Pet Care


Responsible Cat Ownership

It will help to have certain basic supplies already waiting when your kitten comes home.
All of these are readily available and relatively inexpensive; some may even be
improvised from household odds and ends.

Beds and bedding 
The most important thing you can do to make your new kitten feel at home is to have
a corner already furnished with a basket and cushion. The size of your cat's bed should
be in proportion to her adult size. Bear in mind, though, that most cats prefer to sleep 
curled up rather than stretched out. For your kitten's first bed, a corrugated cardboard
box with sides 30 cm high will suffice. The high sides will help her feel more secure and 
will also help to keep out drafts. Cut out a doorway in the front and line the box with a 
pillow or cushion covered in washable fabric. Place the bed in a warm, quiet corner of 
your home. Don't be disappointed, however, if your kitten doesn't prefer your chosen 
sleeping space. It may take a bit of experimentation to arrive at sleeping quarters both
you and your kitten can agree upon.

Cat carrier
A cat carrier is by far the safest way to travel with your kitten. Most pet stores and 
veterinary practices stock a variety of travelling baskets. Look for one that will be 
roomy, durable, well ventilated, escape-proof and easy to clean. Avoid cages that have
sharp exposed edges that could injure your kitten or protrusions that could snag your
kitten's collar and choke her. The most useful cat carriers are made of lightweight 
plastic and wire mesh.

Food and water bowls
You'll need two heavy creamic or stainless steel bowls; one for food and one for water.
If you have more than one kitten, each should have a set of its own. Fresh water 
should be availavle to your kitten at all times and her dishes should be washed at least 
once a week. Select a high quality, meat-protein food like those recommended in this 
practice

Litter box
A litter box, cat litter and scoop are essential. Even if your kitten has access to an 
outdoor area, she should not be let out until she has adjusted to her new home. Her 
litter box should always be accessible and easy to find. Choose a box that is deep 
enough to keep your kitten from scattering litter when she digs. Ti's best to use about
5 cm of litter in the bottom of the box. Commercial litter doesn't have to be changed
every day; just use the scoop to remove the wet places and faeces adn replace them with 
fresh litter. You should, however, wash the litter box once or twice a week with hot
water. You may need to try different types of litter if your kitten is avoiding its 
litter box.

Usin a high-quality cat food with help reduce litter box odours. It will also help 
minimise your kitten's trips to the litter box, sparing you both litter costs and clean-up 
time.

Kittens less than eight weeks old may be too small to use an adult-size litter box; an
inexpensive aluminium or plastic pan with a two-inch rim will suffice until the kitten is 
able to graduate to a regular box.

Brushes and combs
Grooming should be a regular part of your cat's routine. Although your kitten will
probably want to make a game of it and try and bite the brush and comb, she will soon
come to appreciate the attention she receives. It is important to stick with this when 
they are young.

Scratching posts
A scratching post will give your kitten a place to stretch and exercise, as well as a way 
to keep her claws in proper condition. It will also try and prevent her from using your 
furniture to satisfy these needs. You can easily construct a scratching post of your own
by covering an appropriate piece of wood with carpet, tree bark, or coiled rope. If you 
use carpet, make sure it is not the deep-pile kind; the fluffy surface can't offer enough 
resistance for your cat's laws. The posts may be mounted on a wall or made free 
standing by attaching it to a sturdy wooden base. Make sure the post cannot tip over.

Leash, collar and ID tag
Unlike their canine counterparts, most cats don't like to walk on a leash. For cat owners
in urban environments, however, a leash may be the only way for your kitten to enjoy
the outdoors. If you plan to use a collar or harness, your kitten should be introduced to 
it early on. A collar should have a breakaway section, so that the kitten can escape if
the collar catches on some object. A collar or harness should carry identification, in the 
event your kitten gets lost. Microchipping is the most reliable form of identification.

Toys
Provide your kitten with toys - a ball, a mouse and other items will assist your cat in its
development and provide a great deal of enjoyment and exercise.

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Disclaimer
This web site gives general information about veterinary services provided by Narre Warren Veterinary Clinic.
Before acting on the basis of the contents of this web site, you should obtain advice directly from a Veterinarian