Complete guide to caring for a kitten at home

You've just brought a new furry friend home. He's adorable, and maybe a little rambunctious. That's normal. Puppies they are very curious, and they will spend a lot of time researching their new home.

If it is the first time that you live with a feline, in this article we will tell you how to take care of a kitten comprehensively, meeting all your needs.

Before you start, it is essential that you keep in mind that the Cats need to be with their mother for a minimum of two months.During this time, their mother will teach them the basics of feline behavior and provide them with the breast milk that is essential for their development. Once they are eight weeks old, they will be ready to live with you. But, of course, you have to prepare the house for the new member of the family. How do you do this? We explain it here.

Preparing the home for the arrival of the kitten

Before your little one arrives, you need to prepare a safe and comfortable environment. Make sure your home is a suitable shelter for him. This includes:

• A space of one's own: Prepare a quiet room where your cat can feel safe during its first few days. Place its bed, food bowl, water bowl, litter tray and some toys.
• Protection on windows and balconies: If you have access to the outside, install protective mesh or nets to avoid possible accidents.
• Cozy Hideaways: Cats feel safer with places to hide, such as cardboard boxes or beds with roofs.

Don't forget to acquire all the elements essential such as feeders, waterers, scratchers, toys, blankets and a lint remover roll for the inevitable cat hair.

Proper nutrition according to age

La feeding your kitten will largely depend on your child's age. Below we break down nutritional care by stages:

From 0 to 1 month

At this stage, kittens need breast milk or, failing that, special kitten milk, which you can find in pet stores. Feed your kitten every two hours, including nights.

From 1 to 2 months

You can now start a diet of soft foods. Try specific pâtés for puppies or mix wet food with warm water to facilitate digestion.

From 2 to 12 months

At this stage they should consume I think for puppies, preferably high quality and grain-free, to ensure optimal growth. You can also supplement with wet food two or three times a week to add variety to their diet.

Remember Always keep the water clean and fresh available for your kitty.

Essential veterinary care

Taking care of your cat's health is a priority. During the first year of life, you should take him to the vet for:

• Vaccines: They are administered to prevent common diseases such as panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis and calicivirus.
• Deworming: Both internal and external, as they are essential to keep it free of parasites.
• General check-ups: Take advantage of each visit to ask your veterinarian about other aspects of your pet's care.

It is also advisable to consider the sterilization from six months of age to prevent unwanted behaviors and diseases.

Kitten's adaptation to its new home

When you get home, your kitten may feel insecure and look for a hiding place. This is completely normal. Give him space and time to explore your new surroundings. Offer moments of interaction with toys to help him gain confidence.

Don't forget to prepare a separate space for him if you have other Pets. Introductions should be done gradually and supervised to avoid conflicts.

Hygiene and coat care

Although cats are very clean animals, you can help maintain their hygiene:

• Brushed: Brush your dog's coat regularly to remove dead hair and prevent hairballs.
• nail trimming: This will be necessary every few weeks. Get him used to it from a young age so that this habit becomes easy.
• Ear cleaning: Check them weekly and clean with specific products if necessary.

In exceptional cases, such as if he gets very dirty, you can bathe him using a special shampoo for cats. Make sure it is completely dry after bath.

Play and environmental enrichment

Play is essential for a healthy physical and mental development. Provide your cat with toys that spark his curiosity and allow him to release energy. Some good options are:

• Balls with bells.
• Tunnels to hide and run.
• Feathers or reeds.

Complement with scrapers and climbing structures. Not only will this entertain your cat, but it will also protect your furniture.

Avoid accidents at home

Kittens are curious by nature, so it is important to take Precautions:

• Store small objects that could be swallowed.
• Avoid leaving electrical cables exposed.
• Close the toilet lid and the doors of appliances such as washing machines and dryers.

Also, if you have plants at home, make sure that are not toxic for cats.

Socialization and emotional bonding

Spend time every day to interact with your kitten. Petting and a soft tone of voice foster a positive bond. If you have children at home, teach them how to handle your kitten carefully to avoid scares or stress.

It is important to respect the spaces and times when he prefers to be alone. This will help him feel safe and loved.

Bringing a kitten home is a big responsibility, but also a very rewarding experience. With proper care, your little companion will grow strong, healthy and happy, giving you moments full of joy. love and complicity.