Have you recently adopted a kitten? Congratulations! Baby cats are one of the cutest things on the planet! Little Fluffy will certainly keep you smiling over the coming months with her adorable antics. Getting a kitten isn’t all purrs and cuddles, however. Your tiny ball of fur has a lot to learn, and it’s up to you to help teach her! For a glimpse into the joys and challenges of cat ownership, check out our article on 10 Moments Every Cat Owner Experiences. Read on as a McHenry, IL vet lists some things to teach your feline pal.
Proper Scratching Etiquette
Cats depend on their claws in the wild, so they’re instinctively driven to keep those little nails sharp. Get your little buddy started out on the right paw by getting her a good, sturdy scratching post. To encourage her to use it, offer her toys and treats near it.
You Live Indoors
We always recommend that cats live indoors. If you let your furball out, she’ll face some very serious dangers, like cars, weather, and predators. It’s much easier to keep a kitten indoors from Day One than to try and ground her later! While cats are best kept indoors, if you have other pets like birds, you might be interested in our article on Summer Bird Care Tips for comprehensive pet care advice.
Play Nice
Kittens are born with a lot of claws and teeth, and are usually very interested in figuring out to use them all. Your furry friend may try to practice her hunting and pouncing skills on you. She may also climb your leg. This sort of thing may be cute now, but could turn into some very problematic—and dangerous—behavior down the road. If your little buddy tries to bite or scratch you, tell her ‘No’ firmly. You can also say ‘Don’t bite’ or ‘Put your claws away’ or ‘Play nice.’ Just use the same phrasing every time. Then, ignore your pet for a while. She’ll get the hint eventually! To ensure your kitten’s teeth stay healthy as she grows, consider regular check-ups with our veterinary dentistry services.
Petiquette
Never punish your kitten for misbehaving. That may just scare her, and make her anxious! If little Fluffy isn’t getting the hint, blow in her face, clap your hands, or squirt her with water. These things will startle and irritate your furball, which may be enough to get the point across.
I Love You
Kittens love to be cuddled and petted. Pay lots of attention to little Fluffy, and let her snuggle up with you. This will help her feel safe and loved, and strengthen the bond between you.
Please contact us, your local McHenry, IL vet clinic, for all your cat’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help! For guidance on keeping your kitten at a healthy weight as she grows, check out our vet nutrition & weight management services.