The first month of life is a new stage of independence
At this age, furry pets are taken from their mother and given to other owners, because they have already opened their eyes and learned to take their first steps. Many people want to learn how to play with a 1 month old kitten.
At 4 weeks of age, little cubs begin to learn how to jump and balance. At this time, they will already try to eat adult food, but in terms of weight and size they are very small animals.
You may notice that the kitten is very curious. Any rustling or sound will be a signal to him that it is time to play. Therefore, place the animal on a flat surface, take a small cord. If you want to know how to play with a kitten of this age, then remember that he does not have any reaction. While running, he will stagger in different directions. It is difficult for him to focus his eyes on fast movements, so move the lace in front of his paws very slowly and carefully.
At first he will warily watch the unknown object, but then he will try to stop the movement of the lace with an attack.
Essentials
Before you bring a newborn or older kitten home, you should purchase a tray with filler, food bowls, a scratching post, toys, grooming tools, bedding, and a carrier. Most of these items will also be needed to care for an adult cat, so you should choose them responsibly.
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Tray
Even if the cat is expected to be outdoors in the future, a small kitten will need an indoor litter box. If the grown pet does not leave the house, the tray will remain a permanent place for him to cope with his daily needs. Therefore, the toilet container should initially be convenient for use and cleaning. All modern models of trays are divided into two types: closed and open. The design of the latter assumes the presence or absence of filler.
Open trays with grids are not filled with absorbent material. They allow you to save on filler. But such toilets require timely cleaning, otherwise the air in the house accumulates a specific odor. If the container is filled with filler, the problem partially disappears, since most materials have adsorption properties.
Closed trays look like a house. They use special fillers that absorb the smell of urine and do not leave marks on the paws. An enclosed litter box is convenient in the home as it looks aesthetically pleasing and does not create problems caused by the unpleasant odor from cat feces. A characteristic feature of a closed tray is its large size, so it can be difficult to find a place for it in the apartment. Another disadvantage of such products is the high price.
The baby must be toilet trained from the first days of life in the house; postponing this moment of education until “later” can create unwanted problems.
Tray filler
Cat litter for the litter tray differs in composition. This determines their appearance and principle of operation. According to the last criterion, toilet material is divided into two types: clumping and absorbent. When wet, particles of clumping filler stick together into lumps. After they are removed, a new portion is added to the container. This filler is completely replaced every 5-7 days. The composition of clumping varieties can be different, most often these are clay minerals:
- vermiculite;
- atapulgitis;
- bentonite.
It is recommended to use clumping clay litter only when the kitten grows up. This is explained by the fact that babies often taste everything, and mineral lumps that get into the stomach can cause health problems. In addition, wet particles stick to the paws. For small cats, a litter made from ground corn cobs, paper, and wood is desirable. If such lumps enter the intestines, they come out naturally without causing harm to health.
The absorbent filler, unlike ordinary sand, consists of large or small granules with high adsorption capacity. Once wet, the liquid is quickly absorbed by the material, leaving the bottom of the tray dry. The composition of the material can be very different:
- clay minerals;
- blotters (clay with paper);
- wood pellets;
- wood shavings;
- silica gel;
- corn granules.
When caring for a kitten, this material is changed every time the pet goes to the toilet. The choice of filler is determined not only by the characteristics of the constituent components, but also by the preference of the kitten itself. If for some reason the material causes aversion in a young cat, then it is worth trying a different variety.
Choosing a place for the toilet
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Most often the tray is placed in the bathroom or toilet. In this case, the problem with the smell and not very aesthetic appearance of the accessory after the cat has visited it is solved. But in this case, care must be taken to ensure that access to the bathroom is always open to the small pet. In some cases, the container is placed in the hallway. This is convenient for a cat, but not always comfortable for a person. The compromise in this situation is a closed tray.
scratching post
A cat's growing claws need constant sharpening. If the scratching post is not prepared, then damage to the upholstered furniture in the house is guaranteed. Various types of devices help satisfy a cat’s reflex in sharpening its claws. This can be a board attached to the wall, covered with a soft thick fabric, or a vertical post with sisal thread wound around it. The working area of the scratching post should be at a height accessible to the baby.
To accustom a kitten, it is recommended that you first bring it to this accessory and place its paws on a rough surface. You can additionally spray your homemade sharpener with catnip. The pleasant smell will attract the kitten to the device and gradually it will get used to sharpening its claws in this particular place.
Dishes
The rules for caring for a kitten dictate the need to select three bowls for food. The first is for water, the second is for dry food, the third is for wet or liquid food. The quality of the material from which the dishes are made remains at the discretion of the owner. It can be plastic, metal, ceramics, glass. The main thing is that the bowls are durable, without chips or cracks.
Another necessary condition is the stability of the containers. A bowl that slides on the floor will make your cat uncomfortable while eating. To avoid discomfort, it is advisable to choose plates with a stable platform, the surface or rim of which has an anti-slip coating.
When buying plastic dishes, you need to make sure that they do not emit harmful substances (phthalates), which can cause acne in cats.
