Kitten in the house: step-by-step instructions for beginners

8249Pavel

The appearance of a small kitten in the house is, of course, a joyful event. Now he will wait for the owner to arrive, fall asleep on his lap, purr in his palms and ask to play. He comes to the house to live in it and please the person. And a person must prepare a home for this defenseless baby so that he will be happy in it. Here are detailed tips on what a kitten needs and how to choose it.

First of all, the kitten will need a place where it will sleep, eat and go to the toilet. We must remember that he is a living being with his own needs.

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For growth and development, he must eat well and drink clean water. Therefore, it is better to immediately buy two different bowls - a deeper one for water, a flat one for food. Best suited :

• glass,
• earthenware,
• enameled.

Bacteria grow very quickly in plastic ones, which lead to the appearance of untidy black marks on the face. If buying a separate cat bowl is expensive, then an old small salad bowl for water and a saucer for food will do just fine.

By the way, food should be bought in bags with the kitten’s age already indicated. It contains everything a growing body needs and has a long shelf life. It’s better to immediately, before the kitten arrives, buy several different bags, especially since their price is modest - about 10 rubles . Over time, your pet will develop taste preferences. Bottled drinking water is suitable. It needs to be changed as often as possible, avoiding stagnation, depending on the contamination, 2-3 times a day.

A small kitten in the house - how to start communicating with it at home?

From the first minute a kitten appears in the house, you need to remember that the baby is scared. Just recently he was taken from his mother cat and a friendly company of brothers and sisters. The familiar environment has been replaced by a completely alien space and the kitten will cry and hide.

This behavior may continue for several days. You need to talk to your baby gently, without raised tones. Accustom him to hands gradually - if he runs away, then stroke him after feeding, when the animal is relaxed and in the mood for contact. You should not forcefully pick up a kitten; this will scare it even more. Be patient and soon the fluffy one will climb onto your lap.

Ideally, communication with a kitten should begin long before you bring it into your home, in a nursery or from a private breeder. This will allow you to choose the most active and sociable baby from the litter. You should pay attention to the largest kittens, those that reach the nipples first. This means that such nimble creatures received more mother’s milk and are much stronger and more resilient.

A preliminary visit to the nursery gives you the opportunity to meet the kitten’s parents and see how the pet will grow up. And the breeder will tell you about the characteristics of the breed.

During the adaptation period, the baby may be frightened by loud music or sharp sounds; you need to warn everyone at home, especially children, about this. Talk kindly, touch gently. Your hands should become a source of joy and calm for the kitten, then he will get used to it faster and reciprocate.

Kitten in a new home

1. The appearance of a kitten in the house
2. Development of a new home
3. Healthy kitten
4. Kitten behavior
5. Cat language

Separated from its mother and brothers and sisters, on the day of its arrival your kitten will still feel lonely next to you. To help your pet get used to its new home, you need to be well prepared for its arrival.

Moving to a new home

Plan your moving time for the weekend. Weekends are a time of rest, and there is a high probability that all family members will be at home on these days. Having received maximum attention and love in a new environment, the kitten will quickly get used to it and understand that you have become its new family.

Choose a suitable container for transporting your kitten

To transport a kitten to a new home, you should take care of a suitable container. Without observing safety measures, it is unsafe for a kitten, like all other passengers, to travel in a car. A specialty store sells various containers for transporting cats.

Consult with the seller, and when choosing a container, pay attention to its size: it should be large enough so that a grown kitten can fit in it in the future. It would be best to place an old wool blanket and absorbent paper on the bottom of the container; in this case, the kitten will be comfortable and cozy when traveling. In addition, during a stressful trip, a “little misfortune” can easily happen to a kitten. In this case, do not forget to take a roll of paper towel and a spare blanket with you. And if you also create twilight in the container, the kitten will feel completely safe.

Arrival home

Getting to know your new surroundings, other family members and, possibly, animals that have been living in your home for a long time is a very important stage that you need to go through step by step joyfully and calmly. Give the kitten (and yourself!) time to get used to it! In order for your kitten to feel completely safe in his new environment from the very beginning, you should take care of everything necessary before his arrival: install a toilet for him and prepare other things necessary for his well-being, such as toys and food.

Calm, just calm!

Don't forget that your kitten is in a completely unfamiliar environment. Contain your excitement and don't make excessive demands on him. Give him time to explore his new possessions. This requires a calm, relaxed atmosphere. Also make sure that your children handle the kitten calmly and carefully. You don’t want this funny little lump to grow into a timid wild cat, do you?

Everything you need for a kitten

It is important that upon arrival the kitten finds all the things it needs. You can purchase them at the appropriate pet store:

• Cat house: a cozy house in which the cat will feel safe. True, she will still choose a place to sleep herself.
• Toilet for your cat: Cats are generally early litter boxers. They are very clean animals, so your cat's litter box should be cleaned daily. Remove your cat's daily excrement using a special spatula. The cat's toilet should be closed, this will not allow her to scatter the hygienic litter and will protect against the spread of an unpleasant odor.
• Bowl: Place two bowls separately from each other, one for kibble (an adult cat eats no more than 60-70 g per day), the other for fresh water.
• Scratching post: With its help, the cat will be able to sharpen its nails, and your expensive furniture will remain untouched.
• Climbing and Scratching Tree: Not only will his cat be able to scratch, but he will also be able to climb and play on it. Cats love to climb high. This tree will also reduce the risk of your cat engaging in furious hunting or dangerous acrobatics on your furniture. On this tree the cat will have the opportunity to warm up.
• Toy: The pet store offers a large number of different toys. Often a cardboard reel or an empty cardboard box is enough for a cat to have a birthday party and play enough. Turn to your imagination! Every thing necessary for a cat should have its place in the appropriate part of your apartment.

