Info for New Parents

​​​​"New Kitten" Care & Nutrition Page

This page is to help educate you on the care on your new kitten, inlcuding items you may need as well as nutrition and health! 

To start off every kitten must have endless love, care, happiness, health and respect. Your new kitten will provide you with the same in return.

*Food and Water Bowl* 

Your new kitten's food and water bowl should be metal or ceramic. DO NOT buy plastic bowls because cats are more prone to feline acne with plastic bowls. Also, no matter how much you clean the plastic bowls you cannot get inside of the scratches, which carries bacteria. Make sure to clean your kittens bowls daily with a very diluted antibacterial soap or bleach and rinse with hot water. Make sure to rinse thoroughly! Also, a good thing to remember is keep your kittens food and water bowls far away from their litter box. Cats and kittens are very clean animals and do not like to eat and drink where they potty. You can also purchase a food and water bowl matt to go underneath.

*Food & Nutrition*

So, you have your new little one home and I am sure you are excited to make sure that your new kitten receives the correct amount of nutrients in his or her diet. Nutrition is vital to your new kitten so feeding him or her the proper diet is very important! It is important that for the first 2 months, while your kitten is adjusting, that you feed him or her the food we recommend. Having the correct amount of nutrients in your new kitten's diet will ensure healthy growth as well as development! Good nutrition will help your kitten grow and stay very active!

All food should contain protein, fat, carbohydrates and of course vitamins and minerals. I would strongly recommend a good quality kibble or can food. A raw food diet such as the BARF Diet or any AAFCO certified pre-made raw is also a great way to go. New studies show that a wet diet such as can food or pre-made raw is healthier for your cat in the long run. Reason being is that raw and can food hold more water, which is benifical to their kidneys and other organs, since cats are not big drinkers like dogs are.

Now, as for the protein, fat, carbohydrates and of course vitamins and minerals they all play a very important role in nutrition. All protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals must be provided in correct amounts in your cat or kitten's diet. 

Protein is vital for your kitten's growth. 

Fat & Carbohydrates are great for a healthy, shinny looking coat. But most importantly, it is a vital source for energy.

Vitamins & Minerals are also very important for your cat or kitten but it should only be given in small amounts. I do recommend being very careful with vitamins and minerals because to much can be harmful. Please ask your vet first before using any kind of vitamins or minerals, we use NuVet which is wonderful!

As a breeder, I make sure proper nutrition starts before my kittens are even born. All of my cats get the proper diet and vitamins, this insures that the kittens growing inside of their Mom are getting great nutrition as they grow. This makes the kittens healthier and helps them to have a better immune system which makes them more resistant to disease. We can also expect a longer life span when our Furry-Purry kitties have the proper nutrition that is so vital to them. 

*Litter Pan*

For new kittens they are usually only 2 pounds, so make sure that they can get in and out of the litter pan easily. If you choose to use a litter that is not dust free be sure to use a litter pan with no top to prevent the dust from entering their little lungs.

*Litter*

I would recommend a Dust Free litter as litters with dust can make your cats lungs inflamed and irritate their eyes. Something like Feline Pine, Yesterdays News or Swheat Scoop is great! We personally use and reccomend Feline Pine. As for litter box training their mothers teach them this skill. Kittens taken away too early from their mother may miss out on learning social and hygiene skills. If you are going to change your kittens litter do so after they have adjusted fully and switch over gradually. Switching gradually is very important so that they do no refuse the new litter. Also make sure your cat or kitten's litter box is far away from his or her food as cats are very clean animals and do not like to eat where they potty.

*Litter Scoop*

Make sure that it is the correct kind of scoop for the litter you are using.

*Bed*

While most cats enjoy your bed (I know mine do) if you decide to buy them their own I recommend a bed with a hood they feel more comfortable in beds like that!

*Comb & Nail Clipper*

I recommend a metal comb and a slicker brush. Be sure to comb your kitten/cat weekly to maintain a healthy, mat-free coat. The more you comb the more bonding time you will have with your new kitty so daily is wonderful as well! When getting a nail clipper be sure it's for cats, not dogs. Also, nail clipping every 1-2 weeks is recommended.​

*Bathing*

Bathing is not necessary but if you do choose to do so, be sure to only bath from the neck down. Never wash a cat or kitten's head as their eyes, ears and nose are very sensitive. 

*Toys*

Toys supply a great source of exercise for your kitten's mental stimulation. Be sure to buy toys that you can also interact with your kitten, such as feather teasers, laser pointers and robotic mice, kitten's love them! Be sure to not leave toys that can be a choking hazard with your kitten while unattended such as toy mice. Toys you least expect, are great for kitten's such as toilet paper rolls, an empty box with a balled up piece of paper in it and even the laser is fun for them!

*Good Scratching Post*

To prevent your kitten/cat from ruining your furniture by scratching, provide him or her with a scratching post. I recommend one with Sisal Rope because the ones that have carpet can teach them to scratch on carpet in your home. Always praise your kitten when using the proper area to scratch. If your kitten scratches on the wrong thing always take him or her to the scratching post you have provided. 

*Carrier*

A cat carrier is also needed for vet visits and can be left out in the home, so they can get use to the carrier and not feel its a bad thing. Be sure to buy one that will fit your kitten when he or she is full grown.

*Kittens and Children*

It is important if you have children, to teach them how to properly play with a kitten and how to hold one. Most cats enjoy being picked up and held. Make sure that the kitten is completely supported when held. Also, always supervise your kitten when around small children.

*Introduction to other Pets*

When introducing your kitten to other pets make sure to supervise meetings and do it gradually. The most difficult introduction for your kitten is usually a large cat or dog, they will sometimes feel threatened.

*Establish Routines*

Establishing routines will make life easier and happier for you and your new kitten. It is important for your kitten to learn its new name and feeding time is one of the best times to teach them. When it's time to feed them, call them by their name and then put the bowl down. 

*Common Hazards*

Even though your new kitten will be indoors there are still many hazards such as nails, rubber bands, glue, string, thumbtacks, uncovered food, open washer or dryer and breakable items. Plants are also one of the number one things that can harm your kitten. Here is a list of plants to keep out of your home when you bring your new kitten home. Azalea, Caladium, Christmas Rose, Clematis, Delphinium, Dieffenbachia, Ivy, Lupine, Mistletoe, Oleander, Philodendron, Poinsettia, Cherry Laurel, Rhododendron, Solanum and Sweet Pea. 

Candles, essential oils, incense, air fresheners, and plug-ins can all lead to lung and respitory issues with your kitten/cat, therefore, I highly advise against using them.

*Health* 

There is one thing that I think creates great health in itself... exercise! Although it can be hard to exercise an indoor cat if you get the proper toys and try to spend at least 30 minutes a day of play time with them that should be sufficient. I recommend toys such as feather teasers, balls that make nose and of course a good cat tree that they can climb all over is great too. Exercise also helps develop bones and joints and promotes good muscle tone!

As far as choosing a healthy kitten always make sure that the kitten isn't showing any signs of discharge from the eyes, ears, or bottom. The coat should be in good condition and the eyes bright. The kitten should be active and alert. 

Smaller kittens may look cute but they also may suffer from health problems. Very little kittens are more prone to getting broken legs because many kittens like to say under your feet. 

I hope all of the information we have provided helps you better understand about new kitten care, nutrition and health. Be sure to give you kitten as much love and attention as it deserves and he/she will give you the same in return!