“How to raise a kitten?” I bet everyone who loves kitten have this question popped up on their mind at least once in their lifetime
It takes planning and patience.
You might’ve had various reasons for questioning yourself with the question above since raising maine coon kittens mean that you are taking responsibility of that kitten which may consume one’s energy, work and time as mentioned above.
Another reason may be that you are not emotionally prepared for heartbreak since things may go wrong while raising one. I mean, look at all the possible consequences. It’s nothing unexpected that individuals are concerned.
On the contrary, is it all that bad?
Some people actually thought that puppies and dogs are more popular over kittens and cats. However, research shows that individuals actually lean toward adopting kittens over cats more than they do adopting puppies over dogs.
Cat adoptions are actually more popular than you think so here’s some facts about cat adoption that you might want to know.
Percentage of dog adoption of different dog breeds are actually not that not much of a difference compared to adoption of cat breeds.
Recently, there was an adoption event held in Georgetown, Pennsylvania. The event was meant to “clear the shelters” and so adoption fees were waived.
Even though an event like this is not conducted often, the attention it brings proves that people are interested in raising and adopting animals be it kittens or cats, puppies or dogs.
Cats and Dogs could be your only companion that will be there for you when you have no one.
Isn’t it true that the best companion of all is your cats and dogs? Especially when you’re home alone at home and have no one to play with.
Raising kittens is actually one of the most fun things you’ll ever do in life. I mean, just imagine cuddling these balls of fur like they’re your babies. At least that’s the case for me.
Not to mention they are highly social and likes to play with their surroundings which is actually really adorable.
Here’s the thing!
Understanding how to raise kitten is a huge responsibility in such a way that you have to know where to place their litterbox, what nourishment can bring them joy, etc.
At the end of the day, if you’re unsure how to care for a kitten, this comprehensive kitten care guide filled with tips for raising kitten will make raising one seem like a breeze!
Tip 1: Hold and bond with your kitten as frequently as you can
Bonding is the key to any relationship and the same applies to your kitten. Research recommends that taking care of kittens every day amid the primary month of their lives may enhance their learning capacity and may reduce their fear towards humans. The bond and socialization your kitten receive will reflect its future interaction with its surroundings when it becomes an adult cat
Tip 2: Prepare your kitten care basics
You have to make sure you provide a comfortable environment for them before you bring your kitten home which means time to shop! You have to buy a variety of items in order to meet the needs of your new family member which primarily includes:
- A litter box: A kitten’s legs require a low-sided plate so it can jump in easily. You can simply change to a profound sided litter box once it becomes an adult cat.
- Comfortable bed and home: Comfy kitten home and bedding to sleep and snuggle into is very important for its adaptation.
- Food & water bowls: Plastic materials may allow scratches which will cause bacteria and oil to build up and that may cause health issues. Instead, use ceramic or stainless steel as they also wash well.
- Quality food: Growing kittens require as much as three times a greater number of calories and supplements than adult cats so never feed your kitten just any kitten’s food. Feeding your kitten formulas formulated for kitten that vets recommend is the simplest quality food for your growing kitten.
- Comb or brush: Prepare your kitten since early age so it wouldn’t fret being groomed as a grown-up.
Tip 3: Litter box training is a MUST
Training cats may not be as easy as dog training however if you train them on what to do since they are kitten, life will be easier for you.
Make sure the litter box is always available for your kitten especially after meals and play time. Consistency is important as kittens use litter boxes by instinct. In addition, most kittens prefer clean litter box, so keep that in mind as the parent.
What kind of cat litter to use?
Clumping clay is commonly used by majority of people as they are highly absorbent and will form into solid clusters when your kitten urinates.
Tip 4: Play with your kitten
Never leave them alone for too long.
Two months old is the ideal time to gradually train your kitten and acquaint them with other companions and people. Tenderly play with your little kitten in any event once every day so they will bond with you since they won’t be that interested in playing with you once they are around twelve weeks old and will get more invested with toys.
Choose kitten-safe toys that won’t put your kitten in danger. Keep these toys around so they can exercise and enjoy their playtime at the same time. It’s critical that your kitten learns that it is okay to chomp toys, not individuals or other living animals.
Some of the toys that aren’t safe for kittens:
-
Dental floss - Sharp objects
- Plastic bags
- Feather toys
- Large cat trees
- Rope
Learn more on how to pick the best toys for your cat here
Tip 5: Provide your kitten with preventive care
“Health is the most important aspect of life for any living things so start providing your kitten with preventive care.
- Get your kitten vaccinated: Around two months of age, visit a vet for a vaccination and they will know what kind are best suited for your kitten. This is really important to prevent health issues such as feline leukemia, feline distemper, rabies etc.
- Schedule an appointment: Schedule an appointment with the vet from time to time to check on your kitten for any possible health issues especially if they show any sign of illnesses.
- Have your vet recommend your kitten’s diet: Upon your first vet visit, get your vet to recommend the best kitten food and diet to know if your kitten is suitable for weight gain or diet. This also helps
Tip 6: Try not to treat your kitten like an adult cat
Similar to human beings, kittens also have different needs from an adult cat. Kittens around 3 to 4 weeks of age have different needs from kittens around 8 to 12 weeks of age. This means that you, as the parent must understand and consider the stages of development of your kitten.
Because of this, most animal shelter or rescue usually wait for their orphan kitten to reach specific age before they are put for cat adoption.
Under eight weeks of age: Kittens this age needs specific developmental needs since they can’t regulate their own body temperature so they have to depend on their mother’s or litter mate’s body warmth to survive.
In the case that you receive or adopt a kitten this young of age, extraordinary kitten care is needed such as bottle-feeding. It’s best for you to counsel with a veterinarian for particular guidelines.
Eight to eleven weeks of age: During this stage of pet care, baby kittens become weaned kittens. Along the process, they will also start developing complex motor skills that will make them more active.
Now that’s going to be tiring for you since it means more bad behavior for you to handle.
But!
You don’t have to worry because nothing will get messy as long as you set boundaries for your kitten to
make sure they are monitored while also taking care of them in the process.
Two to four months of age: According to Vetstreet.com, your not-so-kitten’s baby teeth will start to fall out and they will physically start to mature to an adult cat. Make sure they undergo spaying or neutering at this point of age to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
Around one to two years of age: Hopefully, at this point your cat has been spayed or neutered.
This is the point of age where you kitten is now what you call an adult cat. Your cat’s body is completely grown at this point. Their eyes obviously see more clearly rather than normal human eyes and they also have more superior and sensitive hearing compared to us humans.
Normal cats also like to stay and hide in high places like shelves or cupboards if they are staying inside your home which is nothing you should worry about since they have adapted well.
Also, here’s an extra reminder to take your cat to vet visits from time to time to monitor their health especially if your cat shows any sign of illnesses.
