Many families prefer to adopt a cat from its puppy stage. However, once at home, different doubts begin to appear: But here the doubts begin: Where will he sleep? What to do if he cries? What toys can he have according to his age? What name to choose? It's normal to have doubts.
On our site we want to help you know how to welcome the kitten at home. In this way, the arrival home for him and for us will be easier and safer.
We must consider some points such as its age (infant or recently weaned), its origin and the family in which it will be integrated (it will live with other animals, children or it will be the only pet). But let's go by parts:
Alone or accompanied?
This question should not be taken lightly since we must take it into account especially for the animal that is already at home when the new member joins. There are various opinions on this subject, there are experts who assure that it is he althy to have a partner to play with and not be alone all day, but others maintain that coexistence is difficult for some animals that have not been properly socialized.
If from the beginning they are raised together surely the relationship will be more successful, since cats that are considered very territorial animals and can to feel invaded with the presence of a new partner. With a friend we will avoid the feline "only child" syndrome that can be observed in animals that spend the whole day on the sofa.
In the case of already having an adult feline at home and incorporating a new small pet we may have some problems at the beginning. Some reactions can be observed due to fear, jealousy or rejection by the adult because we are "imposing" a new partner. We can see bullfights, snorts from fright, hunger strike or hide and not want to leave until accepting the challenge. Urine can also appear in unwanted places. These reactions are considered normal for a few days, but if we can consult a homeopathic or natural veterinarian to help us with the transition, it is usually better for family harmony in the future. We avoid future problems on a physical, mental and social level.
We must also pay close attention to the kitten education to ensure a happy coexistence. Within this training we must teach him to use the sandbox and teach him to use the scratcher among many other things.
The most appropriate diet
From its birth and up to 30 days of life, it is advisable that the cat feeds on mother's milk since it provides colostrum, a substance that offers the necessary immunity to survive, as well as the vitamins, proteins and minerals, such as calcium, necessary for the proper development of our little one. However, if we have orphaned kittens by our side, we can feed them with artificial milk formula.
Afterwards, and up to 60 days of age, we must start with the incorporation of solid foods so that when they leave the nest, the kitten is capable of self-sufficiency. It is important not to change his diet if he is adopted to a new home. We must first try to make it adapt to its new environment and then make the transition that we believe is most appropriate for the kitten.
Here we can choose between industrial (dry and/or wet) or homemade diets. We can ask our veterinarian for advice taking advantage of the visit we will make for vaccinations and controls in the first few days. Do not forget to watch so that you always have at your disposal fresh and clean water that we will renew daily.
He alth and other care of the puppy cat
Paying attention to your kitten's he alth is very important. Unlike adult cats, puppies are susceptible to contracting more diseases and being affected in a much more intense way. Especially if our puppy comes from a neighbor or shelter, the usual thing is that the cat is more than 2 months old, is dewormed and has at least one vaccine in its card.
If this is not the case, it is important to go to a specialist to deworm it both internally and externally (remember that the puppy cannot be dewormed with products for adult cats) as well as starting the vaccination schedule with the leukemia and trivalent vaccines.
Although I personally am not in favor of vaccination in cats, as a veterinarian I recommend following it in small animals whose origin is not entirely clear. In some cases, when they could not be properly breastfed, they do not have enough defenses to face life away from their mother. In any case, it is always a good idea to keep the little one under observation since changes of home usually affect our little ones emotionally and sometimes physically, visiting the veterinarian to help us in this new beginning would also be of great help.
Apart from he alth, it is very important to offer our cat a set of essential objects for his day to day life: the bed, the litter box, the scratching post… and the toys! Don't forget that a variety of cat toys is the key to stimulating your cat mentally and physicallyChoose those that are of different sizes and shapes so that he finds them attractive and we also recommend looking for different intelligence toys, such as the kong. Of course, do not forget to participate in the game, essential for you to have fun and form a good relationship.