Formation of your own territory.

For a harmonious coexistence with your cat, you should observe the division of territory, know the daily rhythm and the most important activities of the cat. If your own territory is established, marked and organized, then the cat will sleep most of the day. If the kitten is not sleeping, then he will, first of all, hunt, play, eat or cuddle.

Its own territory belongs exclusively to the cat, and the quality of this living space is much more important than its size. On the ground, a cat's territory can occupy up to one hectare, and a cat's territory can occupy up to ten hectares. In a city, ten cats share approximately one-third of a hectare among themselves, provided that their territories do not overlap. Your cat will consider its territory to be its place of residence (its own house in the area or a city apartment), a separate room, or several square meters. Apartment 35 sq. meters, which is furnished according to the cat's needs, with plenty of opportunities for play and climbing, is preferable to the living space of any empty apartment measuring 200 square meters. meters. The cat divides life in its apartment into four zones. This structure should be followed whenever possible. In this way, a large number of behavioral conflicts will be avoided from the very beginning.

For a cat, your apartment is divided into the following zones:

• Sleeping place: Your kitten should feel completely safe here. An elevated place illuminated by sunlight or heated by heating (window sill, above the heating) is most preferable for a kitten. In such a place you should equip a comfortable bed for the cat. The place should be calm, but not too far from you. Your closeness is very important for a small cat! Cats love heights. If your apartment does not have enough quiet space on a hill, then try to change the situation in the apartment, install an artificial tree for the cat.

• Place for food: The cat should have unhindered access here at any time of the day or night. The eating area should be located at a certain distance from the toilet. Provide the required distance from your place of eating, i.e. Do not place bowls in the kitchen or dining room. The temptation to “confuse” your plate with your own bowl is too great; begging for goodies is guaranteed, which can disturb your peace.
• Cat toilet: Here the kitten can immediately take care of personal hygiene. Let your new little friend make new discoveries for himself step by step and get used to his new home. This place should be easily and constantly accessible to the cat, and should not be directly next to the toilet or feeding area. A corner of the room or niche where the cat is both calm and warm can be an ideal place.
• Play area: The largest space for a cat. It must be suitable for playing, running, climbing (eg wood, shelves, chairs and cabinets). The greatest pleasure for a cat is to sit at a great height above all family members. After that, she will willingly rub her head against you, almost like with her relatives.

to the beginning of the article

Now only you are responsible for the kitten's safety. As before with his mother, now he will look to you for protection and a sense of security. Take care of him, his development and emotional balance will completely depend on your attention.

Kitten and children

Children often tend to cuddle the “new arrival” too much, express their emotions violently, grab the kitten, pull its tail... Adult cats know very well how to avoid meeting children if they do not want to be disturbed. Kittens still need to learn this. Explain to your children that a kitten is not a toy, that it needs a lot of sleep and that you should absolutely not wake it up to play with it. It is advisable that children are allowed to play with the kitten only in your presence. In addition, this way the kitten will not scratch your baby!

How to properly handle a kitten

Handle the kitten with care. Any sudden or sudden movement can frighten him. To carry a kitten, place it belly down on your palm, supporting it with the other hand behind its back, especially for large breed kittens.

• Never pull a kitten by the tail.
• Do not lift it by holding it by the head.
• Do not lift him by the scruff of the neck. This is only done by the cat in the first days of the kitten's life in order to transfer it.

First night

The first separation, the first night alone - this is often difficult for a kitten. Where should he sleep now?

Remember that you will no longer be able to prohibit an adult cat from doing what you allowed a kitten to do. In addition, as soon as he grows up a little, he will immediately be drawn to run around the streets, so he will bring parasites into the house. You need to take very good care of your cat if you don't want your family members to be at risk of exposure to parasites. It is best for a kitten to sleep in its own house, in the place that you have chosen for it. On the first night, resist the temptation to take the kitten into your bed, even if it cries. In three to four days he will get used to his new place, and your nights will become calm again.

Cat sleep

Your cat knows two ways of sleeping that are significantly different from each other.

Deep dream

Until the age of eight weeks, the cat sleeps almost constantly and deeply. The hormones necessary for its growth are formed independently. From the age of about two months, these phases become shorter, deep sleep interspersed with light sleep.

Light sleep

From the age of two months, the kitten increasingly develops the types of behavior of an adult. He sleeps in several periods during the day for approximately 16 hours. With such light sleep, he only falls into a doze, one ear monitoring his surroundings. The first phase of sleep usually transitions into the deep sleep phase, in which the cat relaxes completely.

Important! Under no circumstances should you tear your cat out of deep sleep!

First feedings

Just in case, avoid sudden changes in diet, as this may lead to digestive upset. You should feed the kitten its usual food for at least several days. Find out from the kitten's previous owner or breeder about the kitten's feeding habits (number of feedings per day, whether they were strictly measured doses or "unrestricted" food) and the type of food the kitten was eating. If you want to change your cat's diet, you should set aside a week for a transition phase, during which you can gradually move from the old food to the new one. Thanks to this, the change of food will be harmonious, and the risk of digestive upset will be minimized.

Never give your kitten food from your table. This is not only harmful to his health, but will also teach him to beg and, on occasion, even steal food from the table. In addition, an unbalanced diet provokes obesity in an adult animal. Make sure your cat always has plenty of fresh water in his bowl, and make sure your cat has a quiet place to eat.

