a kitten's favorite "toy" is another playful, hyperactive kitten!
Kittens will start scratching and picking on furniture and wooden table legs as soon as they can walk. If you don't want your furniture shredded, consider buying a scratching post, rub some catnip on it and show it to your kitten. Padded kitten "cubes" make great resting retreats for kittens or you can improvise a cat bed by placing a towel in a laundry basket. You will also discover that placing an open box on the floor acts like a kitten/cat magnet. Cats love to sit, sleep and lick themselves in boxes!