Toys
Fluffy babies love to play, so you need to prepare a variety of toys and activities for them. Both ready-made and home-made products are suitable for the game. Pet stores offer a wide selection of jumping, rolling, and moving toys. It is important that they meet several requirements.
Firstly, the toy should not be too small, otherwise an inexperienced baby may swallow it. Secondly, only light objects that a weak kitten can move are suitable for play. Thirdly, the product should not be too hard so that a growing cat does not break its teeth when biting it.
If your kitten has to play alone, buy sound toys for him - they will create a feeling of feedback.
Hygiene and grooming items
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Hygiene procedures are mandatory for cats of any age. Caring for a kitten includes brushing the fur, cleaning the ears and eyes, and bathing. The teeth and claws of the animal are not ignored. For all care activities, it is necessary to prepare a set of tools and products.
To keep your cat's fur in perfect condition, you will need combs in the form of a brush, comb, or mittens. For a long-haired pet, the kit is completed with a slicker brush and a tangle cutter. Kittens of short-haired breeds are combed once a week, long-haired ones - up to three times. During molting, this procedure is repeated daily.
For detergents, buy hypoallergenic shampoo (preferably with a conditioner effect). When the baby reaches the age at which bathing is allowed, these hygiene items should already be at the ready. You can also keep the coat in a clean, beautiful condition using grooming sprays. They clean hair from dirt, make combing easier and allow you to do without water procedures.
To care for a kitten you will need cotton pads and swabs, hydrogen peroxide. Using these accessories, the cub's ears are cleaned once a month.
The second month of life - self-confidence
How to play with a kitten at 2 months? 8 weeks is a critical age for an animal, because if you don’t start raising it at this moment, it will begin to grow wild and unapproachable.
You can play full-fledged games with him, but your pet's focus on objects will still be poor. You can give him a small ball made of cloth or paper. Try teasing your kitten with a string or laser pointer. But again, take your time, give the animal the opportunity to track its target and then attack it.
Package game
A paper bag is best for this game. It can be purchased at any large supermarket. Open the bag and place it on the floor, and then begin to lightly tap it with your hand or stick. The pet will certainly want to climb into it. Once this happens, continue tapping the bag. This will warm up the cat's interest in the game. To make it more interesting, you can put a candy wrapper or a ball in the bag.
The fourth and fifth months of life - the formation of an adult
If you want to know how to play with a kitten at 4-5 months, you must remember that at this age animals become socially active. In their natural environment, they would fight with all their might with their fellows, catch flies and show incredible curiosity.
So how to play with a kitten up to six months? Provide him with predatory games such as hunting, stalking, ambush, snatching, running, attacking. In nature, the target is often a small mouse or insect that its mother cat has brought home for practice. But what if the kitten grows up at home? You can purchase a wind-up artificial mouse or make your own bait on a string using feathers, pieces of paper or fabric.
Kitten toys
Does a kitten need toys? This question can be answered unequivocally: yes, like any baby, a kitten needs objects that will imitate objects of reality for it and with which it can play as it pleases. Pet stores offer a fairly wide range of special toys for kittens, and you can always find something for your pet. But it’s easy to make toys for a kitten yourself. The notorious paper bow on a string is no worse than, say, ready-made feather accessories. Reels, balls, pieces of fur, empty plastic jars and cardboard boxes are great items that can bring a storm of delight to your little one. Just as in the case of children, very often the cheapest and most unpresentable toys turn out to be the most beloved.
You can sew an artificial mouse for your kitten, adding a little catnip to its filling - the adored aroma will give the hunt for this “game” a special spice. It is especially useful to make toys for a kitten together with children - this is both an exciting creative activity, a way to bond with your pet, and an excellent basis for joint games.
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES Do not let the kitten independently have fun with toys tied to a thread or rope - the baby can wrap the lace around his neck, which is very dangerous.
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How to control the game
Of course, if you have several small pets in the house, then cheering them up will not be difficult. If only because kittens often play with each other, every now and then attacking and biting their brothers.
Remember to train your pet is another tip for playing with your kitten at home. Any activity can awaken the predator in your animal. He doesn't understand that you shouldn't scratch or bite hard, but he will do it if you let him. Let your pet understand that you are the boss of the house, and willfully damaging the furniture and your body is not allowed.
Laser pointer game
All cats love to catch sunbeams. But if it’s cloudy outside, you can entertain your four-legged friend with a laser pointer. Dim the lights in the room, close the curtains and start moving the laser along the wall or floor. The cat will happily start hunting for an incomprehensible glowing red dot. Just don’t shine a laser pointer into an animal’s eyes, as this can seriously damage its vision. By the way, the most ordinary flashlight will be suitable for such a game.
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Hide and seek
Few people have thought about how to play hide and seek with a cat at home. But this is the fun that animals like the most, because they can show the skills of their inner predator.
To engage your kitten in this game, you need to make eye contact. Wait until the animal is in a part of the room where you can see it. Hide behind a door or other object, and then stick your head out so your kitten can see it. If your pet is passionate about something, then call him with some sound. As soon as he looks at you, you need to hide. Repeat the action several times, but with the condition that you always look your pet straight in the eyes.