New discoveries

Household Hazards

God protects those who are careful! We are not always aware of how many fatal traps lie in wait for a kitten in our home. Some precautions will help you protect your pet from accidents at home:

• Hide the electrical wires!
• Put plugs on your electrical outlets!
• Place insecticides, fertilizers, as well as rat poison and medications out of reach of the cat.
• Also, you should not leave dangerous objects in places accessible to the cat: such as rubber bands, thumbtacks, needles, etc.

Cats love to snuggle up in closets, drawers, laundry baskets, and the washing machine or clothes dryer drum. Don't forget to love your new friend's shelters, so you can reduce the risk of an accident. Also get used to watching where you step, and when closing the door to the room, check where the kitten is. Develop a habit:

• do not leave plastic bags anywhere,
• close the trash can lid and toilet lid,
• do not leave electrical sockets and loose cables accessible,
• When leaving home, close the windows or close the flap using a special safety device. A window can become a deadly trap for your cat!
• don't forget about the iron. It can cause serious burns.

Houseplants

Cats instinctively avoid poisonous plants. Despite this, you should know which plants may pose a danger to your cat and avoid them in your apartment. Ask your veterinarian for a detailed list of all poisonous houseplants.

Here is an almost complete list of plants dangerous to cats:

to the beginning of the article

If you bought a kitten from a cattery - primarily we are talking about purebred kittens - you will be given a certificate of identification tattoo, as well as a vaccination certificate, which will indicate all the vaccinations given by the cattery veterinarian. If you purchased a cat from your own hands or it was given to you, then in any case you should

contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

At the vet

At the first visit, the veterinarian performs a thorough general examination of the kitten. In any case, you should take your vaccination document with you so that the veterinarian can check whether your pet has received all the necessary protective vaccinations or whether they still need to be done. It is also necessary to show the veterinarian documents about the deworming performed. The veterinarian will need some time to thoroughly examine the kitten, and the kitten will also gradually get used to the actions of the veterinarian, to the treatment table and to new smells. Your veterinarian will advise you on what preventive measures you need to take to improve your kitten's health, and can also tell you about your kitten's special needs.

Identification tattoo or chip

Thanks to a tattoo or implanted microchip, your cat will be permanently marked and always easily identified. If your pet has not been tagged yet, then you should undergo this procedure as soon as possible by contacting your veterinarian. It is advisable to use a microchip to identify a cat, which is inserted under the skin as a vaccination. Using a special reader, veterinarians and animal shelter employees read the number stored on the microchip and find out your address from a central database.

to the beginning to become

A short personality test

The test below is very easy to do. It will allow you to quickly get an idea of ​​the character of your new cat.

Socialization (Watch your cat) If the kitten flies like a bullet to play with your shoe lace, rubs its head against your legs, then this indicates that socialization has gone well. If the kitten hides when you arrive or tries to run away when you approach, it means that socialization has not taken place properly. You should return to this stage again and try to pass it more successfully. Give the kitten more toys and try to approach him by playing with him.

Foil ball test Roll a ball of crumpled foil in front of the kitten. If he does not react immediately, it means he is shy or indifferent to moving objects.

Dominance Tendency Test A kitten that calmly allows you to stroke its belly while lying on its back has accepted your “parental authority.” In the future he will be a sweet and friendly cat. If the kitten, on the contrary, fights back and tries to scratch you, it means that it is capable of unpredictable reactions, whether we are talking about affection or an attack.

Testing the reaction to noise Clap your hands loudly, but the kitten should not see you. If he remains calm, but at the same time shows signs of curiosity, it means that your kitten has already matured enough and has developed the correct reactions to external environmental stimuli. If he is trembling and scared, then your task is to gradually introduce him to the variety of sounds of everyday life.

Under the same roof with other pets

It is important to introduce the kitten to other pets as soon as possible so that he can get along with them more easily and enter the new environment normally. Do not try to accustom him to rodents or birds, it is almost impossible. When introducing a kitten to other animals, you should remember: such acquaintance should take place gradually and under your supervision. Dog As a rule, a balanced, sociable dog easily gets used to being around a kitten. Older dogs can sometimes be less tolerant, but after trying a kitten's claws, they usually subdue their aggression and get along well with the kitten in the future.

Another cat

Here the task can be much more difficult. An adult cat is very cool about the appearance of a kitten on its territory. Most likely, she will express her dissatisfaction with the kitten, since she is very reluctant to accept even the slightest changes in her habits. It can take months for an adult cat to become completely comfortable with a young cat. When introducing a kitten to another cat for the first time, do not allow either party to become aggressive. Take both animals to neutral territory for play and feeding. Do this until the cats get used to each other. This will help create a hierarchy between both

Some tips

• In the first days, maintain the privileges of the “old-timer” animal (dog or cat).
• Make sure your cat's litter box is in a quiet place. First, let the cat only into some part of your apartment, this will make it easier for her to get used to it, and she will not hide under the furniture out of fear.
• Use a cloth to wipe off the special secretion from the kitten's face and rub it on the lower part of the walls in all rooms so that the previous animal gets used to the kitten's smell.

to the beginning of the article

The lone huntress image in no way reflects a cat's ability to communicate with its conspecifics or people: cats have amazing communication abilities and use various forms to communicate with people or other animals. Most forms of communication with felines present no problem for humans, except for one: leaving scent marks to mark their territory. Your cats understand what you think and feel better than what you say.

Understanding with a person

The cat, of course, does not understand your language, except for a few words, but it closely monitors your body language and its position. She perfectly feels and evaluates your mood. Cats themselves constantly communicate with you through rich and variable body language. Watch your cat and you will gradually gain insight into the secret of communicating with her!

She speaks with her head The shape of the eyes and the position of the ears give a clear indication of what the cat would like to express at that moment. The meaning of whiskers They are sensory organs and serve to recognize the cat’s surroundings, as well as communicate with their relatives. The mustache should not be trimmed under any circumstances.

