| It's always an exciting time when you first decide to | | | | their new home quicker and help them to build bonds |
| own a kitten for the first time. All you can think | | | | with their new family. |
| about is the fun times you will have with your pet | | | | Feeding a kitten also needs some thought. Just like a |
| and how cute and lovely they will be. However it is | | | | human baby they need a special diet, as their |
| important to consider what is involved with looking | | | | digestive system is not yet up to coping with all |
| after a cat, as it is a life time responsibility of | | | | types of food. Look out for cat foods especially |
| between 12 and 16 years sometimes even longer. It | | | | made for kittens, which provide all the nutrients and |
| will involve certain costs and much time and effort on | | | | vitamins required to keep a kitten in the best of |
| your part and if you are not fully prepared for these | | | | health. Kittens also need to be fed more frequently |
| responsibilities, your cat will suffer and this is | | | | than adult cats. Feed kittens up to the age of 5 |
| something no true cat lover would want. | | | | month old up to 5 times a day, this should gradually |
| Choosing the right kitten for you is the first | | | | be reduced to 3 times a day once they reach 12 |
| consideration. The temperament and health of the | | | | months old. Fresh water should be available for them |
| kitten are vitally important if both you and your cat | | | | to drink at all times. |
| are to live happily together. You must consider the | | | | During the first few months of owning your new |
| home environment your new pet is to come into and | | | | kitten you will get to know your vet very well. Many |
| if it will suit their personality. For instance if you are | | | | visits to the vet will be required to fulfil your role as a |
| looking for a pet that will be a companion to children | | | | responsible owner. Worming should be carried out |
| and be able to interact with them, you will be looking | | | | from between the age of 4 to 16 weeks every two |
| for a lively and active pet. Whereas, if the kitten is | | | | weeks until they are 6 moths old, after that it only |
| for an elderly person, you may be looking for a | | | | needs to be carried out every 2 to 6 months. |
| quieter personality. | | | | Vaccinations are also essential at around 9 to weeks |
| Always try to find out the kittens background and if | | | | old as this is when they start to become vulnerable |
| it's mother has any underlining health problems. This | | | | to such illness as cat flu, enteritis, feline leukaemia |
| will help you be prepared for any ill health that may | | | | virus and feline chlamydophilosis. |
| occur in the future and of course help you to decide | | | | During these first few months you will also have to |
| whether or not you would want to take on that | | | | decide whether or not you wish to breed from your |
| responsibility. Kittens should always have bright eyes, | | | | cat in the future, as they will become mature enough |
| clean ears and nose and their coat should be glossy. | | | | to breed after 6 months old. At that age it is |
| Make sure they are not suffering from diarrhoea or | | | | recommended that you have them neutered if you |
| vomiting and are generally in good health before you | | | | do not want any unwanted pregnancies to occur. It |
| take them home. | | | | is also a good time to have them micro chipped at |
| Before bringing home a new kitten make sure all the | | | | this age. |
| essentials like, a comfortable cat bed or cushion, a | | | | Well now that all the practical things have been dealt |
| litter tray and litter, food bowls, cat toys including a | | | | with you can now get on and enjoy your time with |
| scratching post and grooming brushes have been | | | | your new kitten. Don't forget play is an important |
| purchased to make their arrival comfortable and | | | | learning tool for your cat, as it will teach them about |
| secure. It is important that the kitten feels at home | | | | the world round them and help them to hone their |
| right from the first. This will help them settle in to | | | | natural hunting and survival skills. |