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Before buying a kitten, make sure you have everything you need to take care of your new. They require special training and handling to become well-adjusted adult cats. |
Cat Care for Kids: Housing & Handling
What is the Basic Equipment?
How to Pick Up a Kitten
How to Hold a Kitten/ Cat
Basics of Litter Training
Introduce Kitten to Other Pets
Establish a Daily Routine
Finding a Scratching Post
Indoor and Outdoor Hazards
Is Cat Grass Important?
How to Choose a Cat Collar
How to Walk a Cat
How to Travel with a Cat
What is the Basic Equipment?
Cats need a lot of equipment as soon as you bring it home. If you are buying a kitten for the first time, purchase all this stuff before you ever bring the cat home.
- Litter Box – You will need one for each cat or kitten.
- Litter – Cats do not like using a dirty litter box. Your litter box will need 1 inch of litter and will need to be changed daily.
- Scoop – If you purchase scooping litter, a slotted scoop will make the job easier.
- Water Bowl – Kittens need access to fresh water at all times
- Food Bowl – Cats and kittens are grazers. This means they like to eat all day long. Therefore, keep dry food down at all times for your kitten.
- Brush – Whether you have a longhair cat or shorthair cat, you will need to groom (brush) your cat.
- Bed – A cat bed is not entirely necessary but giving your kitten a place to curl up is a nice thing. It will allow your cat to feel safe and secure.
- Cat Carrier – Even if you never plan to travel, you will need to take your cat to the vet. A carrier will keep it safe especially if there is an emergency.
- Cat Toys – Cats are naturally curious hunters. Toys on a string will keep your cat active and will allow you to bond.
- Scratching Post – Unless you want your cat clawing the furniture, a scratching post will be needed. The post keeps the claws nice and trimmed while releasing anxiety in the kitten.
How to Pick Up a Kitten
Never grab a cat. First, start by stroking the cat or kitten until it gets used to your touch. Once the cat trusts you, pick it up carefully.
- Hold the cat under the chest and hind legs
- Lift the cat to your chest, fully supporting the cat
How to Hold a Kitten/ Cat
Most cats like to be held for a short period of time. If you pet your cat while you hold it, it will relax and allow you to hold it longer. Once it begins to struggle, you need to set it down. Otherwise, your cat is likely to bite or scratch you.
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Basics of Litter Training
Cats like to use the litter box in privacy. Therefore, you need to put the box in a quiet corner away from everyone else. If the cat is bothered while using the bathroom, it will not use the litter box.
If your cat or kitten is not using the litter box, chances are it is dirty and needs to be cleaned more often. Cat litters are great for absorbing the odor and are easy to clean. If you can afford it, an electric litter box will automatically clean itself after each use. However, you still need to fill the litter and empty the used litter regularly.
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Introduce Kitten to Other Pets
The first few weeks need to be spent introducing the new cat to the other pets. Always feed the new kitten separately to prevent any food fights.
- Dogs – Dogs will want to sniff the cat and the kitten will want to bat at the dog tail. Carefully watch them so neither gets hurt. Do not leave them alone until they are comfortable with each other.
- Cat – Bringing a new cat into a home can be scary for both cats. Watch them at all times. If the adult cat attacks the kitten, separate them immediately. It could be a month or more for them to settle down.
Establish a Daily Routine
Cats are more difficult to train than dogs but you need to train them. They need to learn to come when called and to accept grooming. Feed your cat at the same time and groom your cat each day/week. This will teach your cat you are the owner and will give you a chance to bond.
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Finding a Scratching Post
Cats have a natural instinct to scratch. You will need to find an acceptable scratching post to prevent the cat from ruining your furniture. You can buy a scratching post at your local pet store or make one yourself using sturdy wood and carpet.
Introduce the scratching post by placing the cat’s paws on the post. Sometimes, adding a bit of catnip will entice the cat to scratch.
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Indoor and Outdoor Hazards
Hazards are everywhere both indoor and out. This is a short list of things which can be dangerous to your new kitten or cat.
Indoor Hazards
- Human Food
- Boiling Water
- Dishwasher
- Poisonous Plants
- Anything Breakable
- Plastic Bags (Grocer Bags)
- Garbage Cans
Outdoor Hazards
- Strange Animals
- Cars
- Poisonous Plants
- Poisonous Chemicals (Rat Poison, Fertilizer, Pool Cleaners)
- Ponds
- Folding Chairs
Is Cat Grass Important?
Indoor cats will need something to nibble on when it does not feel good. Keeping indoor grass is a good idea. It helps your cat feel better and will give your cat something appropriate to chew on.
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How to Choose a Cat Collar
All cats need a collar even if it is an indoor only cat. If there is ever an emergency (like a fire), then a collar will be much needed. When the collar fits properly, you will be able to comfortably fit two fingers between the collar and the cat’s neck.
The collar needs to include:
- Cat’s Name
- Your Number
- Vet’s Name and Number
At the very least, you need to have your number (preferably a cell phone) so someone can call you if they find the cat.
How to Walk a Cat
Some cats (like the Savannah Cat) can be trained to walk on a leash. To properly walk a cat, you will need to first teach your cat to wear a harness. It is never a good idea to hook a leash to the cat’s collar.
- Always use a harness
- Never force a cat to walk
- Keep cat away from strange animals
How to Travel with a Cat
Pet carriers are essential when traveling with a cat. If you are taking the cat on an airplane, it will need a special type of carrier. So have your parents check with the airlines. It may not be possible. Additionally, not all hotels will allow pets.
If you cannot travel with your cat, then you will need someone to come by to feed the cat and clean the litter box. If you do not know anyone who can do this, then you will need to send your cat to a kennel or a cattery (fancy name for a place that boards cats.)
Tips to Travel with Your Cat
When you take your cat on the road, stop every 1 ½ hours for the cat to eat and use the litter box. A smaller litter box with a liner will make this easier. When packing the litter box, you can keep the litter in the liner. Tie up the litter in between stops to reuse the same litter. Otherwise, throw out the litter at each stop.
If you cannot stop, the fill the bottom of the carrier with shredded newspaper. When you get to the new place, you will need to clean the cat carrier and give your cat a bath. This will not smell good but it has to be done.
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Cat Care for Kids: Series
Cat Care for Kids: How to Choose a Cat
Cat Care for Kids: Housing & Handling
Cat Care for Kids: Feeding and Grooming Tips
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