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Caring for your New Kitten
Bringing home your new kitten is an exciting time for everyone. It is important to
remember that bringing home your kitty is allot like bringing home a new baby. There are
supplies you will need, such as...
 | Litter pan and Litter - make sure the litter pan is
an appropriate size for your new kitten, if it is to high sided, you kitten might have
trouble climbing in. Also, it is usually best to use non-clumping litter for young
kittens as they tend to "taste" things, much as a human baby does.
Clumping litter can cause intestinal blockages if enough is digested. You can switch
to clumping litter if you like when your kitty is older.
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 | Food & Water - ask your breeder what type of
food your kitten is used to. Have a supply on hand. Often breeders will send
you home with enough food for the first few days. Don't panic if your new kitty is
hesitant about eating at first. Remember, the kitten's surroundings have just
changed. He/she may need a day or so to adjust. However, if your kitten
doesn't appear to be drinking keep a close eye out. Dehydration can be dangerous and
set it fast. Make sure fresh water is always available. If you are not sure
your kitten is drinking/eating, check your litter box to see if it has been used. It
is possible the kitten is eating or drinking when you are not looking.
As always, if your kitten doesn't appear healthy or "seem right" to you, call
your vet or breeder for advice.
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 | A Bed - your new kitty needs a place to sleep.
It need not be fancy, but should be comfortable, warm and dry, clean and in a safe
place. An old soft blanket can do the trick nicely as can a store bought bed.
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 | Toys - Ever walked through the toy section at your
local pet supply center? There are tons of options here. But you need not go
broke buying toys. Some simple suggestions are...a ping pong ball, small rubber
ball, a small rolled up piece of paper. Beware of dangerous items such as bread ties
(when swallowed they can perforate an intestine), tinsel from a Christmas tree, sharp
edged small objects and dangling electrical cords.
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 | Grooming Items - Ask your breeder what they
recommend. For a long haired kitten, a comb or brush will be a must! Your
breeder should be able to advise you on what type. I prefer a greyhound style comb
myself, and a pin brush (the kind without the balls on the tips).
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Make things easy on you and your new kitten, do some reading first.
Know what you are getting into.
The links below are to sites that will help make the transition as smooth as possible.
The Central Animal Hospital..."The New
Kitten Page"
*Purrinlot's Grooming Parlor
*A must see for anyone who has or is thinking of adopting a Persian or Himalayan
The link below will help you find any additional information you might need
Cat Fanciers General Cat Information page
itikat@itikat.com
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