Language of the body

She says with her body. The cat rubs its head and tail at its feet: this is cat happiness. The kitten feels good and wants to share its scent with you. He “walks his paws” along your lap. This gives the kitten great pleasure. This is how he expresses his good health. These are echoes of the behavior that took place when contentedly sucking mother's milk, when he gently pressed the area around the nipple with his paws. Thus, the cat expresses to you its affection, which it previously felt towards its mother. He rolls around on the floor in front of you. The cat recognizes your higher position in the hierarchy. This is only shown if she feels safe with you and can relax.

Carefully!

Unlike a dog, tail wagging is never a sign of satisfaction in a cat.

Voice language

Purring Typically this signifies humility and contentment. Newborn kittens purr from the first feeding and express their satisfaction towards their mother, as well as their respect. If your cat purrs in front of you, this means that she feels good and perceives you at the moment as the owner. Rumbling and hissing These sounds are used to scare away. When attacking a cat, such signals are part of the defense strategy. Meows There is a wide range, with each meow having a different meaning: request or demand, complaint, fear, denial. The better you observe your cat, the faster you will be able to discern the meaning of its sounds.

Sign language

Touching, stroking: with these gestures the cat introduces you to its territory. With a touch, she distributes the scent secretion from the glands behind the ears along your leg. She thus spreads her scent to you, to the environment and expresses her satisfaction.

Communication with other animals

Even a small kitten has sophisticated and varied forms of communication with which it tolerates the presence of other animals and recognizes aggression. This way, the cat can decide whether it should avoid the encounter.

Marking Territory Marking territory is a completely natural behavior of all felines, including domestic cats, and is also a means of communication. It is carried out by leaving odors, hormonal secretions or scratching.

Leaving scent marks The most common way cats mark their territory is with urine and/or feces. First of all, males demonstrate this behavior after stress or strong emotions (transport, other cats entering the territory). This form of marking territory is intended to intimidate others and cause them to flee. Urine is sprayed horizontally and marks vertical surfaces (trees, walls, as well as sofas and everything else that comes across).

Release of hormones Certain hormones, called pheromones, play a special role in sexual behavior and territory defense. If a cat allocates them to another animal (dog, cat), then it shares the territory with the other animal. This sign of acceptance is demonstrated by a cat only with boundless trust. Scratch marks This type of marking by a cat of its territory leaves obvious traces of the cat on your furniture, carpets or trees. There is no clear explanation for this behavior; it may or may not be accompanied by secretion from the paw pads. This scratching can be just an exercise and becomes a real problem if the cat is afraid and left unchecked for a while.

Encounters with other animals

If unwanted cohabitation cannot be avoided, then the cat uses an intimidation strategy and simply bluffs, turning to screaming, hissing, showing its teeth, and tapping its paws. It is very important to examine cats after romp for signs of scratching and bite marks because abscesses may occur. Castration significantly improves a cat's social behavior and makes it easier to resolve neighborhood problems. 75% of all cats in Europe are neutered. This intervention is possible from the age of six months. Consult your veterinarian about this issue.

A FEW TIPS

• In the first days, maintain the privileges of the “old-timer” animal (dog or cat).
• Make sure your cat's litter box is in a quiet place. First, let the cat only into some part of your apartment, this will make it easier for her to get used to it, and she will not hide under the furniture out of fear.
• Use a cloth to wipe off the special secretion from the kitten's face and rub it on the lower part of the walls in all rooms so that the previous animal gets used to the kitten's smell.

to the beginning of the article

The article uses photographs of Abyssinian kittens and Mekong Bobtail kittens from our nursery “KamelRush & Chiang Saen”

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Kitten's first day in the house - what does a kitten need?

It is advisable to purchase all the necessary items in advance, but if it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t matter, every pet store has enough of this stuff:

1. Dishes - for feeding and water
2. Litter tray and litter
3. House or basket for sleeping
4. Toys
5. Odor Neutralizing Liquid
6. Shipping container
7. Brush
8. scratching post

• Dishes for a kitten should be made of environmentally friendly plastic or stainless metal. Feed in one place, where the kitten will feel safe. After each meal, wash the bowl and change the water often. There is no need to accustom your kitten to boiled water - it does not contain the necessary minerals
• The litter tray should be freely accessible for the baby, but in a secluded corner, since many kittens prefer to do their procedures away from prying eyes
• For sleeping, you can buy or make a house yourself, inside of which you can lay a soft bedding. Additionally, a basket will not hurt - kittens love cozy shelters, but do not always sleep in them
• For the first time, one toy is enough - a mouse or a light ball. In the future it will become clear what the kitten likes best
• At first, there may be some confusion with the toilet. To do this, you will need to treat the stained area with a liquid to neutralize the odor. This drug is harmless and has almost no odor
• The container is necessary for transporting the animal, as visits to the veterinarian may be necessary.
• A kitten should be accustomed to brushing as early as possible, especially for long-haired breeds. Based on this, the brush is selected.
• To preserve furniture, you need to purchase a scratching post and place it near the house or basket
• For the future, it is advisable to purchase multi-stage shelves and houses. Cats love them

What to buy first

A tray, a bed, dishes, food - that’s what a kitten needs. Before bringing your baby to a new home, it is important to provide him with everything he needs.

Note! Expensive houses and play complexes look very nice, but you can do without them; it is often enough to make a pet bed from an old sweater or cardboard box.

