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| When You Bring Your Kitten Home |
What You'll Need: Food: Max Cat kitten dry or Science Diet dry - can supplement with canned if wish Food & water bowls Litter pan: medium to large - place in quiet area away from food & water bowls Litter: non-scoopable kind until kitten 1 year old Soft cozy cat bed Scratching post: tall sturdy sisal (rope) type that won't fall over when kitten becomes full grown Corrugated cardboard scratching pad Small cat track: plastic ring with ball inside Assorted toys: ping pong balls, little furry mice, etc Soft cat brush: start brushing kitten early in life so he will regard this activity as pleasurable - especially important for long haired cats Interactive wand with toy on end - only under supervision & keep out of kitten's reach when not in use. This is great for socialization and exercise. When You Arrive At Home: Set your kitten up in a small secure quiet room with kitten dry food, fresh water, litter pan with litter, small soft cozy bed, toys, scratching post, and cardboard scratching pad. Keep fresh water & dry food available at all times. Make sure all window screens are secure and that kitten cannot escape from room. Make sure all dangerous objects are put away, all fish tanks have secure covers, and if a bathroom, toilet lid is always down. Show the kitten his/her litter box and food & water bowls. If you have a covered litter box, keep the cover off until you know kitten is using it. Let the kitten hide if wants to and come to you in its own time. Do not try to forcefully get the kitten out of its hiding place. She/he will be a much more sociable kitten if it is allowed to choose the time to make friends. Kitten will most likely come out at night when household asleep to eat, use litter box, and explore its surroundings the first week or so. Coaxing them out with food or toys, especially with wand toys (fishing rod like toys) can help bring them out. Talk softly to build up trust and pet gently. Be patient! Don't grab him/her. Gently pet while playing or eating near you ( while they're distracted). Don't make sudden movements (that might scare the kitten/s). CONTINUED |