Dear Miss Behavin’: I am planning on adopting a kitten next week! I know they can be high energy and a lot of work. What are some things I should know about having a kitten?
Kittens bring entertainment, companionship, and a whole lot of fun. Set up a smaller room that’s just for the kitten, like a bedroom or bathroom. Have a litterbox, food, water, toys, blankets, etc. set up in the room. Your kitten might be nervous or shy in their first few days. Having them in a smaller space will help them acclimate and feel more comfortable. Gently pet and touch your kitten so they get used to handling. Touch their paws, ears, tail, etc. This will make it easier for vet checks and personal checks in the future, like clipping nails. Kittens are rambunctious so make sure to set aside playtime for them to get their wiggles out and learn that toys are for biting and playing, not hands. When your kitten ventures out in to the rest of the house make sure it is kitten proof! Loose strings, cables, rubber bands, toothpicks, etc. can all be ingested and dangerous to a curious kitten (and an adult cat). Make sure windows and screens are secure and be careful opening and closing things like drawers, cupboards, and your washer and dryer. Kittens can find their way in to very small spaces. Keep your kitten inside where it is safe as outside has disease, wild animals, cars, poison, and other dangers. Every cat has a different personality – don’t have assumptions about how cats act based on previous experiences. Watch your kitten’s personality emerge and learn their preferences. The more you know the happier you’ll be with one another.