Kitten Care

Kittenhood is amazing, but there comes a time in every cat’s life when they have to take their first step towards independence and leave kittenhood behind. It all starts with a process called weaning.

With all the dangers of modern urban life, more and more cat owners are opting to keep their felines permanently at home. Providing cats get plenty of opportunities for mental and physical enrichment, most will adapt well to living life as a house cat, but some will be less happy with this arrangement and will stare longingly at the window, begging to be let out.

Kittens have very sensitive little stomachs and simple changes to their environment or diet can easily lead to diarrhoea. While it’s normal for their waste to be softer than that of an adult cat, if it’s shapeless or has a liquid or mushy consistency, it’s highly likely that the kitten has diarrhoea. The condition is relatively common and luckily, it tends to be very treatable.

Cats are quite finicky creatures, and it is well known that they like their creature comforts and cleanliness, especially when it comes to their litter tray. We can’t really blame them though, wouldn’t you much rather a clean loo, after all? Cleaning your cat’s litter tray is incredibly important for their well-being and can even help to prevent toileting problems. So, how often should you change cat litter? Once a day? Once a week? Keep reading to find out all you need to know.

Having a baby is an exciting time but it’s also a huge disruption for the entire household. And this of course includes your cat. Cats like familiarity and predictability in their routine and in their environment. They bond to their home often as much as they do with their people, and they do not like change. A baby, and everything that comes with it, is very definitely a big change! So here is how to make sure the first baby-cat meeting goes smoothly.

Your new cat is precious, so you will want to make their new environment as safe as possible. So where do you start when creating a cat proof garden? Cats, and especially kittens, are naturally inquisitive, and investigate objects by touching, sniffing and tasting them. When you bring a new cat into your home they’ll be curious about everything and unlike us, won’t be able tell the different between what is and isn’t dangerous. If you’re not sure how to cat proof your garden, follow our checklist to keep your pet out of trouble! Dangerous plants to remove for a cat proof garden Although we think of cats as meat-eaters, don’t be surprised if you spot your cat chewing vegetables or other plants. Some cats like to munch on grass outdoors, or nibble at the leaves of potted houseplants indoors. Keep an eye on exactly what your cat is grazing on, as some plants have parts that are toxic to them. Make sure your project to cat proof your garden includes getting rid of these toxic plants for cats: • Lilies; • Azalea; • Daffodil; • Tomato; • Foxglove; • Yew; • Hydrangea; • Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane); • Philodendron; • Mistletoe; • Poinsettia. Your vet can give you a complete list of plants that could be harmful to your cat, or click here for a list of dangerous plants for cats. Do you need to cat proof the garden for an indoor cat? Yes. Your cat or kitten has a natural instinct to play outdoors, establish territory, climb trees, and catnap in the sun. As fun as this sounds, there are some things that you’ll need to look out for in the great outdoors. When outside, cats are exposed to more diseases and parasites, risk getting lost or stolen, and could potentially get hurt by a car. To allow your cat outdoors and also keep them safe, you can create a cat proof garden. Some cats are quite happy staying indoors – although that does rely on you knowing how to make a cat friendly home and make their environment exciting to compensate for the lack of outdoor stimulation. Other cats will prefer to roam outdoors – deciding between which option is best for your cat will take careful consideration on your part. If you decide to allow your cat outdoors, ask your breeder or vet for advice and make sure you've made their outdoor space as safe as possible.

Cats are famously independent, which is one reason why they are so well suited as pets, especially for those who are best suited to furry friend who isn’t so needy. This personality trait can have a flip side, as it can potentially make them a bit anti-social and unpredictable. So, if you’re introducing a new cat to your home and to other pets, be patient, understanding and approach with care – with a bit of time, everyone should get on just fine. Bringing a kitten home The good news is that adult cats tend to be much more welcoming to kittens or young cats than other adults. If both cats are neutered, better still (providing your vet advises that the kitten’s old enough to be neutered). Before bringing a kitten home, or in the first few days of introducing a kitten to a cat, get your existing cat used to the smell of their new companion. Swap their bedding back and forth over the first week and, if either cat gets angry or distressed around the scent, try to offer calm reassurance by associating the new scent with a positive experience, such as a tasty treat. While cats and dogs can be great friends, or live quite happily together even if they’re not, some pets should be kept away from cats. Small furry animals, like rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, rats, gerbils and chinchillas, as well as reptiles, must be protected at all times from cats.

From trailing leads to irresistible, but dangerous food scraps, there is so much to be mindful of when welcoming a new cat. Find out how to make your home safe for your pet. Playful, curious and extremely mischievous, cats won’t wait long before taking over your entire house and everything that’s in it. So, before you welcome your little ball of fur, make sure you’ve got the basics covered by cat proofing your entire home. From dangling cords to abandoned shopping bags and the beauty products on your nightstand, here is the list of unsuspecting items that can cause serious trouble in the company of a feline. Kitten and cat-proofing your home With so many things to consider, cat-proofing your home requires a solid plan. Here is what to keep in mind for a friendly and safe space: 1. Windows and doors When you first bring your new cat or kitten home, keep all windows and doors closed until they’re fully settled in, have had all their vaccinations and have been neutered.

Great news - the time has finally come when you can welcome your new kitten into your home! Just like bringing home a new-born baby, you’ll want everything to be just right so that they’ll settle in quickly and feel right at home. Making the decision to get a kitten is incredibly exciting as not only will you be gaining a new furry friend, but you’ll also be getting an extra family member! Before bringing a kitten home, you’ll need to spend a bit of time preparing for them. That’s why we’ve created this guide to tell you everything you need to know about getting a new kitten, so you can welcome your new four-legged friend into a warm, friendly environment where they’ll feel safe, comfortable and right at home! Before your new kitten comes home Before bringing home a new kitten, there’s a bit of admin for you to do! Here are a few things to get sorted before they arrive: • If you don’t already have a vet, ask local cat owners to recommend one, and get your new kitten registered straight away. It’s much less stressful to know they’re on the books already, as you’ll need to take them for their kitten vaccinations and neutering. It’s also worth it for the peace of mind in case they’re ever unwell.