You can try to encourage her to come out by talking to her gently and showing her a toy or some catnip - but don't force it. Cat Grooming Tips. Before you adopt, make sure that your lifestyle can make room for a feline. Think about how your cat’s age may require you to do certain things differently or if you will need to provide any sort of special items or care. Playthings needn't be expensive (they can even be homemade), just make sure there's enough to keep your cat happy, active, and mentally occupied. Keep a close eye on your cat's wounds to make sure that they are healing properly and not getting infected. Whether you’re adopting your cat from a shelter or taking one in from your neighbors across the road, their first day in their a new home will be a big day … I just brought home a new cat and she is still in the carrying case. If you're only going to work or something like that, it should be okay in most cases, as long as you leave them food, water, toys, a place to sleep, and litter box access (if they're very little or very mischievous, maybe put the kitten and all its things in one secure room). Provide fresh water daily. Give your cat some treats each day as well. What if your circumstances change after the adoption? Try to find a family member or a close friend that can take care of your cat. You can trust that she will likely take care of them, but who will take care of Mom? I have written several cat care and maintenance articles before so I’d urge you to check and read the full original linked sources I … Take a “Cat’s Eye View” of the Litter Box. Place a towel or an old blanket in your cat’s carrier to help her feel more comfortable. It may take a week or two before your cat is feeling comfortable enough to approach you. An enclosed litter box can allow you and your cat more privacy, and clumping litter is easier to maintain. See. If your cat has persistent diarrhea, then it is best to see your veterinarian to discuss what may be causing this condition. Set your pet on a table, your lap, or the floor. Introduce the kitten to the house, first. Adopting a buddy for the cat to play with can be an excellent solution. If you’re still committed to cat care and ownership there are a few things you’re going to need. Some signs of unfriendliness in cats include: Biting and scratching people, hissing, spitting, flattened ears, growling, dilated pupils, and screeching. B” to his clients, is a Veterinarian and the Owner of Boston Veterinary Clinic, a pet health care and veterinary clinic with two locations, South End/Bay Village and Brookline, Massachusetts. Your cat's online owners manual, featuring articles about breed information, cat selection, training, grooming and care for cats and kittens. Make sure that your pet gets proper food and other needs are adequately take care. Find someone to hold the cat still unless you can do it yourself. Get pet insurance. They may just be happy being in your presence. For 11 years, Norman, a 20-pound tabby, has been going in and out of his home without a care. "I am using it for a research project! Open the door of the cat carrier and let her walk out when she is ready. If you have an adult cat, feed her one large meal or two to three smaller meals per day. When she seems relaxed, then introduce her to the dog. 5. To give a cat a pill, hold the being firmly on your lap either between your osseins. Factors such as age, activity level and health make a difference in what and how much a cat should eat. It’s best to consult with a veterinarian for specific instructions and advice. Do your research. Do you have any allergies? Microchip the cat so that if it's involved in an accident, you can be found. 1. % of people told us that this article helped them. Cats require taurine, an essential amino acid, for heart and eye he… We recommend purchasing high-quality, brand-name kitten or cat food. Provide a safe place for the cat to sleep that is away from predators, warm, dry, and out of the prevailing wind. Get a Litter Box and Take Care of Sleeping Arrangements GK Hart/Vikki Hart/Getty Images Next, to food and water, a litter box is critical for your new cat's comfort and health. Ask your vet, the representatives at your local pet store, or take a look at "Smart Shopping for Cat Food" for some advice. Pay special attention to your cat's nose and ears, as these senses now make life easier for your cat. 3. I just got a new kitten. In addition, provide food and make sure this isn't being stolen by other cats. Eight to eleven weeks of age. With all the excitement of becoming a new pet parent, you may have prepared all the supplies that your cat needs. Unfortunately, we are a few billion dollars short but we can at least help stray and feral cats … Whatever works best for you. Be sure to replenish the water with a fresh supply every day. You can also make one by cutting a doorway for her in the end of a box. Boston Veterinary Clinic is an AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited hospital and Boston’s first and only Fear Free Certified Clinic. Quality food will provide your cat with the nutrients it requires. If the cat is stray or feral after all, continue reading to find some useful tips for helping those felines. Hey guys!!! With scrupulous maintenance of your cat's litter box, you'll never have to worry about odor or "out-of-box accidents." Choosing to get a pet is a long term commitment. Proper feeding, housing, litter box, grooming, handling, play and exercise