By Tiffany Mitchener, DVM
Tis the season … kitten season, that is! The summer months typically bring an overflow of kittens to our local county rescue organizations. These shelters have one goal, to find homes for all. Is this your year to adopt a new kitten?
Where to start?
There are many things to consider before bringing your new kitten home. First, is everyone in the household ready for this big change? Kittens do require a lot of work, patience, and supervision. Second, your home must be kitten-proofed. It is best to remove the dangerous items now before you are faced with an emergency. Bundle up all electrical cords and keep them out of sight. All string, yarn, and ribbon should be put away in a safe place. Poisonous houseplants should be removed. Kitchen cabinets should have baby-proof locks placed on them. All members of the household should be trained to close lids and doors now before the new kitten comes home. Toilet lids should be kept down at all times. Always check inside washing machines and dryers before starting a new load. Exit doors should be kept closed at all times so that a very young kitten will not accidentally escape outside.
What to buy?
New kittens do require a bit of equipment. It is essential to set up a feeding station. Stainless steel or ceramic bowls work best. Your kitten will need fresh water available at all times. Be prepared to feed your kitten a high quality kitten food for its first year. If you plan to change your kitten’s diet, then a gradual integration of the old diet and the new one over two weeks is recommended to eliminate any gastrointestinal upset.
A litter box is essential. Make sure that at least one side has a one-inch height so that your kitten can easily enter the box. Many cats get very used to one particular brand of litter; it is important not to switch brands. Place your kitten in the litter box after meals or immediately after waking to remind your kitten of the desired place to eliminate. Also, take care to clean the litter box regularly. If you live in a multi-level house, consider a litter box on each level for your kitten.
A few other recommended essentials include a scratching post, a bed, and a few toys. Your kitten should have an appropriate location to scratch. Try rope, corrugated cardboard, or carpet scratching posts to see which one your kitten likes best. Make sure that your kitten has a safe place to sleep where it is protected from the rest of the household. Train young children and dogs not to disturb the kitten when it is sleeping in its “safe place.” Perhaps most importantly, kittens need enrichment. Small plush animals, fishing-pole type toys, and laser pointers all make great sources of entertainment. These items can be an excellent way for you to interact and play with your kitten.
Which kitten to adopt?
This can be a very individual and personal choice; remember that this kitten will be your cat companion for the next 15-20 years. Many rescue organizations will post pictures of their available kittens on their websites. Several kittens may catch your eye; the next step is to visit with each kitten individually at the shelter. Look the kitten over physically. Look for bright eyes with no discharge. Look for a clean and shiny coat. The kitten should not sneeze, squint, or excessively scratch. Remember that longhaired cats often require extra grooming. Pay close attention to the kitten’s personality. Ask shelter workers if they know the kitten’s background. You might want to consider adopting littermates. A pair of kittens can be built in playmates and lifelong companions. There are many factors to scrutinize in this important personal decision. But be aware, many people report that the kitten simply “chose” them!
When to visit the veterinarian?
Your kitten will require lifelong veterinary care. This should be factored into your decision to adopt. It is best for your new kitten to visit the veterinarian within the first week of adoption. Kittens require medical care right away. They should have multiple vaccines, parasite control, and viral testing. Your veterinarian will be able to address any concerns that you might have regarding your new family member at this first visit. If your kitten has not been spayed or neutered, then the timing of this important sterilization procedure should be discussed with your veterinarian. It is imperative not to add to the overpopulation of kittens available next summer!
If your heart and home are available to adopt a kitten this season, then a little advance planning will help you get off to the right start. Your new kitten is waiting for you!
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Courtesy Capitola Veterinary Hospital 1220 41st Ave, Capitola, CA 95010, (831) 476-7387