New Kitten? Here’s What To Do!

 In Andes-Straley Services, Pet Care

Are you adding a new kitten to your family? If so, there are some things to do before they arrive. Here is a list of things to do to prepare your home and family for your new kitten!

Potty Training Prep

If this is your first cat, you will need to get a few things from a pet store. Kittens do not require the same intense potty training as puppies. Cats use a litter box, so you will need to make sure you have a litter box, cat litter, and a scoop. The easiest way to teach your kitten how to use the litter box is to simply place them in it. If you feel your kitten is having a hard time potty training, try to bring them to their litter box every 30 minutes. Eventually, they will catch on. One of the perks of having a cat is that litter box training is fairly easy!

Diet And Exercise

Kittens are extremely high energy just as puppies are. They will experience spurts of high energy and then crash. Between two and four months is really when you will experience high kitten energy. According to Pet Finder, kittens have three times more energy than cats and require more sleep. So ultimately your furry friend will sleep around 16 to 20 hours a day, and spend the other hours playing and getting to know their environment. It is important to play with your kitten and show them what they can and can’t do at a young age. In addition, kittens need a strong and healthy diet to aid in their growth. Talk with your veterinarian about the types of food they recommend for your pet. You can find a large variety of food options at any pet store in your area.

Vet Visits

The most important thing to do once you bring your new kitten home is to visit the vet! Your vet will do an initial examination to make sure everything looks right and the cat is healthy. They will give them any necessary vaccinations needed and talk with you about spaying or neutering your pet. You should get comfortable with a vet you like since you will be talking with them as your kitty grows! If your pet is having difficulty eating, sleeping, or even potty training, ask your vet!

If you would like to learn more about how to prepare yourself for your new furry friend, check out Andes-Straley Vet! At Andes-Straley, we provide a variety of services for animals of all shapes and sizes. We would love to help you get to know your new kitten and ensure they are safe and healthy! For more information on our services, check us out online here or call us at (423) 378-4443 today!