This way you can interest him. The kitten will see you playing with it and will begin to move in your direction to discover the place where you are hiding. As soon as the pet runs up to you, it can meow characteristically, as if urging you to continue the game.
Don't stop there. Quickly change the place where you will hide. And from there again establish eye contact, periodically looking out from the ambush.
Labyrinth of boxes
Take a few boxes and make a real maze out of them. To do this, you just need to fasten them together. First, you need to make holes in each of the boxes that your cat can easily fit into. Your pet will happily explore the boxes, thus traveling through the maze. To make the game more interesting, you can throw another small ball there.
Export!
You won’t believe it, but cats also love to run after a ball and bring it in their teeth to their owner. It will not be possible to accustom them to this the first time, because you need to interest the pet. Let's find out how to play “Fetch!” with a kitten.
- First, prepare a comfortable ball for the animal. Since they always bring it in their teeth, it should be made of comfortable material. Some people prefer crumpled paper, while other pets love a fabric ball. Making your first toy is not that difficult, the main thing is to take a landscape sheet, as it is denser and safer. Do not use a newspaper or magazine, because the kitten will take the ball in its teeth and slobber on it, which means that toxic substances from the printing ink will enter its body, albeit in small quantities. Making a fabric ball is much more difficult. It is best to take an old cotton T-shirt or T-shirt, then cut a long strip 1-2 centimeters wide from it, and then roll it into a tight ball.
- Secondly, don't make the toy too big. It will be extremely difficult for a small kitten to hold a large ball in its teeth.
- Thirdly, when you have prepared the attribute for the game, it’s time to start having fun. Draw the kitten's attention to the ball by moving it across the surface of the sofa. When the animal becomes interested in the toy, throw it at a distance of 3-5 meters. If your living space allows, you can throw the ball much further - it will even be more interesting for the kitten.
When the pet catches up with the ball, in most cases it will begin to kick it on the floor, as if playing football. Give him the opportunity to frolic, and when you notice that he is tired or bored with this game, then take the ball, return to the starting position, and then throw it again in the same place. By repeating this procedure, you will see how the kitten gradually gets acquainted with new possibilities. One day he will realize that you always throw him a ball, so he will take it in his teeth and put it at your feet.
How to play with a cat at home: toys and entertainment
Cats are considered the most playful among domestic animals. The game is a training for them. A little kitten discovers the world, learns to hunt, defend itself, becomes dexterous and resilient.
Adults get rid of stress in this way. If you don't pay attention to the cat, it will occupy itself with important papers on the desktop or start fiddling with the curtains in the living room. To avoid this, you should not scold your pet; it is better to spend a little time on cat fun.
Pet stores offer an incredible number of different toys for animals: mice, balls, pendulums, puzzles. The item purchased for the kitten must meet safety standards.
Your pet needs a durable toy made from high-quality materials.
A mouse for a small kitten should not have small parts. Therefore, it is necessary to remove her plastic nose and eyes. Otherwise, your pet may swallow them.
It is recommended to give preference to handmade mice made from natural materials. Small details are sewn in or painted with safe paints. They will cost a little more.
You should not buy a teaser with feathers. During play, the cat likes to take an object into its mouth and bite it. Feathers will irritate your pet and may harm him.
The ideal choice would be a teaser with a ball made from real fur. There are small peas in the center that make a sound when the ball moves. This item is safe for animals. The fur does not come out after numerous games.
Cats' favorite toys include balls. They are made from different materials. For a cat, it is recommended to purchase a medium-sized rubber ball so that your pet can roll and chew on it.
Cat entertainment centers look like multi-story houses, equipped with everything necessary for an animal. There the cat can hide, relax on a cozy bed, run along the stairs or tunnel, and sharpen its claws. This device is especially appropriate if the owner is often away from home.
Children are happy to share their cars or wind-up toys with animals. They also love to come up with new fun things to do.
You can take a walk
Did you know that cats are extremely curious creatures? They get to know the world throughout their lives, using their powerful sense of smell. If you introduce your pet to new objects, then believe me, it will become something like a game for him. When buying new goods, processing foods during cooking, show them to your kitten - he will happily sniff everything, but only once. When he gets acquainted with any smell, it becomes uninteresting to him at a certain moment.
You can accustom your pet to the street from a young age. To do this, it is best to use a comfortable harness that will prevent the kitten from escaping. Try to walk your animal away from noisy highways, large numbers of people and away from dogs.
Why are cats playful?
The game for cats is a kind of training for the whole body. It starts from a very early age and helps kittens become familiar with the world around them. In this way, they prepare for adult life, imitating the behavior of their parents, learn to hunt each other, their owners and various objects, and improve their skills.
cats play - for entertainment and to maintain their tone
In adult cats, play can help relieve depression or stress. It builds trust with your pet and gives him the opportunity to relax. With its help, you can reduce the animal’s aggressive behavior by switching its attention and energy to games. Games are especially useful for establishing relationships between an old and new pet.