Any pet should have its own dishes made from high-quality safe materials and comfortable

A carrying bag is what else is needed for a kitten; it is in it that the owner will take the baby to a new home. Don't underestimate the importance of this purchase or replace it with a regular bag. The carrier is specially designed for transporting animals, therefore it is resistant to their claws, and the presence of a mesh wall allows the pet to observe what is happening and avoid stress.

A kitten is one month old - how to train a kitten?

At one month of age, the kitten can eat on its own and, if necessary, it is permissible to take it away from the cat. She is still just a baby who needs maximum care and affection.

It will be especially difficult for the baby at night, because he is accustomed to his mother’s warm body and the beating of her heart. To at least to some extent compensate for its absence, you can put a heating pad and a small alarm clock under the bedding. A uniform sound will calm and lull the kitten to sleep.

Kittens take toileting seriously even at this age, but there is no need to punish if a puddle appears in the wrong place. Just put the soiled napkin in the tray and show it to the kitten - next time he will follow that smell. And then don’t be stingy with praise, animals, even small ones, love it.

The best toys for cats from AliExpress

The third category includes toys for cats, which can be purchased on the popular website AliExpress. When selecting sites, we were guided by the number of stars, the reputation of the seller, the number of reviews and sales.

Funny tunnel for cats VKTECH Tunnel with Balls

Rating: 4.9

The nomination opens with a toy tunnel, which has a lot of advantages. Firstly, it folds up conveniently and does not take up much space, and secondly, it can be easily moved and washed. Thirdly, cats love to rustle inside the product, they like to play with balls. Buyers are delighted with the bright colors of the product. Orange, yellow, and lilac tunnels are available for sale. Pet owners never tire of watching their pets frolic inside the product. They run back and forth, chew on balls, and just sit and hide. For many cats, the toy has become a favorite.

The product itself is made of strong material. Two balls hang inside the pipe - one soft, the other with a bell. Reviews about the toy are only positive. It costs 250 rubles.

Advantages

• adequate price;
• many positive reviews;
• most cats like it;
• colors to choose from;
• strong material.

Flaws

• No.

Juguetes Para Gatos Katten Speelgoed

Rating: 4.8

The review continues with a toy, which is a ball-cage with a mouse inside. The rods are made of metal. When the ball rolls on the floor, it makes a loud noise, attracting the pet's attention. The mouse is spinning. This is the best option for pets who like to play alone. If you need the owner's attention, you can tie the ball to a rope and play with the cat.

The good news is that the toy does not smell. It does not contain small details. Judging by the reviews, some animals are not at all interested in the metal ball, and then they have to take the mouse out of it. Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting that the lint from the toy can come off during play. Overall, the product is recommended for purchase. It satisfies hunting needs and provides the cat with a lot of positive emotions. Price – about 70 rubles.

Advantages

• cats like it;
• the mouse looks like a real one;
• does not smell;
• no small parts.

Flaws

• the lint comes off the mouse.

Crazy ball disk XIAXIANG

Rating: 4.7

A bright, funny toy in the form of a spiral with balls is made of environmentally friendly material. It is non-toxic and safe for your pet. The product is suitable for one or more cats. The balls have built-in bells that lure the animal and make the game more exciting. You can place a plate of food on the top of the toy. This way the cat will play while eating. I'm pleased with the anti-slip sole of the product.

The spiral is available in various colors. There are green, pink, yellow, blue and orange models available. High quality is proven by a 4.9 star rating and many positive customer reviews. Cat owners say that the animals enjoy playing with the pyramid. The toy arrives without defects in a fairly short time. Price – about 400 rubles. In pet stores, such an accessory will cost 1,500 rubles.

Advantages

• bright design;
• made from environmental material;
• cats like it;
• acceptable price.

Flaws

• There are no serious disadvantages.

Soft Plush creative 3D toy Pet soft Catnip Toys

Rating: 4.6

One of the most popular toys for cats is a plush fish that looks like a real one. It became the top seller on the Chinese trading platform. The product has been ordered about 9,000 times. You can choose to order fish of the desired shape and desired color. The price of the product will depend on the size. A toy with a length of 20 cm will cost the buyer 120 rubles, if you choose a model with a parameter of 40 cm, you will have to pay 324 rubles for it.

Judging by the reviews, cats are crazy about fish. The inside is filled with grass, which attracts the attention of pets. The toy is made with high quality, the material does not smell, the threads do not stick out. Externally the fish looks very realistic. It's a pity it doesn't have a tweeter.

Advantages

• sales leader;
• looks like a real fish;
• attracts cats by smell.

Food for kittens - where is the best place to buy?

First of all, you need to decide what you plan to feed the kitten in the future. Natural food can be healthy only when the balance of vitamins, minerals and other essential components is maintained. Special foods contain everything a growing body needs; it is enough to follow the dosage and age recommendations. In addition, it is much simpler; you will not need to cook and create a menu.

Usually special foods contain all the vitamins, so there is no need to give them additionally. To make sure of this, read the composition on the package, or better yet, consult with the breeder or veterinarian. If the kitten is small, then up to two months it needs a special mixture, similar in composition to mother’s milk.

It is advisable to buy food in pet stores, as counterfeit products are possible on the market. It would be good to require a quality certificate - reinsurance in this matter will not hurt, not only the health, but also the life of a small pet may depend on it.

Care products

Any animal must be looked after - its fur must be combed and washed. Special combs are sold - combs that help prevent hair from getting into the stomach when licking. You can comb your animal every day. He'll love it.

Shampoos for animals have a special composition that additionally helps get rid of parasites and improve the health of the skin and coat.

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Vaccinations for kittens - when to do?

Before vaccination, you need to take your kitten to the vet to make sure it is healthy. If a kitten has diarrhea, sour eyes or other problems, then vaccination should be postponed until complete recovery.

