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Is there anything in the world that is cuter than a kitten? Furry and fuzzy, mewling and so tiny. Kittens are so little that you can pick them up with one hand and hold them. And when their mother’s cart them around by the scruff of the neck, well, that’s just plain adorable.
Kittens usually need to stay with their Moms and kitty-siblings until they are 8-weeks old. Until that time, they have a difficult time regulating their own body heat and they need to snuggle up to stay warm. They also rely on Mama Kitty for their feedings. Once they reach the 8-week milestone, they can be weaned and can start eating a kitten-formulated diet.
Nutritional Needs
Cats and kittens are very different when it comes to nutritional needs. Kittens need to eat food that is high in protein for good energy and easy to digest for their young tummies. Kittens grow very quickly during the age of two to four months old. They have 3 times the energy of an adult cat and need to eat more often. The best kitten food will include at least 30% high-quality protein.
Hydration, But Not Milk
Kittens need plenty of hydration at this stage so providing plenty of fresh water is important. Though people often think that they can give their cat milk, this should be avoided. A mother cat’s milk is vastly different from cow’s milk. Giving your kitten cow’s milk can give her an upset tummy and cause more discomfort than she needs at this crucial growing point.
Learning The Litterbox
When you bring your new kitten home, you might want to consider keeping the litterbox in the same room with her until she is fully trained to find it on her own and use it. Litter training is fairly easy as cats have a natural instinct to bury their own waste. Show it to her and put her paws in just so she can get the feel of things. As long as she knows where it is, she’ll be able to do the rest.
Love And Attention
When it comes to attention, you’ll want to give your kitten plenty of it. Socialization is very important at this stage and it will affect how he reacts to other people and other animals as he grows. This is the perfect time to bond, so bring out the moppy mice, the feathered fishing pole, and the jingle balls for maximum fun. If you begin getting him used to things at this young and impressionable age, you’ll have an easier adult cat once he grows up. Some other things to do now that will help later include:
- Frequent petting
- Grooming and brushing
- Dental care; brushing teeth
- Playing loud music or making noise
- Introducing him to other people
- Riding in the car
- Getting into the carrier
- Not letting him scratch or bite at playtime
Always reward good behavior with praise and treats, and remember to be patient! Kittens really don’t know how the world works yet, but you can teach them and they’ll be ready in no time.
Visit The Vet
It is important to take your kitten to see the vet to be sure that she is up to date on all of her shots. Shots at this age are extremely important to keep her healthy and safe; even if she is an indoor kitty. Your vet can give you suggestions on everything from behavioral challenges to the best kitten food. And having your kitten spayed or neutered is one of the most important things that you can do for her. Kittens reach sexual maturity around four to six months of age, so the sooner you have it done the better.
Food For Kittens
Just like young humans, food choices for kittens should differ from those of an adult. This is why you see kitten formulas and adult cat formulas. The best kitten food needs to provide extra nutrition for their growing bodies and systems. Some of the brands below contain ingredients that you want to look for when deciding what to feed tour kitten.
Nutro Ultra Kitten Chicken Liver Formula. Right off the bat, 5 of the top 6 ingredients are meat, and this is good news for your carnivore kitten. Following after is the addition of DL-Methionine, one of the 10-plus essential amino acids that are required by cats, and taurine, an essential amino acid that is critical for normal heart muscle function and vision.
Innaova Kitten Food. This is a powerhouse of goodness for your growing kitten. Void of possible allergens like corn, wheat, and soy, the top 5 ingredients include turkey, chicken, and eggs, which provides a good deal of protein. Also added here are carrots, which can boost the immune system and offer good fiber and to keep your kitten healthy.
Merrick Purrfect Bistro Healthy Kitten. Again consisting of meaty protein at the top of this list, this also contains sweet potato, which a great source of potassium, vitamin B, and beta-carotene. Don’t be alarmed when you see chicken or turkey “meal” listed in the ingredients. Though you might assume that whole chicken is better, chicken meal actually has a much higher protein percentage and provides far more beneficial nutrients to your cats than whole chicken.
Finding the best kitten food isn’t as tough as it might seem. Just stay away from anything that has dyes, colors, preservatives, and a long list of corn products (used as fillers with no nutritional value). Stick with those that offer plenty of meat, poultry, or fish based ingredients.
Love your kitten and she’ll love you well into her golden-cat years. Consider it an investment in happiness for both of you for the future.
