Before adopting a cat you must decide whether you will adopt a kitten or an adult cat or a senior cat. Do not underestimate the personality traits that are shown in cats from a young age and think a kitten that would suit your life will also fit this idea you have when it grows up. Remember, cats can live for more than 20 years so you will grow together in a long, happy life.
How do you choose the cane-eyed kitty from among all those beautiful kittens just begging to be taken home? Use the tips below to help you determine which kitten (or kittens) is going to be the best fit.
Choose Your Preferred Age of the Kitten
The main thing to consider when you choose a kitten is whether you will adopt a newborn or an adult. Adopting a newborn (less than 4 weeks old) is not a low-maintenance undertaking but it is a rewarding one. Kittens are usually not available for adoption until they have been weaned and litter-trained, typically between 8 to 12 weeks of age. This is an important age to provide nursing and socialization with their littermates.
Ensuring Your Personality is Compatible with Your Pet
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Assess Compatibility:
- Approach him at his level. This is very important.
- If she complies: Sit on ground/hold her.
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Gather Information:
- Inquire from the shelter about her temperament or to the previous owner.
- Check Her Interactions with Other Cats and People
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Involve Family:
- All family members including the other pets if permitted, should meet with the kitten.
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Do Not Push An Interaction:
- If she looks frightened of timid do not push her;
- This means that the object experience the animal is experiencing may be associated with either discomfort, or a need for gentle exposure.
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Look Beyond Appearance:
- It is nice to be cute but pay attention to who she is.
- See if she’s got the right amount of energy for you (playful vs. cuddly)
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Seek Guidance:
- Adoption counselors probably have more doors insights to identify what might be going on for her.
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Evaluate Household Dynamics.
- It is important to keep in mind the role each person plays in your family.
- Speak with family members, children, and other pets to understand compatibility.
- Probably the most important little bit of observation, don’t bring a kitten dwelling that is not going to be an excellent consolation to your family; it is devastating for everybody if it’s important to return a pet.
Learning the History of a Kitten’s Health
It is important to ask about their health history when deciding on a kitten. This will include collecting specific data related to previous vaccinations, as well as information on whether she has been spayed/neutered before. These are the things that tell us how good she is overall.
In addition, it is recommended to perform a complete examination of the kitten. Examine her eyes, ears and coat for any irritation, infection or disease. By watching these areas you can learn how healthy she is now and at an early glimpse of if there are any issues that may need tending to.
By learning beforehand any relevant health matters, you should be well-prepared for the adoption. With this information, you will be able to plan accordingly for the time and attention you need, as well as financially for the kitten. Seeing as pet adoption means having new companions for a while. Knowing your newly adopted feline friend’s health history would be most beneficial to get you ready and make sure you can provide her with the best care.
How to Welcome Your New Kitten at Home
So, you need to have the following things prepared before bringing your new kitten home. Make your apartment safe for a curious cat by burying electrical cords so they cannot be reached, rolling up window blind cords and moving them to furniture tops at least 3 feet above the floor where the cord will not be playable with, installing window safety screens, and closing off access to certain common rooms. Also leave out plenty of fresh water, a full litter box and extra litter.
Kittens are born with a very strong desire to scratch and hunt. You can cater to these instincts by providing scratching posts, toys, and even everyday objects like cardboard boxes which they often get a huge kick out of. In addition, a well-balanced diet is essential to maintain their energy throughout the day. Choosing nutritious kitten food will help to set the precedent for a lifetime. It is recommended to set up a time with the vet soon after adopting for a check-up and vaccinations plan. You may additionally need to microchip your kitten, which is the only way of finding a lost cat that almost everyone recognizes with value
Getting To Know Your New Kitten
Your new kitten may be shy at first, but she will get used to everything in its time. Kittens should be started slowly and on a positive note in receiving stimuli and handling they will face throughout their lives: i.e. kids interactions, other pets, vet visits, nail trims/grooming and car travel. She is going to get used to being captivated and you may find it hard to keep her away from playing.
One nice approach to assist your kitten transition into your own home is initially a small space. Provide her with a playpen for when she’s not playing or using the litter box. Slowly build out her living space to encompass your entire home when the time is right.
More to know about bringing home a new kitten
Before you bring your new kitten home, it is important to prepare by gathering supplies. Invest in basic necessities like kitten food, fresh water, feeding bowls, litter and litter box, a harness/leash (with an optional 6ft leash and cat carrier), toys, scratching posts. You also need to factor in the veterinary care your kitten will need. In total, kittens usually require a series of vaccinations, diagnostic testing, spaying or neutering and prevention medications along with possible treatment for diseases they may have. We suggest checking out pet insurance options before you even get your kitty, because enrolling in a pet insurance policy early can mean more conditions are covered.
Additionally, good-to-know information on how to train kittens is valuable to research prior to even getting your new furry friend! Many people think that cats cannot be trained. But cats can be trained very easily. Starting out means you can reinforce the bond between yourself and your kitten, as well as avoid any stress-related or socialization issues which might impact your confident little feline. The use of rewards to reinforce behaviors and the avoidance of punishments are essential for effective training.
Again, one of the most important things you can do for a kitten is making sure it is safe in its environment. Hide electrical cords, put away strings and ribbons; make sure heavy shelves are anchored to the wall; lock up food and cleaning supplies.
With so many cute little kittens, picking one can be an overwhelming experience. But be sure to follow these procedures and you will find your fur-ever buddy.