The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : Kitten Care The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : Kitten Care
Showing posts with label Kitten Care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kitten Care. Show all posts

Sunday, September 20, 2020

Guide To Raising Underage Kittens


 

Chapter 2: Caring for Kittens from Birth to Eight Weeks

5 REQUIREMENTS FOR KITTEN CARE:

  • Keep kittens warm.
  • Provide kittens with adequate nutrition.
  • Keep kittens clean.
  • Provide socialization with people and with cagemates.
  • Do your best to protect them from infectious disease.

To read more on this story, click here:  Guide To Raising Underage Kittens


FOLLOW US!
/

Thursday, April 9, 2015

So You've Got Your New Kitten Home…Now What? Tips on Caring for Your New Kitten


Bringing a cuddly, appealing bundle of purr home is exciting, whether the kitten is your first or an addition to your current pet family. Your kitten will be entirely reliant on you to ease his transition from mom cat's side or animal shelter to this strange new place. Keeping him safe and happy takes planning and patience for everyone in the household. The efforts will pay off, as your new little friend grows into a confident, affectionate kitty who knows there's no place like home. Here are some tips for making your new friend's arrival easier.



Kittens are sometimes adopted at six weeks of age, but 10 to 12 weeks is better. Those extra weeks spent with his mother and siblings help a kitten learn acceptable behavior, from getting along with siblings to getting used to human contact. A six- or seven-week-old kitten may be stressed and confused at being separated from his or her family too soon; your kitten may be fearful of people, and could try to hide or run away from interaction. If a kitten has been gently handled and has gotten used to humans, he will be friendlier and better adjusted. In choosing a kitten, look for one that is inquisitive, doesn't shy away from your touch, and is ready to play.

Kittens are growth machines for their first year and need different nutrition than adult cats. Extra protein for muscle and tissue development, fat for fatty acids and plenty of calories are key to kittens' health. Specially formulated kitten foods fitting their nutritional requirements should be given until the kitten is a year old.

Away from his littermates or mother, the kitten needs to feel secure as well as warm. Whether you provide a cardboard box lined with a blanket or a fancier bed from a pet supply store, keep your kitten's bed in a quiet place, away from household traffic.




Litter training is easy -- cats instinctively bury their waste -- but takes patience. Put the litter box in a corner or other secluded spot. After your kitten has awakened from a nap, or shortly after she's finished eating, place her in the box. If she doesn't dig or scratch, gently take one of her front paws and simulate digging with it. Praise her if she uses the box, but never punish her if he doesn't. Just place her in it at hourly intervals until she gets the idea.
To discourage clawing furniture, provide a carpet-covered scratching post.




Although everyone will want to hold the kitten, limit handling for the first few days while your new pet adjusts. Set up his bed, litter box and food in a quiet room where he can be secured until he gets to know his new home. Introduce one family member at a time, allowing the kitten to come to you and learn your touch.

Children under five should not interact with kittens; many shelters and rescue groups will not allow families with very young children to adopt kittens because children can be rough, sometimes tragically, with kittens. Older children can be shown how to hold a cat -- with one hand just behind the front legs, the other supporting his hindquarters. They should be taught never to grab a kitten's tail or ears, or pick it up by its scruff. Show children how to gently pet a cat's head and back. Remind them to always wash their hands after being around kitty. Always supervise children's interaction with kittens, especially if they have friends visiting.




Kittens can get tangled or choked by anything swinging or hanging. Therefore, keep your new pet safe by securely anchoring drape or blind cords out of reach.

To prevent chewing on electric and phone cords, bundle them with a cord manager and fasten away from kittens' reach.

Rubber bands, jewelry, Christmas decorations, balloons and other small items are dangerous to kittens that may swallow them. Remove poisonous plants, and roach or ant traps and make sure the toilet lid is down. Keep kitchen and bathroom cabinets closed so your kitten doesn't encounter bleach, detergent, dental floss and other household items when exploring.

In the laundry area, keep washer and dryer doors closed: A kitten may climb into a warm dryer for a nap. Remember, if something would be harmful for a toddler, it's the same for your kitten.




After you've kitten-proofed, introduce your kitten to your home one room at a time. Place his open carrier in whichever room you are introducing him to so he has a retreat if he wants it, and let him walk around while you sit quietly. Talk to him softly as he explores. He may hide under a bed or scoot behind a refrigerator, so you need to be vigilant. If you don't want him in the habit of climbing on your bed, gently remove him and place him on the floor. Bring him back to his own space, and repeat this introduction process in each room of your home until he has explored everyplace.

Before bringing in a new kitten, be sure your resident pets have recently been checked by your vet, and are disease-free. When the kitten is in his or her secured room, your other cat will sniff around the doorway. Give your resident cat extra attention to ease his or her anxiety. Once the kitten feels comfortable, allow the two to meet briefly. Stay in the room while they sniff and explore each other. There may be some hissing and growling. If one cat shows real hostility, separate them and try again a few days later.