are very important for your cat to live a long and happy life. 1  Provide blankets, a heat lamp, or a heating pad to ensure the kittens stay warm. 9. Get a good cat litter box and quality cat litter. We hope you won't need it, but like they always say, "It's better to be safe than sorry.". Discuss any behavioral issues with your veterinarian and follow their advice for correcting these issues. Or, if you want more bang, you can get the essence (peel oil) of bitter orange and put that on it. Why Your Cat Is Itchy and What You Can Do, Dog Nutrition: Guide to Dog Food Nutrients. If you are uncomfortable trimming your cat’s nails yourself, you can ask to have them trimmed at your vet’s office. If you have a kitten that is 6 – 12 weeks old, feed her four times per day. Are you a new cat parent, or looking to brush up on your pet care skills? Not only do they look good, they also keep mice away and have built-in motors. Spaying and neutering are crucial to reducing the number of homeless cats, protecting your cat’s health, and reducing the likelihood of behavior issues. If you do suffer from severe allergic reactions, consider testing yourself for feline allergies before bringing a cat home. These are just a few of the things to keep in mind when you get yourself a new companion. When they are out in nature, cats don't really touch each other. If you’re anything like me, you’d love to adopt all the kitties in the world. If you’re unsure how to care for a kitten, this comprehensive kitten care guide will make raising a kitten seem like a breeze! It is always exciting to have a new cat, especially if you are taking care of a feline for the first time. Read more. You shouldn't force her, just open the door, leave her alone, and she'll come when she's ready. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Place the medicine for cat flea as far back in the neck as possible. But, there are cats that are ideal for the working lifestyle. Offer some treats and allow your cat to sniff you and your belongings to feel more comfortable. Bringing home a new cat can be exciting and overwhelming. Toy mice, string, feathers, and even empty boxes make for great amusement. My cat is scared to go out of her carrier. In severe weather, you may need to double-insulate the shelter by placing it inside a larger container. Add a dash of catnip to these stations to help get your cat interested in them. If you already have other cats at home, and especially if the … “He protects the kingdom very well,” Huggins laughs. Then again, some people with allergies might adapt to their own pet, but still be allergic to other cats. If you don't want your sofa shredded, or your new Louis Vuitton bag ruined, invest in a scratching post. All they ask for is peace, quiet and privacy as they deliver their new babies and take care of … Understand the summit on either surface of the bone so that the cat should to open its portal. For when i get a cat!". This is the when you, as the pet parent, lay the foundation for your cat’s future health and behavior. Rub the outer part of some citrus peels against the wires. Groom your cat regularly, feed your cat nutritious food, provide occasional treats, and take your cat to a vet for regular check-ups. Cats are not small dogs, which is a cliche thing to say but it is fairly true. From nail trims to bath time, read our handy guide to keeping your cat looking her best. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Opt for a quiet room when introducing a new cat. Part 5 Check your cat’s paws several times a day. Thinking of buying a new cat? 10. Be sure to put food and water nearby and leave the door open. A safe bet is to choose a cat with low allergens. The following guide will walk you through the basics of how to take care of that playful, purring bundle of fur. And there you have it. So today I'm going to show you how to make your new cat the happiest it can be! But that doesn’t mean you can just pick up the kitty and deposit her into your household. But, there are still steps you need to take to make sure you… You can give your cat a few treats as a midday snack or use a treat dispensing toy to give your cat a chance to work for her treats. If it's a kitten you're bringing home, make sure you start a grooming routine early. If you have a kitten between 3 – 6 months, feed her three times per day. There are 23 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Wipe runny eyes frequently. A kitten is considered a newborn from birth until the age of four months, which provides her enough time to be weaned from her mother and learn a few life skills, such as eating and using … Thank you, Rahul Dudhane, for your A2A, How do I take good care of my cat? Brian Bourquin, DVM. Should I clean my kittens bottom after he went to the bathroom? Before you get one, there are a few things you should think about, and a few things that are just plain good to know. Cats love to get away from it all in small places, and you can provide one for your new cat as his own little safe haven. The clinic also provides specialty services in behavior, nutrition, and alternative pain management therapies using acupuncture, and therapeutic laser treatments. You can give them a bath on rare occasion if they get especially dirty, but for the most part, cats clean themselves and don't need to be bathed. Nancy Huggins’s kitty, Norman, is a cat about town. Do not take away her safe spot. 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