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A newborn cat brings endless love and laughter to any household. However, as a new kitten parent, it is important to understand that caring for a kitten is not just about feeding and playing with them. Kittens have specific dietary needs, and it is important to provide them with high-quality kitten food that meets their nutritional requirements. Regular grooming, vaccination, and preventive care are essential in keeping your kitten healthy and free from diseases. This guide will give you all the information you need to raise a healthy kitten and ensure that it grows into a happy and healthy adult cat.
Check out the below table to understand how a cat develops with time:
Age | Milestone |
5 to 6 months old | Sexual maturity |
8 months old | Full set of adult teeth |
9 months old | Comparable digestion ability to adult |
12 months old (female) and 18 months old (male) | Reach adult body weight |
Between 10 to 12 months of age | Energy requirements go down to adult levels |
Want to know how old your cat is in human years? Check out the below table and find out:
| Life stage | Cat age | Cat age in human years |
|---|---|---|
| Kitten | 0 to 1 month old | 0 to 1 years old |
| 2 months old | 2 years old | |
| 3 months old | 4 years old | |
| 4 months old | 6 years old | |
| 5 months old | 8 years old | |
| 6 months old | 10 years old | |
| Junior | 7 months old | 12 years old |
| 12 months old | 15 years old | |
| 18 months old | 21 years old | |
| 2 years old | 24 years old | |
| Adult | 3 years old | 28 years old |
| 4 years old | 32 years old | |
| 5 years old | 36 years old | |
| 6 years old | 40 years old | |
| Mature | 7 years old | 44 years old |
| 8 years old | 48 years old | |
| 9 years old | 52 years old | |
| 10 years old | 56 years old | |
| Senior | 11 years old | 60 years old |
| 12 years old | 64 years old | |
| 13 years old | 68 years old | |
| 14 years old | 72 years old | |
| Super senior | 15 years old | 76 years old |
| 16 years old | 80 years old | |
| 17 years old | 84 years old | |
| 18 years old | 88 years old | |
| 19 years old | 92 years old | |
| 20 years old | 96 years old | |
| 21 years old | 100 years old | |
| 22 years old | 104 years old | |
| 23 years old | 108 years old | |
| 24 years old | 112 years old | |
| 25 years old | 116 years old |
In conclusion, raising a healthy kitten requires a lot of care and attention, but with the right knowledge and commitment, you can ensure that your kitten grows into a happy and healthy adult cat. Always consult your veterinarian for any questions or concerns, and don't hesitate to seek advice or guidance. With the right care and love, your kitten will bring you years of joy and companionship.
Signs of a healthy kitten include clear eyes, a clean coat, and a healthy appetite. It should also have a high-energy level to stay active. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can also ensure your kitten is in good health.
Regular veterinary check-ups, proper nutrition and exercise as well as keeping up with vaccinations and preventative care are important for maintaining your kitten's health.
Kittens can be susceptible to a variety of health issues, including upper respiratory infections, worms, as well as flea and tick infestations. They can also develop chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease later in life.
Kittens are vulnerable to a variety of health issues, but with proper care and regular veterinary check-ups, they can stay healthy.
Kittens do need to drink water to stay hydrated, but the exact amount will vary depending on factors such as their age, size, and activity level. Consult with a veterinarian for specific recommendations.
Bringing a new kitten home can be exciting, especially if it is your first time. The day you have been looking forward to has finally arrived and you are ready to take on your responsibilities as a cat parent! However exciting it may be to embark on this journey, a caregiver should not forget to prepare their home for a kitten’s first day and night.
Start establishing a routine during your new kitten’s first week at home. For instance, start taking it to the vet, and introduce it to friends, family, and other pets. You should also be fully prepared for its first outings once it is fully vaccinated. Lastly, kitten-proofing your home is highly recommended. Bringing a new kitten home is no different than bringing a baby home. As a caregiver, you should put away all hazardous items in the house and create a safe space for your kitten.
For caregivers who are bringing a new kitten home, this article is the ideal read! Here’s what you need to know about introducing a new kitten to your home.
There are multiple things you need to do before getting a kitty into your house. For example, you must find a credible veterinarian in your vicinity. Especially because you have to take your newborn cat to the vet as soon as you adopt it. So, let’s explore other crucial steps to take before bringing a kitten home:
Kittens are tiny and delicate; hence, anything that can hurt or harm them should be put away. Make sure you have set up a sleeping space for your kitten, a food bowl, and a water bowl. Apart from that, place one or more litter boxes around your house depending on the size of your home. Make sure you cover any sharp edges of your furniture and don’t expose your kitten to any dangerous figures. Moreover, keep harmful plants and any toxic substances out of its reach.
For the first few nights, it is normal for new kittens to be anxious. It will take some time for a kitten to get used to its new home. It is also normal for your kitten to cry for the first few nights. You can make this experience better for it by setting up a cosy sleeping space. Once it gets comfortable in the new home, the kitty can even sleep for up to 20 hours a day.
It is not recommended to suddenly change your kitten’s food. Thus, find out what it was being fed by its previous caretaker. Stick to that meal plan for a few days and then gradually start changing your kitten’s diet. The best person to give you any advice on the right diet for kitties is a vet. Visit a veterinarian to receive a comprehensive feeding chart for your feline friend’s diet. For kittens between two to 12 months of age, IAMS Proactive Health Mother And Kitten dry food is ideal. It is loaded with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to support healthy brain and eye development. This kitten food also contains colostrum and DHA – two essential nutrients that provide immunity and protection against diseases.
Now, let’s take a deep dive into understanding the things that must be done once you have brought the kitty home:
The first step after bringing a kitten home is to introduce your new feline friend to its new family. Kittens can feel nervous around strangers; hence, familiarising them with their new family is imperative. Ensure that the atmosphere is calm and not too loud as they tend to get anxious. Your kitten should be handled gently if being picked up by anyone. Give your kitten the space it requires and let it explore the house by itself.
If you have any other pets or more cats, introducing a new kitten to the rest of them is important. After all, they have to coexist and should get along as soon as possible. The best way to make them accustomed to each other is through scent. Keep switching sleep blankets so your pets can get used to being around each other. You can also place one pet’s towel under the other’s food dish. By doing this, all your pets will slowly get used to the new kitten.
Maintaining your kitten’s health is a priority. One of the most important things to do as soon as you bring a new kitten home is to set up a vaccination plan with the vet. Hence, make sure you visit a veterinarian at the earliest. Stay consistent with all vaccination doses for your kitten’s overall well-being. Later on, start taking your pet for regular medical check-ups. The doctor will examine your kitten’s weight, teeth, ears, etc. to gauge its nutritional needs.
Once your kitten starts feeling a little comfortable in your house, it will start exploring the space. If you see your kitten roaming around, it is great news. This means that it has started trusting the people and environment. However, make sure your kitty doesn’t get hurt while exploring its new home. You also don’t want to keep interrupting your pet to protect it from sharp edges. Hence, do not skip kitten-proofing your house. When your kitten gets up to move around, resist the urge to cuddle; let it explore and find the most comfortable spot for itself.
We all know that a new kitten requires some time and space to adjust to its new surroundings. However, once your new feline friend is all settled in, you can start playing basic games with it. For instance, play with a string. Cats love to play hide-and-seek or peek-a-boo. Start rewarding it with treats when it plays with you. It will soon start trusting you. And when your kitty rubs its body against you, licks your hand, or shows any form of affection, you will know that you have earned its trust.