The first vaccination must be given no later than 3 months. Usually this is a complex vaccination against several diseases:

1. Feline leukemia 2. Panleukopenia 3. Distemper 4. Viral rhinoracheitis 5. Infectious peritonitis

Revaccination or re-vaccination is carried out after three weeks. During this time, the kitten should not have contact with other animals. Only two weeks after the second vaccination, the baby’s immunity will begin to work in full force.

It is advisable to administer rabies serum up to six months. But this is the case if the cat communicates with animals or goes outside. If kept completely at home, the animal is not at risk of rabies, so there is no need to overload the pet’s body.

Each subsequent complex vaccination is done a year later. The date and name of the drug must be entered in the sanitary passport; many simply remove the label from the ampoule and paste it in a special field of the medical document.

We take safety measures: dangerous places in the house for a kitten

Kittens, like all babies, are very curious and carefree. When the fluffy fool gets into a new home, he immediately begins to explore the territory. It is best to limit his stay in one room at first, and over time allow him to roam throughout the house.

Your task is to protect your baby from mortal threats that await him anywhere in your apartment. What to watch out for and how to prevent an emergency:

1. Remove away all indoor plants that are poisonous to cats (aglaonema, dieffenbachia, asparagus, azalea, anthurium, all types of amorallis).
2. Hide any small items that your kitten might swallow (buttons, pins, snaps, fish bones from the trash can).
3. Do not leave household chemicals open; store them in closed cabinets. Do not leave medications or cotton wool in sight.
4. Make sure that the “researcher” does not become interested in electrical cables. Kittens often chew on everything, and electrical cables are no exception.
5. If there is a space under the bathtub, close it. Sometimes an animal may hide there out of fear, and you will have to dismantle the masonry to save it. Check any cracks or narrow passages where your pet might get stuck and seal them.
6. A kitten can fall asleep in any place in the house, even the most unusual one. Sometimes it's a washing machine. Therefore, always check the drum before washing.
7. Do not place the bed under the air conditioner. All kittens suffer from drafts.
8. When you open the door, be sure to look down so that there is no furball sitting peacefully there. Make it a habit to open the door slowly so as not to accidentally crush your pet who decides to quickly sneak inside.
9. Metal-plastic windows that are open for ventilation are especially dangerous. The kitten may squeeze its head through and suffocate in the gap while trying to get back out.
10. Limit access to the balcony or loggia. In winter, a long stay on the balcony threatens the baby with hypothermia.

As with a small child, try to keep the kitten within your field of vision at all times. To do this, his area should always have his favorite toys and bedding or a special kitten house.

Where to buy a tray for kittens? What else does a kitten need?

Trays, like all cat accessories, are sold in special pet stores. The main thing is that it is made of high-quality plastic that does not absorb odor and is easy to clean. This is a tray and a grid into which the filler is poured. The sides of the tray should be high enough so that the contents do not spill onto the floor. After all, the kitten will bury its feces, even if it pees.

You should choose a filler that absorbs moisture and turns into a dense lump that does not emit odor. Then you won’t have to frequently change the entire filler; just remove the lump with a scoop and level the surface.

There is no need for litter with different scents - it will not solve the odor problem, but will only complicate the kitten’s getting used to the toilet.

The instinct and physiological characteristics of cats force them to sharpen their claws and leave deep scratches on furniture and walls. To avoid this, you need a scratching post. It can be installed in a place that the kitten has already chosen, then there will be no need to accustom it to a new object.

But it’s impossible to attach a scratching post to a sofa or chair that has marks of a small predator on it. So we choose the place that is convenient for you and begin the learning process.

Cats are smart, it’s enough to play with him at the scratching post a couple of times to get his claws to catch on a dense surface. The animal will like it and will continue to do what it loves on its own. The first time after a successful experiment, the kitten needs to be treated with a treat, then the baby will understand faster what they want from him.

Tray

To live comfortably for a cat in an apartment, you need to find a place for a toilet. Today in stores you can choose cat litter by color, depth and size. When choosing a toilet, you need to remember that the kitten is small and cannot jump high. A shallow pan or tray with a recess works best. You shouldn’t buy something expensive or very cool, because in 3-4 months the cat will grow up, get stronger and need a new toilet. The toilet itself needs to be changed twice a day and washed with cleaning products once a week, after washing it should be rinsed and dried well.

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It is also better to resolve the issue with the filler in advance and purchase one that is already known to the animal, such as the owner had. If this brand is too expensive and you don’t like it, then you need to gradually get used to the new filler. Replacing them with an increasing amount of the contents of the tray.

Cat and kitten - will they get along?

• The appearance of a new pet will definitely not please an adult cat. He will regard this as a threat to his territory. To avoid a serious conflict, you need to make the habituation gradual
• Place the kitten in a separate room that the cat cannot enter. He will approach, hear a smell or meow. A few days of such isolation will allow an adult animal to understand that he is not alone in the house.
• Then swap the cats for a couple of days. The cat will live in the smell and atmosphere of the kitten. To enhance the effect, first wipe the old-timer with a damp towel, and then the baby. The smells will mix and the cat will not overreact, his sense of smell will be slightly deceived
• The next stage is direct contact. But the kitten must be in a container so that the cat does not harm it. Let him sniff, growl and hiss as much as he can, this is a natural reaction that cannot be avoided

Everything that happens should be under your control. When you are sure that the cat has calmed down and is not showing excessive aggression, try to release the baby, but keep a spray bottle of water ready. In case of an attack, spray both of them - this will pacify the ardor of the older one. But usually such radical measures do not have to be used; gradual addiction gives a positive result.

