Cat lovers already know that they enjoy a happy, purring kitty on their lap over the company of a cat that just looks at you like you have two heads, but the safety of your kitties is also very important. Kitties love to explore, and providing safe ways for them to do so indoors is wonderful. Try hiding favorite cat toys like a crinkle ball inside a cat tunnel and for even more excitement, try hanging a cat wand at one end when kitty is inside the tunnel. Kittens are naturally drawn to movements and sounds that trigger their instinct to stalk prey. Cats are usually more active in the early morning and early evening. Exercise and vigorous play can help work off excess energy and keep your kitty calm for the rest of the day. Take time out of your day to spend time playing with your kitten. Kittens don’t like high-pitched sounds like those coming from a squeaky toy. Save the squeaky toys for the dogs and give your cat a catnip mouse instead. Cats are perfectly happy as indoor pets as long as you provide them with enough toys and attention. If you’re away from home for an extended period of time, you might consider keeping two kittens for company.
Cats will swallow ribbons or strings, which will not go through. It will require surgical removal. Tie the strings of the cross rods and the strings of the pleated curtains; you should keep them out of reach, for your kitty’s safety. Cat teeth, like ours, are susceptible to cavities and tartar, so regular oral hygiene is essential to keep them clean. Cats climb and then try to defy gravity all the time, and we enjoy it when gravity wins. They need something tall and sturdy like a scratching post so they can scratch it and not the furniture. Cats are reluctant to use a litter box that is too close to the cat’s food, so keep them far enough apart. When you have a new kitten or even an older cat, go slowly, don’t rush. Let your new cat come to you in his own time.
Cats scratch to mark their territory, not just to sharpen their claws. When your kitty doesn’t have the ability to use this marking behavior because you’ve declawed her, she may need to mark her territory with urine and feces. Cats are well known for their bed hogging skills. They can cause you to cling to the outer edge of your bed while lying comfortably, taking up nine-tenths of the bed. We know this to be true even in our own home. When the cat naps, “don’t pile me up” is the command!
For the safety of the kittens, kittens do not generally overeat, so food should be available at all times. There are automatic cat feeders to keep your kitty’s food fresh and water fountains to keep the water fresh as well. Always be sure to feed your kitten a good quality kitten food. Cats are carnivorous and mature around seven to eight months of age. Before this time your protein requirements are higher and the protein must be of animal origin. If you have children, the litter box should be placed in a place that your children cannot reach, but the kitty can easily access.
Cats can teach children compassion and affection, and provide them with companionship. However, before you bring a kitten or even an older cat into your home, consider your lifestyle and expectations. Then go out and choose the pet accordingly. A kitten will be a wonderful and amazing pet and will bring hours of pleasure to children as well as adults.
Brushing your kitty encourages a healthy shine to her fur and keeps her looking sleek and healthy. As with all good habits, it’s wise to establish good grooming early on so that it becomes a normal part of your kitty’s life. Groom them regularly for your kitten’s safety, follow your vet’s instructions carefully when it comes to deworming and other treatments.
For your kitty’s safety, anything on the floor becomes a toy, so keep floor areas clear of things that could hurt or swallow. You may want to have a garden stick so that when you hit it you can retrieve lost items from under the refrigerator, stove, and furniture. Special note: I don’t know why, but anything that can be pushed off a smooth, flat surface probably is, so put your breakables up high where the cat can’t reach them or in a locked cabinet or closet. Remember that these guys love a challenge!
Your vet is always ready to answer any questions about caring for your kitty’s safety. Feel free to bring a list with you or call at any time. Remember that it is the behavior that you dislike, not the cat, so don’t be too quick to put your cat up for adoption if he annoys you. Most cat aggression problems have very simple solutions that, with a little time and energy, can help make your cat the sweet and lovable pet you want.
NOTE: This article is for information only. Consult your veterinarian for medical advice.
