Isabella Hobby - How to look after your Kitten: Pet Care for Children

Kittens

Snuggly, yet active

Independent, yet friendly

Curious, yet proud

Energetic, yet sleepy

Clever, yet cute

Playful, yet sneaky

Loveable, yet quite the responsibility. Kittens are perhaps the happiest pets to have but also a lot of work. Just like us, they need the right daily care and attention to be the best kitten they can be!

Popular Cat Breeds

Kittens come in many breeds, meaning the same variety or type. Kittens of a breed often have similar appearances and personalities that they inherited from their mothers and fathers! You do not need to get a purebred kitten that is just one breed; you can also get a mixed-breed that has two or more. Here are some of the more well-known cat breeds:

Persian

Soft and fluffyyou can count on this when buying a Persian cat. Their coat (which varies in colors) is extremely long and thick so you need to make sure you brush the cat on a weekly basis to make sure there are no tangles. They are quiet cats that are not very active and would much prefer to curl up in your lap for a nice snooze.

American Shorthair

These are the cats that probably first come to your mind when you think of felines. They come in a wide range of colorsblack, gray, orange and more, but they all have short fur that is easy to groom. Americans are great with families and are generally friendly cats.

Siamese

Siamese have a trademark white coat with grey markings on their paws, face and the tip of their tail! While these cats are intelligent and very active, they are also demanding. They will not hesitate to meow, purr and vocalize and love lots of attention.

Abyssinian

This breed resembles the wildcats of the jungle, with their lean and muscular bodies that come in different colors. Abyssinian cats can run fast and jump high, they love playtime! Make sure you give them plenty of room to roam in and lots of human companionship. These cats are often too athletic to sit in your lap, but some like to perch on your shoulder!

Ragdolls

Ragdolls have silky, long fur that is not quite as hard to maintain as a Persians, but still needs weekly brushing. The fur is white with grey or brown markings on their face and paws. Like their name, these cats are easy to handle as they will just flop into your arms and they are gentle, quiet cats. Unlike most cats, these often are interested in being in water!

Where Should I Buy My Kitten?

Pet Shops sell everything you need for all types of pets, including kittens themselves. Their adorable kittens are tempting to everyone. However, make sure you pick a healthy kitten from a clean, reputable pet shop as some are known to sell sick or unstable pets.

You can also get kittens from breeders, people who take care of and sell cats from their very own backyard! They have litters of kittens available every time one of their female cats mates with their male cats. They have a special license to be a breeder. But beware; they often sell very expensive kittens!

The most rewarding place to get a kitten is from a local animal shelter. These shelters rescue kittens that have lost their mothers. They are little orphans who come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and they are usually more inexpensive than buying from pet shops or breeders. You never know what cat you will find when you walk into a shelter!

What Should I Feed My Kitten?

Kittens need delicious and nutritious food to grow, just like we do. They eat dry cat food from the store that comes in mouthwatering flavors like chicken, beef or tuna! You can also buy them wet cat food that comes in a can, but for some cats those can have too much fat or be hard to digest. Pick up a cat food that is a formula specially made for kittensand feed the kitten the right amount according to the back of the box or bag the food comes in. The amount usually depends on the kittens age and weight. As for treats, make sure to pick out healthy ones with low fat, and only reward your kitten once or twice a day!

Kittens need all the water they can have! Check their water bowl a couple of times a day to make sure it is full to keep them hydrated. Believe it or not, you do not need to give the kitten milk. In fact, most kittens will get sick from the nutrients found in milk that are healthy for people.

Where Will My Kitten Sleep?

These small felines need many hours of sleep! They spend most of their days napping, so do not be surprised to find your new friend sleeping more than playing. Kittens can find several spots in the house to napon the couch, near a window or even in silly places like your shoe! You can also buy them a cat bed or make at home with a cardboard box and cozy blanket.

How Do I Clean the Kittens Litterbox?

Kittens are clean animals, but they do poop and pee! Luckily they do it in their litter box, which is like a toilet for cats. You have to fill the box with pine or newspaper shavings and remember to clean it every day or else it will get stinky! To clean the litter, use a scooper to pick up the droppings into the trash, than refill the box with more litter. Keep the litter box in a private spot, like a bathroom, closet or a corner of your house. Kittens need their privacy!

Is My Kitten an Indoor or Outdoor Kitten?

Whether a kitten is an indoor or outdoor kitten depends on where you live and the kittens personality. If you live near busy streets, in the city, or somewhere very cold you should keep your kitten inside, giving it lots of toys and playtime! If you decide to have an outdoor kitten than you will need to buy it a collar and tag so people can identify it. Dont let your kitten outside until it has become used to your home for a few months and when you do, watch it closely!