Kittens — they’re cute, cuddly and generally irresistible. But there’s more to kitten care than offering up sweet snuggles, says Darlene Arden, a certified animal behavior consultant and the author of “The Complete Cat’s Meow.”
Unlike older cats, kittens require a more watchful eye. “Kittens are always getting into mischief, so you need eyes in the back of your head,” she says. “They’ll be climbing the curtains and swinging from the chandelier if you’re not careful,” she jokes. Kittens are curious, active little creatures who like to climb (and don’t seem to realize their claws are razor-sharp!).
According to Dr. Sarah Bowman, a veterinarian at CityPaws Animal Hospital in Washington, DC, it’s not naughtiness or mere curiosity that causes crazy kitten behavior. “Kittens have a lot of energy! You need to have plenty of good toys on hand to keep them busy,” she explains. The more you can tire your little furball out, the less likely you are to find her at the top of the drapes or swatting your ankles every time you walk by.
Kittens have other needs, too, besides a lot of playtime. Still think you’re ready to dive into cat ownership?
Here are 12 more things you need to know about kitten care when bringing home a new little meower:
- Find a Good Veterinarian Ahead of Time
If you don’t already have a veterinarian, ask friends and family for recommendations, or check the American Animal Hospital Association for accredited veterinary practices — and do so prior to bringing your kitten home.
- Head to the Pet Store
Before you bring your new feline friend home, make sure you have a litter box (or two, if you have a two-story home), collar, nail trimmer, food, bowls and safe toys, recommends Arden. “And I always recommend a cat tree, because cats like to go up. If they need to get away from the kids or other pets, they can go up and hide out in one of those little homes at the top and feel safe,” she says.
- Take Your Kitten to the Vet Right Away
You’ll want to take your kitten in for her first appointment within 72 hours of bringing her home. “At the first appointment, bring any medical records you have for the kitten, as well as a fecal sample. Your veterinarian should go over a wellness plan for your kitten,” advises Dr. Bowman. Your kitten’s first appointment should also include several tests, and worming and spaying if necessary.
- Decide Where Your Cat Will Live for the First Few Weeks
You’ll want to set up a room where the new kitten will stay while she gets used to her new home. In this room, which should have a door, place the litter box, food, water, scratching post and bedding.
- Prepare Your Family
“If you have small children, you have to teach them to be gentle with the cat, and you have to be prepared to supervise constantly. Never leave them alone together,” says Arden. Discuss who will be responsible for which tasks, such as scooping the litter box daily, changing out food and water, and administering any medication that’s needed.
- Kitten-proof Your Home
“Place all house plants out of reach of the kitten, be sure all cabinets and shelves with household cleaning chemicals are locked up, and cover or hide any electrical wires that may look like a play toy for the kitten,” Dr. Bowman suggests.
- Expose Kitty to Plenty of New Sights, Sounds and Experiences — Slowly
While you may be tempted to give your new little kitty the grand tour of his new palace, that’s not the best thing for him. “Let them learn the house one room at a time, because it’s very overwhelming for them,” says Arden.
- Introduce Your Kitten to Other Pets Gradually
According to Dr. Bowman, if you already have a pet at home, you have to introduce them very slowly over the course of several weeks. Arden agrees, adding,”It takes at least a month to do it properly.”
- Play With Your Kitten — a lot
Try to plan at least three five-minute play periods a day with your new kitten to encourage bonding and trust — and also to burn some of that wild energy.
- Teach Your Kitten the Rules
In addition to teaching basic manners (which you can do by rewarding good behavior), Arden suggests going one step further. “You can train a cat to respond to his name, respond to certain words (like ‘food’), to come, wait and lie down, which are very important commands for safety,” says Arden. She also recommends finding a “kitten kindergarten” class nearby, if possible.
- Spay or Neuter That Sweet Kitten
“There are very clear health benefits to spaying or neutering your new kitten,” says Dr. Bowman. So unless you are planning on showing or breeding your cat, talk to your veterinarian about the best time to do so, she advises.
- Don’t Go on Vacation
Cats are not solitary creatures, says Arden. “It’s a misconception that cats are totally fine when you leave for a few days,” she explains. It’s frightening and emotionally difficult for them, especially when they are new to the family, she adds. So plan on staying close to home for a while, and when you do need to leave town, get a cat sitter to come stay with your feline friend.
Need some help naming your new little guy? Here are The 51 Cutest Cat Names.
Andrea Dashiell is a freelance writer whose work has been published in The Seattle Times, Seattle Magazine, ParentMap, Parents.com, DailyCandy and RedTricycle.
