If you are thinking about adopting a kitten, you must pay attention to some crucial things: food, health care and environmental enrichment.
When we think about adopting an animal, we often think about cats, because, in our minds, they are “more independent” and “don’t need as much care”. This is not true at all. Compared to dogs, they only have the “advantage” that we don’t need to take them outside, however, in terms of care they can even be more demanding.
Feeding Kittens
Regarding food, it is important that we invest a little, as their health will largely depend on their diet. To do this, we must pay attention to the amount of animal protein that each diet contains, as cats are strict carnivores, they need a large amount of protein. We can choose grain free food or not, this is up to each person, just keeping in mind that the food must be age-appropriate.
Health Care
In terms of health care, we have vaccination in which babies are given three doses of vaccine spaced three to four weeks apart and can begin at 8 weeks of age. Internal deworming must be done monthly for up to six months and, thereafter, every three to four months. And, finally, external deworming for which we have several alternatives. Sterilisation can be done from six months onwards. Remember that the microchip is now mandatory for cats and must be placed up to four months old.
Environmental Enrichment
Environmental enrichment is a very important part of a cat’s development and life. Cats like to hunt and explore, it’s part of their nature, so we should recreate this at home with toys like mice, sticks with strings and toys at the end, places for them to hide and climb. Additionally, having several scratching posts at home is also great for them. We can use toys with food inside so that they have to play to get the cookie, for example.
Litter Boxes
Another very important issue has to do with the litter boxes and the type of litter we use. There is no specific combination that works for all cats, each one has their own preferences and habits.
So, in conclusion, when we adopt a kitten we must make sure that we have adequate food, litter box and sand at home, as well as toys so that they can express themselves.
Vet.Point – Oeiras Veterinary Clinic
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