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Caring for your new kitten
by Rachael Bentley

When bringing home a new kitten there are many things to consider. First is the breed of cat, which is up to the owner depending on what general characteristics are wanted in a cat. Keep in mind that long-haired cats need regular grooming. When choosing a kitten pick one that is healthy - glossy coat, clear eyes, damp nose, and one that is energetic and ready to play. Choosing a timid cat purely out of pity is not the best idea.

Kittens need lots of love and attention when they are young, it is best if they are not left alone for long periods and are fed regularly. Too much tuna and cow's milk can make both kittens and cats ill, so be aware of what they are being fed. If they don't like the food that is put in front of them, they won't eat it, no matter how hungry they get, so be sure to experiment with different flavours and cat foods to determine which foods your cat likes best, but try to keep some variety in their diet. With a kitten you may need to feed it up to five times a day, however when it becomes a cat you can decide to either feed twice a day or leave food always available - cats are not prone to overeating due to their fussiness. Make sure to remove all bones from any food you prepare yourself. Cooked bones may splinter and lodge in your kitten's throat, and they do not need to chew raw bones like dogs do. Make sure to always have fresh water available.

A new kitten may need to be house trained, so it is important to have a litter tray somewhere in the house that the kitten can easily find, away from food and water bowls. It could be helpful to place the kitten in the litter tray after it has eaten to ensure it knows where to go. If you decide to let your kitten out of doors, it is best if you wait until it has had all neccessary vaccinations first. Keep your kitten indoors for the first few weeks, then accompany your kitten outside, perhaps with a leash so it doesn't escape, for periods of time until it knows the yard/garden and where home is. Whether or not you allow your cat outside, it is recommended to have a scratching post (otherwise your cat will use the furniture to sharpen it's claws) and toys to amuse itself, as well as a comfortable place to sleep.

It is important to handle your kitten a lot in the early days so as to get your kitten used to being touched. This is important so you can easily groom your cat or trim it's nails if needed, and also makes it easier on your vet and friends who drop by! If you're unsure the best way to hold or carry your kitten ask at your vet for tips.

Safety wise, you must take similar care as if there was a child in the house. Ensure your kitten can't ingest any chemicals such as bleach or electrocute itself on any frayed cords (fun to play with, but potentially dangerous!). Don't leave cupboards or washing machines open in case your kitten climbs inside. Garden wise, some plants are poisonous to cats. Azaleas and Rhododendrons, to name but two, as well as pesticides, can be dangerous. Ask your vet or plant nursery for any tips or a more complete list of the dangers. If you have a pond, it should have gentle sides so your kitten can climb out if it falls in, or, alternatively, a guard of mesh or similar can be used to cover the pond, protecting both kitten and any fish. If you see your kitten eating grass, don't be alarmed. They eat grass so as to be sick and bring up any hair that has been swallowed during grooming.

If you have other pets at home, be cautious when bringing home your new kitten (this goes for all new pets). Don't just throw your kitten into the mix, but introduce each pet individually and give the existing pets time to become accustomed to the new scent. Make sure to continue to give your existing pets lots of love as normal. Dogs may give chase in play, and other cats may attack as their territory has been 'threatened' by a newcomer. With time, all of your pets should learn to get along and live side by side.

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