Raising Kittens the Easy Way!
Raising kittens doesn’t have to be hard. It just takes time and patience when raising a kitten. One must also be armed with the knowledge of what kittens need to grow into healthy and happy cats. Do you have a new orphan kitten and are looking for ways to meet their special needs? Or are you looking for information on hand rearing young kittens? Well, you’ve come to the right place.
Kittens require a safe and secure environment to develop into great house pets. Kittens are notoriously curious and love to get into trouble. Hence, kitten-proofing is essential to making sure your kitten stays safe.
Kitten-Proofing
Let’s face it. Kittens love to play, pounce, run, and jump. Often, they will chew or bite on any item that seems to they fun to play with. A kitten’s personality will dictate whether or not they have a more reserved style of play or a tad on the devilish side.
It’s best to start kitten-proofing before your even get your new kitten. Start by getting down to a kitten’s eye level. Get on the floor of your home. Notice any potential hazards that a kitten could get into. Raising kittens requires creativity. Just like a human child, kittens can make toys out of just about anything.
Household Hazards
Finding household hazards takes some creative thinking. Imagine what items around your home a kitten could find attractive enough to turn into a play toy. Here’s a list of potential kitten hazards.
- Falls
Yes, kittens love to look out the window and check out the scenery. But, they don’t necessarily have nine lives. Falls from high windows and perches can mortally injure a cat or kitten. Make sure open windows have screens to prevent kittens from falling.
- Electrical Cords
Cords look like inviting toys for kittens. Kittens love to chew and bite thorough cords. However, they may be in for a jolt. Put feline-repellant bitter sprays near cords to deter kittens from chewing.
- Small coins
Kitten can choke on small coins that have been dropped. Pick up small items off of the floor.
- “The Kitchen”
Kittens are curious and affectionate creatures. They love to “help” you while you cook or put away food. Just be careful to make sure that your kitten hasn’t accidently gotten locked in the refrigerator. (Yes, it happens!) Also, make sure your kitty does not jump on a hot stove and burn its paws.
- Mice
Mice are a kitten’s perfect play toy and treat. They’re great for games of chase and they fun for kittens to chew on. However, mice carry diseases that can make you and your kitten very ill. Don’t allow your kitten to play with mice and please don’t allow your kitten to become your household mouse trap.
- Cars
Raising kittens that reside outdoors can be a challenge. Outdoor kittens may look to find a warm place to sleep during the winter need your car’s engine. Pay attention during winter months and look under your car’s hood to check for kittens.
- Toxic Plants
We all love to have a well-decorated verdant home. However, some plants are downright dangerous to felines. Check plants around your home to see if they are kitten-safe.
- Drowning
Although most kittens do not love baths and being submerged in water, many kittens are fascinated by running water. Watch your kitten around bath tubs, fountains, or any areas of running water.
Kitten Loss
The death of kitten is an upsetting experience. You may have had to euthanize your kitten or it may have died unexpectantly. No matter how it died, your kitten has become part of the family. You’ve bonded with them. You’ve spent time and effort training your kitten. Unfortunately, kittens are fragile and can have a high mortality rate.
If you have young children, they may be particularly upset about the loss of a kitten. They may have just begun to learn about raising kittens. And this experience may be their first exposure to death and loss. Your other pets may have bonded with your kitten, as well. Like humans, they may become depressed about the loss and display signs or grief, such as poor appetite and lack of interest in playing.
If you experience difficulty coping with the loss of your kitten, there is help available. The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine runs a pet loss support hotline with trained grief counselors available to speak with bereaved owners. Iams® Pet Loss Support Hotline operates Monday through Friday to answer calls from pet owners about ways to cope with their loss. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help!
Remember...Make raising kittens a fun experience!
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