Caring for a Kitten or Cat
Cats are playful, intelligent, and affectionate pets. While cats have a reputation for independence, they benefit from the same investment of time and attention that a dog does and can be trained to get along extremely well in most households.
General Care
Cat-proof your home before introducing your new cat to it. When introducing new cats to the home, it can help to set them up in one room with all their supplies and slowly introduce them to the rest of the home. Make sure there are no hazards, such as open windows or toxic plants. Cats are very reactive predators and any changes in environment can be stressful to them. They will often take several days or even weeks to adjust to new people, furniture, or foods. It can take months for a cat to feel comfortable enough to share their full personality.
If you already have a cat or other pets, make sure they are healthy and up to date on their vaccinations, and introduce the new cat slowly, supervising the introduction. Letting them smell one another through a closed door is a good way to introduce new kitties. Not all cats are social, but they can live comfortably together whether or not they choose to become friends. Always make sure that your new kitty has a quiet, safe place, such as a cat tree or an enclosed bed, to get away from people and other pets. Some pet parents use natural pheromone plug ins or calming aides to minimize the stress of a new environment.
Be sure the new cat is healthy by taking them to your vet as soon as possible. Your veterinarian may recommend spaying/neutering, immunizations, flea and/or tick prevention and other important aspects to keeping your cat healthy. Vaccines, nail trims, prescription flea prevention, microchipping & more are available at our Kahoots Vet Clinic. Visit kahootsfeedandpet.com for clinic locations and schedules.
Choose a litter box that is large enough for the cat to fit comfortably inside with ample room for them to turn and dig. Kittens less than eight weeks old may be too small to use an adult-sized litter box. Try to place your cat’s box somewhere quiet in the house where the cat will not be startled or bothered while using the box. Some cats will share a litter box but many prefer not to so you should provide at least as many boxes as there are cats living in the house. Remove solid waste daily and replace whatever amount of litter you remove from the box. For best odor control, replace the entire amount of litter and clean the box itself every four to six weeks, more often if needed.
Toys are important for mentally stimulating your cat, and they are also helpful to you when training your cat not to scratch and chew on your things. The wider the variety of available toys and scratching items you offer your cat, the better. Choose toys that your cat can play with by themselves as well as interactive toys that you can use to engage them. Avoid toys with small parts or that are themselves small enough to be swallowed. At least two 15-minute play sessions per day will aid in keeping cats on their best behavior.
Cat’s need to scratch both as an energy outlet and to keep their claws healthy. Always provide them with an appropriate cat scratcher or post. We recommend a tall cat scratch tower so that your cat has a safe place to retreat to when stressed as well as a better place to scratch than your furniture.
Housing
A cat bed is important so that your cat feels they have their own safe and warm sleeping area, even if they sleep all over the house as well. Some people train their cats to sleep only on their own beds, and some owners prefer to have several cat beds throughout the home. If you are keeping your cat in a cooler area of the home, consider a warming bed.
Diet
Choose a kitten, adult cat, or all life stages food that is appropriate to their size and age. Careful attention to ingredients can help you choose good quality cat food. Cats are obligate carnivores that need animal protein & fat, but very little carbohydrates in their diet. Cat’s teeth and digestive system are designed to eat small prey animals that provide a large amount of moisture in addition to the meat & fat, so they do best on canned, rehydrated, or raw food diets that provide a similar moisture content. Cats are designed to get their daily moisture through food intake and are often unaware of feeling thirsty until they are dangerously dehydrated, leading to urinary tract and kidney issues later in life. Choosing an appropriate diet for your cat or kitten can help prevent future illnesses or issues. Treats are important for training and bonding, so make sure you get quality treats as well.
Cleaning & Health
Keep the cat’s bedding and play areas clean, and watch your cat for signs of illness such as lack of energy, loss of appetite, urinating outside the litter box, etc. Keep kittens away from areas where non-resident pets are (public parks, etc.), until the kitten has finished all their immunization requirements. Regular brushing and grooming are essential for cats of all ages to prevent hairballs. Getting your kitten used to having its teeth brushed can also help avoid dental issues later-on. In addition to daily care, by three years of age your cat should begin receiving an annual teeth cleaning to help to prevent oral disease. Ask your vet for other health recommendations as soon as possible, and in the meantime, keep harmful cleansers, plants, electrical cords, breakable objects, and out-of-house escape routes out of your cat’s reach.
Warnings
Companion animals are potential carriers of infectious diseases that can be passed to humans. Taking these simple precautions can help prevent the potential spread of diseases:
- Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet and/or litter box contents
- Carry hand sanitizer when venturing outside of your home with pet
- Do not kiss or let your mouth come into contact with your pet
- Keep your companion’s water & food bowls, décor, and other surfaces as clean as possible and scoop the litter box daily.
Pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems should speak with their physician when considering a new pet. For more information regarding pets and disease, go to the Center for Disease Control at cdc.gov/healthypets/ The information provided on this Care Sheet is not a substitute for veterinary care. It is strongly advised to seek further information on the care of your animal. In the event of serious health concerns, please consult your veterinarian.
Recommended Supplies at Your Local Kahoots
- ID tag
- Cat bed
- Cat scratch tower
- Cardboard Scratcher
- Food dish
- Automatic waterer
- Dish mat
- Treats
- Brush
- Break-Away collar
- Kahoots Organic Stain and Odor Remover
- Chew, scratch, and play toys
- Calming aid
- Catnip
- Kahoots Kitten/Cat food
- Kahoots Cat canned food
- Raw, Freeze Dried or Air Dried food
- Litter box
- Kahoots Feline Amazing Litter
- Litter Mat
- Litter Scoop