Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Advice On Bringing A New Kitten Home

By Mark Walters


Coming back to an empty house after suffering an especially tough day at work is enough to depress anyone. Even a house full of children seems empty without a pet. Whether you live alone or are adding a friend to the household, a kitten is one of the cutest pets you can find. Of course there will be lots of excitement, but be sure to properly prepare your home for the arrival of your new kitten.

Because we are human beings, we don't often think of things from an animal's perspective. Not only do we forget that household items that are mundane to us are potential playthings for kittens, we forget that they spend their lives relatively close to the ground. It is therefore a good idea to get down on the ground and put yourself in a kitten's paws. From this low vantage point, look up and identify wires or other dangling things that would catch a kitten's attention. Secure them so that the little one won't pull something down on top of itself. Also be sure to put household chemicals and pest poisons safely in a cabinet that cannot be pried open by a curious kitty.

Kittens are high energy, so placing several toys around the house for them to play with should help keep them occupied. The usual stuffed mice, balls, and scratching posts are great items with which to amuse them. Laser pointers are wonderful items that will not only fascinate the kitten, but the furry little guy will keep you laughing while chasing after the light. Along with toys, provide a full supply of food for your new kitten as well as a full litter box. You don't need the graphic details to envision the potential mess that you will have to clean up without an available litter box.

Kittens, like their human counterparts, will experience stress and fright, so you should provide yours with a room in which they can escape from whatever is making them nervous. A bedroom, either yours or a spare, is nice as is a closet or any room with places to relax and hide. It is important that the kitten can access and find the room on its own because you don't want to stress it out by forcing it into a particular room.

Using some common sense and preparation will make your new kitten's adjustment to your home easier. Less stress leads to a happier cat. Your new friend will thank you and your own life will be less stressful.




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