Never leave a dog alone with a new kitten. Dogs can become aggressive, or a kitten may claw at a dog's face. Make sure your dog is properly leashed as you introduce him or her to your kitten following the same procedure you would to introduce a cat to your kitten. This lets the animals learn each other's scent. The kitten should not be allowed to run away because the dog may think chasing it is a game. Reward both pets for calm behavior. Always supervise their interactions until the kitten is fully grown.

A kitten's high energy level makes her eager to play at any time. To keep her safe, choose toys carefully, just as you would for a child. Avoid those with buttons, bells or other small parts that can come off and be swallowed. Watch for sharp edges, and beware of string, yarn or ribbon, as these are dangerous if ingested.

If a toy has any of these, always supervise the kitten when she plays with it. Small stuffed animals to attack and a ball too large to fit into her mouth will provide hours of kitten fun. You can hold a plastic fishing pole, anchored by a secure line to a fuzzy mouse or other small toy, in front of the kitten who will delight in chasing this prey.




Your vet should see your kitten within a day or two of his arrival. She'll check for ear mites and fleas, and examine a fecal sample, because most kittens have some form of worms. Many vets routinely deworm all kittens with an oral medication. At six to seven weeks, your kitten should receive a "three-way" vaccine that protects against the respiratory diseases FVR (feline viral rhinotracheitis) and FCV (feline calicivirus), as well as distemper (feline panleukopenia), with a booster shot given 12 to 14 weeks later. If your kitten is at least nine to 10 weeks old, he'll be tested for FeLV (feline leukemia) and FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus). He can get a rabies shot, usually required by law, at 12 weeks of age.

Kittens can be spayed or neutered as early as eight weeks of age, but your vet can determine the best time for this surgery. Spaying protects your female kitten from the risk of mammary, uterine and ovarian cancers, and spares her the stresses of pregnancy. Neutering a male reduces his risk of prostate cancer, and he won't "spray" to mark his territory. Because the urine of intact males literally stinks, neutering your kitten will make the litter box cleanup less of a chore. Spaying or neutering also helps reduce the problem of cat overpopulation.




A kitten left home alone should be secured in one room with his bed, litter box, scratching post, food and water. If you'll be gone until evening, add a nightlight. Give him enough safe toys to keep him busy, such as a trackball toy. Place a radio just outside his door, turned to a classical music or country western station. Many pet sitters have found cats seem to prefer these two genres. Other cats like listening to talk shows, perhaps soothed by the human voice. If your kitten will always be alone during the day, spend extra time petting and playing with him when you return.




When you first bring your kitten home, he may miss his siblings and mother. He'll meow in confusion or wake up during the night. Ease his stress by picking him up, stroking him while speaking in a soothing tone. Wrapping a ticking clock in a towel and placing it near his bed to remind him of his mother's heartbeat.

Kittens have so much energy, they need to stay active to be happy. If you bring home two kittens together rather than one, they'll focus their play-fighting, scratching and wrestling on each other, and are less likely to feel lonely. They are also a lot more fun to watch. FOLLOW US!
/

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Heartwarming Story: Tiny Kitten Adopted by the Firefighter That Rescued Him from Inside a Wall


A Florida firefighter has taken in a kitten she rescued from inside a home’s walls, and it is not the first time she has taken home a pet she saved.

Tara Holcomb, 30, a seven-year veteran of the Mount Dora Fire Department, responded to a call March 30 from homeowners who thought there was a cat in their home’s chimney.

“We got there and the homeowners had tried to get the cat out because they heard it crying but couldn’t find it,” Holcomb told ABC News. “They had cut a little inspection hole in the wall of an upstairs bedroom next to the chimney and used a flashlight to look in but couldn’t see anything.”

Holcomb says she could not see anything inside the hole either so she stuck her hand in and originally thought she had found something much worse: a rat.

“I was like, ‘Oh my gosh,’” Holcomb recalled.

Instead, Holcomb had found the newborn kitten that had fallen into a void space in the wall.

“I pulled it out and it was just a tiny kitten that didn’t have its eyes open or anything,” she said.

How the kitten got into the home’s structure remains a mystery because the homeowners do not have any pets.

“We’re not positive, of course, but we’re thinking the mom was in the attic and the baby was in between the drywall and just couldn’t get out,” said Holcomb, who said she and her colleagues searched and found no evidence of more kittens or the mom cat in the home's attic or walls.

Holcomb says animal control officers instructed the homeowners to put the cat on their back porch – with a heating pad and some milk – to see if its mother would return. When the mother did not return, the homeowners, who are allergic to cats, searched for a home for the kitten.

“Originally they thought they found a home with a friend but as I was leaving work the next day, they called and told me it fell through and asked if I would want the cat,” said Holcomb. “I said, ‘Yes,’ and turned around and got him.”

