Getting your first kitten can be a very exciting time in your life and your family's.
They're cute, loads of fun to play with and watch, they're cuddly and comforting, but things can also be frustrating and challenging for people who are new to kitten raising.
If you follow these 3 tips, it will make raising your first kitten a total joy and you may wind up adopting another one, or more, later on.
1.
Educate yourself.
The most important thing you can do for any new pets is to learn how to care for them.
If you get your first kitten from a shelter, they usually provide an "adoption kit," which contains a food sample and a packet of materials that may include your kitty's first medical record, along with brochures covering some basics of kitten care.
If you acquired your kitten another way, you will have to locate the information yourself.
Call your veterinarian for advice and to find out if they have brochures, too.
Of course, there's always the library, the Internet, and many pet supply stores have learning materials, too.
2.
Kitten-proof your home.
Any environment can be hazardous for babies and youngsters, and kittens are no exception.
It's up to us to provide safe surroundings, safe food, and an atmosphere of security.
A scared kitten won't be able to relax and play normally and might grow into a shy or neurotic adult cat.
The other side of the coin is that you may wish to protect your belongings and the furniture! Put small items where they can't be picked up, eaten, scratched, or chewed on.
Cover furniture if necessary.
Store dangerous and toxic items in a "no cat zone," such as a basement, cabinet or garage.
3.
Family matters.
Be sure everyone in the family is willing to care for and respect the kitten.
If there are young children in the home, never leave them alone with a kitten; always supervise their play time.
Kids do not understand how to be kind to animals - it has to be taught.
Many shelters simply refuse to adopt kittens to families with children under 5 or 6 because of this.
Kittens are extremely vulnerable because they are tiny and weak.
They deserve to be protected at all times.
Another thing to watch for in the family is allergies.
It's heartbreaking to get a kitten and then have to relinquish it once grown because a family member develops an allergy.
This can be an emotional event both for the family and for the cat.
Once in a while, someone becomes so attached to their cat after raising it, they submit to allergy shots to make it possible to keep the pet they love.
One more thing to take into account is your finances.
Kittens are not free, even if you did not have to pay an adoption fee.
There will be costs associated with veterinary care (be sure to spay or neuter), food, and supplies such as bowls, beds, collars, a transport carrier, and toys.
A common belief is that a cat is a low maintenance pet.
In some ways, this is true, but they need plenty of love and attention if you want a loving companion.
You can enjoy your new kitten well into "cat-hood" for many years if you follow the above tips for a happy relationship.