At first, do not leave animals alone, even if they behave calmly. Feed the cat first, he has the right to do so. Moreover, he will not be jealous, realizing that preference is given to him. And the baby must also understand who is in charge in the house. Soon the animals will become friends.

How and what to feed

The most important concern after moving is what to feed the kitten. You can’t suddenly change his previous diet to avoid indigestion. Immediately ask the breeders what kind of food was given to the pet, how many times a day it was fed, and the amount of food eaten at one meal. If you are planning a new feeding regimen, introduce it gradually during the first week after moving. A sudden change of food can lead to diarrhea, which is very dangerous for the kitten.

The best option is proven food from well-known manufacturers with a balanced set of substances

The number of feedings per day depends on the age of the new family member:

• 3 months – 4-5 times;
• 6 months – 3-4 times;
• 9 months and older – 2 times a day.

In the nutrition of pets, the discipline of their owners is very important. To ensure that your pet grows up healthy and pleases you with its behavior, adhere to the following rules:

1. You cannot combine animal feed and regular food;
2. bowls for water and food should always be clean (do not use household chemicals for washing, the best option is dry mustard);
3. your pet should have clean water in a bowl, even if it seems to you that he doesn’t drink it at all;
4. teach the kitten to eat in one place;
5. do not feed the animal during family meals.

The last rule is very important for the future behavior of the pet. It is rare that any owner will not flinch at the sight of the plaintive meow of a beggar begging for tidbits. Hold on, this is manipulation. It will be difficult to overcome them in the future. And you will have to put up with an adult cat walking around the table like a master. In addition, human food is often harmful to kittens.

You might be interested in: The Pomeranian is a little miracle!

Kind kittens - how to raise a good cat?

The character of a cat partly depends on the breed, but to a greater extent on upbringing and living conditions. From the first second you meet, surround your baby with affection, do not get tired of stroking him or carrying him in your arms. If this is acceptable for you, then sleep with him. Cats are clean, there's nothing wrong with that.

Play more often, talk to the kitten, treat it with treats, pamper it. Never punish physically; anger comes from fear in cats. Allow strangers to hold the kitten so that it does not grow up wild.

Animals subtly sense their mood and attitude towards themselves. And of course, they reciprocate. If you want a kind, affectionate cat, don’t skimp on your feelings - in return you will receive the kindest creature that will give you a sea of ​​positive emotions and pleasant moments.

House or place to sleep

It is not always necessary to arrange a personal house for a kitten so that it feels comfortable. Sometimes a warm blanket on a chair or an old knitted sweater is enough. The main thing is that it is dry, warm and safe.

But still, so that the cat later knows its place in which it can sleep, it is better to buy a house. This will solve the problem of falling asleep on clean or ironed items or wool on them.

The house for the kitten to appear and live in should be chosen to be soft, made of natural fabrics in soothing colors. You definitely need an entrance, without curtains or doors, to ventilate it. The place to sleep should be regularly fried in the sun and washed.

What to name a boy kitten?

Naming a kitten before meeting him is not very wise. But many of us do just that - there’s still a week before our visit to the breeder, and we’re so impatient that we’ve already thought of and decided everything.

And then it turns out that the kitten turns out to be a complete mismatch to its name. Therefore, first we observe, take a closer look, and the nickname will be born by itself.

It’s another matter if the passport already indicates the name of the titled holder of this document. But to communicate, you will still have to come up with something diminutive from different Archibalds and Richardsons.

The following names are suitable for red-haired boys:

• Ryzhik
• Fox
• Citrus

Gray:

• Smoke
• Smog
• Grey

Striped:

• Tiger
• Sailor

But more often, kittens receive names depending on their behavior, habits or habits. It is stupid to call a proud touchy, and even a purebred handsome man, Vaska or Murzik, as well as a simple nobleman Lord, Marquis or Sheikh, although it is not known what will grow out of a nondescript kitten...

The name should be short and sonorous so that the baby remembers it faster. It is believed that only the first syllable is perceived, so the rest of the nickname can be significant only for the owner, but not for the pet.

How to behave better?

When you bring your cat home in a carrier or box, you don’t need to take it out yourself. It is best to place the carrier on the floor and open the door. By their nature, cats are very curious animals; he will definitely come out in the near future and begin to gradually explore his whereabouts. The baby will explore all the nooks and crannies that are sometimes out of reach of the owner and may fall asleep there. That is, if a kitten gets lost in the house in the first days, there is no need to panic and noisily search for it. These actions will make the kitten even more frightened and hide in a corner.

As a rule, on this day the kitten eats little; this is related to the stress that the baby experiences. Don’t be alarmed about this, 2-3 days will pass and everything will return to normal. It’s better to sit down with a bowl of food more often, talk to him kindly, and caress him. In the first days of the kitten’s arrival in the house, you need to feed it the same food as in the old home, this way it will be easier for him to adapt to the new place. Then you can gradually include new food in your diet. It would be nice to create conditions for the baby to have fun, receive positive emotions, and stop being afraid.

How to name a kitten for a girl?

It is not a sin to give girls kittens a human name - Katya, Lisa or Manya. They have a softer character, a minimum of obstinacy and complete unity with their family. Those who have not yet decided on their gender should take this point into account.

The simplest names for future cats:

• Lady
• Gerda
• Bella
• Kanga
• Aza

The kitten will respond to its name faster if you say it before feeding or playing. No “kiss-kiss” or other sounds should be made so that the kitten does not get confused. A few days are enough and the little fluffy will raise his ears when he hears his name.

