FIRST 30 DAYS WITH YOUR NEW KITTEN

Did you know that today August 8th is International Cat Day, also known as World Cat Day! So today's Wellness post we are going to turn our attention to all of those furry felines. If you have plans to adopt a kitten, we are going to turn our attention to all of those furry felines. If you have plans to adopt a kitten, we are going to give you a 30 day run down of what to expect with your new kitten. With this information, you should be prepared to bring that sweet fur baby home. 

BEFORE BRINGING YOUR KITTEN HOME

Preparation is key for both you and your new addition to the family. If you are planning on bringing a new kitten into your home, it's always a good rule of thumb to take some time to prepare for your kittens arrival. Go ahead and purchase items that you know your kitten will need. Find a place in your home to designate as the "kittens corner", and stock the area with the new things you have purchased for the kitten. This not only helps you prepare but it also helps other family members and pets to start adjusting too. Items that are good to purchase prior to the kittens arrival are...

• Cat Bed
• Cat Food
• Cat Treats
• Food & Water Bowls
• A Couple of Cat Toys
• Litter Box
• Cat Litter

Another great idea is to set up a small room like a bathroom, to house your new kitten in for the first few nights. This will help your kitten get more acquainted with new scents, smells, people and all things in their new space. 

FIRST DAY

Day one is an exciting day for both you and your new kitten. You want to be sure you are careful to to overwhelm your new furry friend. Letting your kitten explore in the small room or "kitten corner" that you have set up is key on getting the kitten acclimated to their new space. 

If you have other pets, allow them to sniff the kitten while you hold it. Be sure you are keeping the kitten safe at all times during this process. The you are away from the kitten be sure to place them back in the small room or designated area so you won't have to worry about anyone getting hurt. 

Be sure to show the kitten where their food and water is, as their litter box. It's good to follow your cats lead. If your kitten wants to nap, let it nap and the same with eating. If you brought your kitten home in a carrier, it is good to keep the carrier close by in case the kitten gets nervous and wants to curl up inside. 

10 DAYS

By day ten, your kitten will have explored its new home and get used to where the litter box, food and water bowls are. It more than likely has claimed a favorite spot to sleep and has made friends with your other pets. You have observed your kitten and you are starting to know their habits and schedule. Make sure your kitten is continuing to eat and drink and monitoring their litter box habits during this time is always a good idea. 

If you happen to see something unusual in your kittens litter such as, parasites, blood, loose stools, etc. If you see anything out of the norm, it is a good idea to bring a sample to your vet. Regardless, during this time you will need to make and appointment during this time to have your kitten's first check up. 

If you have decided to purchase a collar for your kitten, be sure you have chosen a collar that fits well and can house their identification. A name tag that can have the kittens name as well as your phone number is just the right about of information to have on your kitten at all times in case they get out and lost. When you are at your kittens check up, it is a good time to talk to your vet about the option of having your kitten microchipped. 

30 DAYS

By the end of the first month, your kitten should be well adjusted to their new home. They should be eating, drinking and using the letter box normally by this point. At this time, you should be aware of any behavior from your kitten that is less than favorable. If there is a behavior you don't like that your kitten is exhibiting, be sure to nip it in the bud as soon as possible. Whether it be scratching of certain surfaces, wrestling, or climbing on off limit objects, you can help provide your kitten with appropriate scratching surfaces, toys or times that are safe for climbing. By using cat treats to entice these approved areas and toys will help your cat know these areas are a free for all for play. 

At this point, your kitten should have been to the vet at least once for vaccines, a fecal check and a physical examination. Be sure to keep your kitten in safe environments during this time until they are fully vaccinated. Staying on schedule with recommended initial vaccines is key. It is also a great time to talk to your vet about monthly preventatives for fleas, heart worms, and intestinal parasites.