Caring For Kittens - Getting to Grips With the Basics

It's not easy to think of an animal that is cuter thanor canned food, but it is important to give them food
a kitten, which is one of the reasons why they arethat is specially made for kittens and not older cats.
so popular with pet owners. Kittens are known forThis is because the nutritional needs of kittens are
their playfulness, wide-eyed innocence, and curiosity,much different than it is for adult cats.
qualities which make them very fun pets to own.The litter that you use for your kitten should be
However, there are some things that any kittennon-"clumping", at least until the kitten is three
owner should know when their cat gives birth tomonths old. Also, while it sounds obvious, it bears
kittens or they get a kitten from a pet store ormentioning when discussing caring for kittens that the
other method. Here are some of the basics on caringlitter box should be of low enough height that the
for kittens.kitten can get in and out of it! Finally, make sure to
The first thing that you should know is that kittenstake the kitten to the veterinarian, where all the
should stay with their mothers for the first eightnecessary check-ups will be done and you can be
weeks of their lives. They will feed off of theirinformed on regular veterinary care that will be
mother's milk until that time, after which they will beneeded.
ready to start eating solid food. This is around theFinally, even a basic guide on caring for kittens is not
age when many kittens are given away or sold tocomplete without an emphasis on the kitten's social
interested parties, so if you bought a kitten or weredevelopment. By petting your kitty often and all over
given one, chances are you got them at about thisits body, it will become accustomed to your touch
age.and the touch of other humans. Do not speak in loud
After eight weeks of age, milk may be enjoyed byvoices, as this will make your kitty wary of you.
the kitten but is not necessary. It is important,Encourage playfulness, and discourage excessive
however, to begin giving your kitten water each day.roughness with a loud, sharp noise instead of physical
Since kittens are playful, use a heavy and stable bowlpunishment, which will confuse or even harm your
for water as well as food, or you'll be cleaning upkitty.
some messes later on! You can give them either dry