Hygiene items

It is better to teach kittens to hygiene procedures: brushing, trimming nails, bathing from childhood. Only in this case these procedures will not turn into torture for either you or your pet. These procedures will require:

• a nail clipper equipped with a limiter that prevents damage to the blood vessels located in the claw (replacing this tool with nail scissors is the wrong decision);
• comb or brush – the set of hairdressing accessories depends on the length of your kitten’s fur; the larger the range, the easier it is to do the hairstyle;
• human shampoo is not suitable for animals, as it disrupts the acid-base balance on the animals’ skin, and you don’t want your kitten to itch and itch as if it had fleas? In addition, shampoos for kittens help neutralize cat odor;
• towel – for hygienic reasons, provide the kitten with a waffle towel.

Hygiene items are not a luxury, they are something that a kitten cannot do without. A complete list of what a pet needs in an apartment must include them.

Black kitten - what to call a black kitten?

The black kitten was luckier than anyone in terms of choosing a name, unless of course you call him Ryzhik or Snezhka. Although some joke this way too.

The most popular names for black kittens:

• Night
• Black
• Chernysh
• Aza
• Ember
• Batman

Black is a noble color, which means the names Lord, Earl, King, Richard, Tsar will sound beautiful.

Common nicknames for kittens

For many cat owners, the name is not at all important; they often call the next pet by the name of the previous one. Yes, he doesn’t mind.

The most common names:

• Murka
• Murzik
• Barsik
• Musya

The cat doesn't care what it's called. This is just a distinctive combination of sounds for her hearing, which she perceives as a call for dinner, a game or other pleasant pastime. If the name contains the letter “m”, the kitten will remember it faster.

Carrying

This is the one that is purchased first, since the kitten will go to its new home in this bag. You can choose a fabric bag or a plastic box. If you plan to travel with your pet, immediately purchase a carrier with a closed bottom. It is important that the kitten gets used to the bag from early childhood and does not experience stress while in it.

Special carrier bags with mesh walls help reduce stress when moving to a new home

Names for cats, cat nicknames - how to choose the right name: tips and reviews

• The names of cartoon and comic book characters are most often given to their smaller brothers by children. How many Thomases, Peggys and Garfields appeared after watching these masterpieces! Adult ladies named their cats after Brazilian TV series actors or famous singers
• Men sometimes show unprecedented ingenuity. If you have a cat, then it should respond to the most original nickname. Scientists, politicians and even revolutionaries of the last century became objects of fantasy. One famous lawyer had a cat named Zherinovsky. Neighbors complained that they had never heard such a loud “mauu” from any representative of the cat breed before.

• Another guy named the cat Skunk for its similar color. As a result, the animal turned into this predator not only in appearance, but also in its most negative qualities - there was an unbearable smell in the house, all the furniture was damaged
• The owners named the black kitten with emerald eyes Lucifer. After some time, troubles fell on the family. And when they turned to the healer, she pointed to the cat and advised him to rename it. When Lucifer turned into Buttercup, everything got better. You should not experiment with dark forces, even if you don’t believe in them
• Try to give preference to funny, humorous and kind names. Thus, you will make a certain message that will partially influence the cat. It’s not for nothing that they say, whatever you name a ship, that’s how it will float

Why are games and toys so necessary for cats?

1. Kittens develop skills necessary for life while playing.

2. The game satisfies the cat's need to hunt for prey and thereby ensures positive emotions.

3. Running and jumping during active play is an excellent physical workout that an animal simply needs for good health. Research by British scientists has shown that at least 10-15 minutes a day of active play will help your pet become healthier.

4. Cats living in apartments, very often, like mischievous children, in search of entertainment, begin to damage furniture, wallpaper, and often get into trouble. If the cat has its own toys and a caring owner who regularly plays with his pet, then the integrity of the furniture is ensured.

5. In a house where 2 or more cats live, games will ensure a more peaceful coexistence of animals, because the animals will take out aggression and excess energy on toys, and not on each other.

6. Well, in the end, what could be better than playing for a few minutes with your furry friend, giving each other your attention and recharging with positive emotions.

How to distinguish a boy's kitten from a girl's?

It often happens that Pushinka turns into Pushka by the age of one year, when the characteristic external signs of a boy begin to appear. To avoid making mistakes from the very beginning, you need to pay attention to the following points:

1. A cat's genitals are shaped like a small dot; a cat's genitals are a short vertical line.
2. The distance between the anus and genitals of a cat is slightly greater than that of a cat
3. By the age of three months, you can feel small balls on the cat - these are the testicles beginning to develop

Experienced cat lovers distinguish gender even by the shape of the face. But this method is not available to everyone, and is often deceptive. If in doubt, show the baby to the veterinarian, he will determine exactly who you got.

There is an opinion that only cats are tricolor, but there are exceptions.

Do not believe that the cat gets used to the house, and not to the owner. The environment is important to her, but much more important is a loving and caring family. Having bought a kitten, we take on a huge responsibility for many years, so this step must be balanced and deliberate. Will you have enough strength, patience, and most importantly love? But all doubts will go away when you fall asleep and wake up to the measured purring of a wonderful, cheerful and intelligent creature - a cat.

Toys

Decorative mice, feather teasers, and balls are on the list of what a kitten needs in an apartment. From the first months of life in a new home, a small family member should be provided with everything necessary for fun. Basic requirements for toys:

• absence of small parts that the cat can chew off and swallow;
• use of natural materials for production. Fabric toys are good. You can also choose plastic ones, but from good PVC. They do not have a specific unpleasant odor;
• When choosing, it is important to focus on the preferences of the kitten, and not the taste of the owner. Often, a pet begins to feel delighted with an ordinary sock stuffed with cotton wool, ignoring expensive entertainment. Its taste is worth reckoning with.

Note! You should not chase the number of toys; it is much more important to devote enough time to your pet.