Kitten Care and Training

Kittens socialize from 3 to 9 weeks of age. During this developmental time they should have lots of human contact and basically be introduced to the outside world including nice dogs, car rides, a cat carrier, children, etc.

Kittens should be introduced to a new home gradually. It is important for a kitten to have a nest or safe place. Start with a small area such as a laundry room. Put the kitten’s bed, litter box, food and water in there. Keep the food and water on the opposite side of the room as the litter box. Gradually expand the area that your kitten has access to. Within a short time your kitten will know the location of the litter box and have its own den.

Most cats prefer non-scented, clumpable litter. The litter box should be cleaned daily if clumpable litter is used and every 3 days for non-clumpable. The litter box should not have a cover – they retain odors and the cat feels like it is using one of those outdoor toilets like you’d see at We Fest. A large plastic storage bin can make a good litter box. You may have to cut a door in the side to make it easy for your cat to come and go. A common, frustrating, and sometimes fatal problem can occur if your cat starts soiling outside of the litter box, so it is important to make it an attractive place.

Yes, cats can be trained. Find a treat your cat loves, such a little piece of tuna, and reward it for good behavior. Use the treat as a positive way to teach your kitten to be handled. Teach it to take a pill by putting its nose to the sky and opening its mouth. Handle its paws, stomach, and ears. Teach it to let you trim its nails and be groomed. Remember, go slow, use the treats, and make it a pleasant experience for your cat. If your cat misbehaves, never hit it. Clapping your hands or hissing at it will be an effective negative reinforcement.

Cats need to play. Pet stores are full of cat toys, so take some time to play with your cat. If your cat seems to lose interest in playing, wait a few minutes and introduce a different toy and the cat will often be ready to play again. Since indoor cats pretty much sleep and eat, any physical activity you can introduce into their life will be good for them.

Cat’s love perches, especially if they are carpeted. They also need a scratching post, so the two can be effectively combined. Show your cat how to use the scratching post. Double stick tape can be used to keep your cat from scratching on unwanted area. Cats hate getting the tape stuck on their feet and will stop using the area.

Cats need to learn to be comfortable in a cat carrier. Start at an early age and make it a pleasant experience. Leaving the carrier in the safe or nest area is helpful. Put your cat in the carrier and watch TV together or have it sit next to you when you are on the computer. Avoid using the carrier just for trips to the vet, your cat will get wise to it and hide when the carrier comes out.

If you take time and work with your kitten you will be surprised at what can be done. Both you and your cat will benefit from the effort.

The veterinarians at the Animal Health Clinic realize the importance of preventive health care. Responsible pet ownership means keeping a pet healthy, happy and well behaved.

One of the most important steps in a preventive health care program for your pet is a yearly exam by your pet’s veterinarian. Cats are considered to be adults at one year of age. For humans, this process takes 18 years. Once they’ve become adults, cats age five-to-seven-times faster than humans. An annual veterinary exam for your pet is the same as a human seeing their doctor or dentist every five-to-seven years.