"So - you're getting a kitten. That's great! You are in for a wonderful learning experience"

How could something so fluffy, adorable and small cause so much trouble? Having a kitten is similar to having a two year old. They need to be watched almost constantly. You know the old saying about curiosity and the cat? It applies even more to a kitten. And because kittens are so inquisitive, here are a few tips to help protect your little one:

Check book cases, curtain rods, shelves, etc. to make sure they can withstand your kittens weight.
Be sure to check under sofas and recliners to make sure he/she cannot get trapped under them.
Kittens love playing with (and very often destroy) houseplants. Since many plants are poisonous, you may want to consider hanging them out of the kittens reach.
Cover all waste baskets so your kitten can't go exploring.
Pieces of yarn, string and thread are wonderful play things for your kitten but if swallowed can become intestinal blockages that can be fatal.
Your new kitten should be introduced to its new home carefully. They can become disoriented in their new surroundings. It's best to introduce children and other pets gradually over a few days.

Have you noticed your kitten loves to knead? They do this from birth to stimulate their mother's milk. Sometimes kittens will drool in anticipation. This "milk kneading" is done at a slow pace and the kitten will purr loudly while kneading. If we suddenly stop this activity by tossing the little one down, he/she is surprised. The mommy kitty never did that! When setting, you look relaxed. To the kitten that is an open invitation to hop in your lap and start kneading. The next time your kitten looks eager to knead, throw a blanket over your lap to protect yourself and your cloths from claw pricks and let your kitten do what comes natural. They will soon withdraw their claws.

"Kittens are social animals"

They respond to your voice, enjoy your companionship and can be trained. Even though kittens (cats) are social, they are far more concerned with territorial issues than we could ever imagine. Kittens don't suffer much from loneliness. They do a great job of entertaining themselves. Be sure to provide it with some toys to play with and it's own bed and scratching post to save your furniture.

You may be wondering about the litter box. Kittens don't need to be taught to go in a litter box. Just show him/her where it is and your kitten will take it from there. Be sure to have it in an accessible place determined from your kittens point of view.

A very important bit of information you need to be aware of is if you are pregnant, litter box duties are definitely off limits for you. There is a risk of toxoplasmosis. You can have your vet check your kitten for toxoplasmosis by examining his/her feces for the presence of eggs.

And last but not least is finding a good veterinarian for your kitten. This is a very important part of caring for your pet. Your vet will give you all the information you will need to ensure a healthy life for your pet.

Unless your kitten was purchased for breeding purposes, please consult your vet on spaying or neutering at the proper age.

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