Holcomb, appropriately, named the kitten, a boy, Wall-E.

Wall-E is now being taken care of by Holcomb along with another cat the firefighter rescued nearly two years ago.

“We had a cat that was stuck in a tree and when we were trying to get it out it fell and was limping,” Holcomb said. “I took that one home and adopted it.”

“So they’re all laughing at me that whenever we go on a pet rescue you’re going to adopt it,” Holcomb said of her fellow firefighters.



FOLLOW US!
/

Friday, March 20, 2015

Camp Springs, Maryland - Adorable Cats/Kittens Available for Adoption at Coolridge Animal Hospital - Take a Look at These Cuties…and Pick Your Favorite


In February, I shared with you several adorable cats/kittens being fostered at the Coolridge Animal Hospital. Now they are all available for adoption.

While Coolridge is an Animal Hospital, and not a shelter, the staff came upon three cats and took them in, treated them, and now they are ready for their forever homes.

One cat, Iris was found alone, and later the staff found that she was the mother of two cute kittens. The staff named them Frito and Cheeto.

Our fosters Garrett and Gracie seeking their forever home together. They are an adorable pair that love playing together and have a special bond.

Garret, is a 1 -2 year old lovable male. We have been fostering him until we can get him a forever home, hopefully with his sister Gracie. He is healthy and need no medical care for 6 months at next check-up, has been neutered and tested.

We found Gracie, after we found Garrett.  They are from the same home. Gracie is 1-2 years old and up to date on all annuals, and spayed, she will only need a 6 month check-up in 6 months, she is a healthy and happy girl!

If you have room in your home and in your heart for Garret, Gracie, Iris, Frito or Cheeto,
please contact:

Coolridge Animal Hospital
6801 Old Branch Avenue
Camp Springs, Maryland
(301) 449-1610




Website: http://www.coolridgeah.com/



Take a look at their pictures below:

























Please Share!

FOLLOW US!
/

Saturday, February 14, 2015

UPDATE: Coolridge Animal Hospital: Iverson, The Sweet Foster Kitten - Turns Out (He)…Is Mama Iris With Two Adorable Kittens - Mama and Babies Will Be Available for Adoption Soon


You may have read my post: Meet Iverson, A Sweet 4-6 Month Old Foster Kitten - Soon To Be Available for Adoption at Coolridge Animal Hospital, Camp Springs, Maryland

I have received an update from Coolridge Animal Hospital:

Update Iverson the rescued 6 month old kitten, turns out is Iris the 6 month old mama. We were able to rescue her 2 kittens which look to be about 6 weeks of age, we are grateful they are safe now, as they wouldn't have made it or had a very happy life out on the streets trying to survive.

These lucky ones are just one story, there are so many Iris's and babies out there on the streets, this is why we strongly believe in spay/neuter of all pets. We can all make a difference.

So with further adieu, here is mama Iris ( 6 months) and her 2 babies, they are identical and laying on each other, which is the reason you only see one.

They will all soon be up for adoption, so if at anytime you are interested just contact us here at Coolridge. We will post more pictures in the upcoming weeks

If you have room in your home and in your heart for Mom Iris or her kittens, please contact:

Coolridge Animal Hospital
6801 Old Branch Avenue
Camp Springs, Maryland
(301) 449-1610


Website: http://www.coolridgeah.com/







FOLLOW US!
/

Friday, February 13, 2015

Kitten Care: Emergency Considerations


The most common problems in kittens usually occur in utero or immediately after birth, or between birth and the first 12 weeks of life. Knowing about specific problems and diseases can help you recognize the signs of a true emergency and enable you to make the correct decisions for your kitten's safety and health.

To read more on this story, click here: Kitten Care 2 :: Emergency Considerations FOLLOW US!
/

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Meet Iverson, A Sweet 4-6 Month Old Foster Kitten - Soon To Be Available for Adoption at Coolridge Animal Hospital, Camp Springs, Maryland


Camp Springs, Maryland - Its fosters at Coolridge again! Meet I verson, he looks big here but he is about 4-6 months of age weighing in at about 6lbs, he was found in a parking lot on Branch Avenue, Camp Springs, Maryland, looking for something to fill his belly.

We will introduce him up for adoption as soon as he receives his medical treatment and gets a clean bill of health.

To decrease the over population 'Adopt and Don't Shop' you don't have to go far, we still have Garrett and Gracie seeking their forever home as well.

For more information on adopting Garrett and Gracie, read my post:
Coolridge Animal Hospital - Meet Our Two Adorable Foster Cats, Garret and Gracie,  Looking for Their Forever Home Together

Take a look at sweet Iverson:





If you have room in your home and in your heart for Iverson, (when he is available for adoption) please contact:

Coolridge Animal Hospital
6801 Old Branch Ave
Camp Springs, Maryland
(301) 449-1610


Website: http://www.coolridgeah.com/






Please Share!


FOLLOW US!
/