How to - Cats and Kittens

Congratulations! You now have a feline roommate who will certainly keep you busy. Your new cat or kitten will also bring you hours of entertainment and lots of laughs.

To help make the adjustment to your home easier for the cat, set up a single room with kitten food, water, a litter box and toys. This will allow your cat to get used to the smells and sounds of the new home with as little stress as possible. Also, wait several days (or longer) until your cat is comfortable in the home before inviting friends to meet it.

The following items are considered necessities in a home with one or many cats or kittens:

• One litterbox per kitten
• Litter of your choice
• Litter scoop
• Litter box liners (optional)
• Food and water dishes made of ceramic or metal. Plastic dishes should be avoided as they hold bacteria.
• Food - Kitten/Growth formula
• Slicker brush or comb
• Nail clippers
• Sturdy, tall scratch post
• Toys
• A collar with stretch to it
• A sturdy carrier
• Identification tags/microchip
• Patience and a sense of humor

Feeding

A kitten should not be separated from mom and littermates before the age of eight weeks. Kittens have different nutritional needs than adult cats and need to be fed several small meals a day until they are eight months of age. The amount of food they require will vary with their age and activity level.

You will have the option of feeding your new cat either canned or dry food. Please read the label of the food you choose for directions on feeding. Dry food can be difficult for a kitten to chew and should be softened with some warm water. Do not use milk as a softener for the food or as a treat. Milk can have a laxative effect on kittens (and cats) and in some cases can cause digestive problems. When your kitten reaches approximately eight months of age, you can begin to change it over to an adult maintenance formula. This change should be done gradually by adding the new food to the dish as you reduce the amount of the old food. Adult cats should be fed twice a day with measured amounts. Be aware that wet or moist food may spoil if it is left out. Dry food can reduce the chance of your kitten developing periodontal disease. Food dishes should be cleaned daily and fresh water should be available at all times.

Activity and Play

Kittens have a very high activity level and are inclined to explore all areas of the home in great detail. Their play is often quite spirited and can involve biting and scratching. This is normal kitten play behaviour; this is especially important to recognize with young children in the home. Both the child and the kitten can be injured during this rough play. Avoid teasing your kitten with your hands or feet unless you realize that they will continue to play this way when they are full-grown adults. Remember, kittens view anything as a toy, including your hands, feet, jewelry, curtains, blinds, toilet paper etc. Anything that is dangerous for a young child is also dangerous for a kitten.

Litterbox

For your kitten to develop good litterbox habits, make sure the litterbox is easy for the kitten to find and is scooped twice daily. Consider adding more litterboxes if you have more than one kitten (or cat). Be consistent in your choice of litter as kittens (and cats) can develop a preference for a certain brand or type. The litter should be changed on a regular basis and the box should be cleaned with a mild unscented cleanser.

Do not use strong cleansers, such as Javex or ammonia, as these cleansers can actually discourage a kitten (and cat) from using the litterbox.

If you have a tiny kitten, the litter box should not contain an excessive amount of litter and the sides should be relatively low to give the kitten easier access.

Health

The following is a list of symptoms that indicate your cat or kitten may not be feeling well:

• change in the way your cat or kitten moves (e.g. limping)
• discharge from the eyes, mouth, ears
• persistent scratching at ears
• change in behaviour
• abnormal breathing
• change in eating habits
• an excessive consumption of water
• inflamed or discoloured gums
• change in litterbox habits
• diarrhea, constipation or vomiting
• unusual lumps or hair loss or unusual weight gain or loss

Your veterinarian can provide you with a great deal of information on the health of your cat or kitten. He or she should be seen by the veterinarian to begin vaccinations at eight weeks of age. It is also recommended that you take a stool sample to this visit to check for internal parasites. Your cat should see his or her veterinarian once a year for an annual check-up and vaccinations or any time that you are concerned about his health.

Your cat or kitten's eyes should be clear and bright and free of discharge. You should check your cat or kitten's gums for colour. If the gums are pink, your cat or kitten has a healthy mouth. If the gums are white (anemia), or yellow (jaundice), you should call your veterinarian. If the tissue surrounding the teeth is red or puffy, this could be a sign of periodontal disease and should be addressed by your veterinarian.

Should your cat or kitten need to travel by car or public transit it should travel in a sturdy plastic cat carrier for safety. Never have a cat or kitten loose in your car.

Some household dangers your kitten may encounter will include: electrical cords (some kittens and cats chew them), string, poisonous plants, an open fridge, dishwasher, oven, washer or dryer, elastic bands, household cleansers, candles, and a hot stove.

Identification

Identification of your pet is very important. Choose a collar that has an elastic quality to it. You can attach an identification tag, as well as the rabies tag given to you at the time of adoption or by your own veterinarian. The microchip implant is a permanent source of identification and serves as a backup to the collar and tags. Please make a special note when you move, you must update your new address and phone number with the microchip company.

If you have any further questions please contact your veterinarian or The
Toronto Humane Society at
416.392.2273.

New Shelter adoption hours are: Now Open for Adoptions, Seven Days a Week, 12pm to 6 pm