Animal Friends Pet Insurance | Specialist Cover for your dog or cat

Animal Friends Pet Insurance

Kittens can be great companions. They are a great pet choice for individuals who don't have enough time to train and play with an active puppy, but offer the same amount of love and affection. Kittens are both independent and cuddly at the same time. They need plenty of room to play, and toys to entertain themselves with, but they also need the proper amount of attention to form a bond with you. Kittens require surprising little care, and are easy to house train. With the proper information and tools, you can master the art of kitten care, and help your new kitty feel welcomed in your home. Chris and Elaine Fairfax have made available a great blog on legal issues when buying a cat from a breeder! The information is extreamly valuable, especially if you are thinking of buying a pet to breed for shows! Have a read ...

One of the most essential points of kitten care is to make your house safe before you bring the kitten home. There are many items such as cords, rickety shelves, and accessible chemicals, that could be dangerous should your kitten get into them. Go around your home, and make sure that everything that could be harmful is out of reach or secured, just as you would do for a small child.

Dangerous items are not the only things you need to consider when bringing a new kitten home. Kittens are notoriously mischievous, and are prone to scratching furniture, curtains, and anything else they can get their claws on. Taping some protective material over the corners of your couches, and the legs of your tables and chairs, until your kitten is comfortable could cut down on the damage done.

There are several essential items that you will need to properly care for your new kitten. If you supply the following items before bringing your kitten home, it will ensure a simple transition.

1. Food and water bowls
2. Litter, litter box, and litter scoop
3. Collar, identification tag, and leash (if desired)
4. Toys (scratching posts, fake mice, and catnip toys are best)
5. Cat carrier for transporting your kitten
6. Small comb or brush
7. Flea shampoo and medication
8. A cat bed (if desired)

You will also need food for your new kitten. It is important to keep your kitten on a regular and healthy diet. Small kibble that is designed especially for small kittens should be used and some moist food can be added as a special treat as well. Ask the previous owners what they were feeding the kitten, and try to keep it on the same diet. Changing a kitten's food too often or too quickly could result in stomach issues.

Training Your Kitten

One of the most important things you can do it litter train your kitten. Most kittens are litter trained by the time you bring them home, but others may stray from the normal routine. Always make sure that your kittens' litter box is clean and has fresh litter. After each meal, place your kitten into the litter box to remind them that it is time to go. Also, if you have multiple cats, it might be necessary to purchase an additional litter box, as some cats do not like to use the same box that others.

If your kitten is constantly getting into things, or climbing up onto places that you wish they wouldn't, you could try gently removing them and saying "no" in a stern voice several times. If that method does not work, you can purchase some bitter apple spray. If you apply the spray to certain areas around the home, it will help to repel the kitten.

Cat insurance is an important part of providing for your new kitten. With the price of veterinarian bills on the rise, a simple medical condition or accident could end up costing you thousands of pounds. You could pass on the cat insurance, but you never know if you would have the funds to cover an incident should one occur. Wouldn't it be nice to know that your new kitten is covered regardless of what might happen?

Before your kitten comes home, they need to be completely checked out by a vet. If you buy from a breeder wait until the kittens have been weaned and also ask for advice on looking after you kitten for the first few months. Many breeders are able to offer expert advice on how to care for the kittens they sell. Don't miss this great opportunity for some great advice. Buying from a pet sanctuary is another great way to buy a new cat. The sanctuaries are always looking for great homes with loving families for their pets. Again many sanctuaries ensure the kittens are de-wormed and protected against fleas! Dependent on the animals’ age it is very likely that for a cost of no more than £30 they would even micro chip your new pet. Sanctuaries on the whole provide the best vet car for pets and when you rehome an ex sanctuary pet you will also be given a brief medical history for your furry new friend. They should receive all necessary vaccinations, be de-wormed, and although they don’t like the cat flu shots it is important to have this done before coming into your home. You may also want to have them checked for any existing medical conditions, and have any flea or skin problems taken care of as well. Regular visits to the veterinarian are required during your kitten's first year of life, and at least once a year after that.

If you have other pets or small children in your home, then the kitten should be introduced slowly. A safe room, or area of your home where the kitten can go to retreat is also necessary to make them feel comfortable, and to promote a positive relationship with others in the house. Introduce your kitten to one pet at a time, and then another a few days later. Also, be sure not to let all the children crowd around the kitten at once. Taking things slow is the key to building strong emotional bonds.

The most important part of kitten care is to provide your kitten with plenty of love and attention. Kittens love to cuddle, and are often most comfortable on your lap. Ensure that you pet, play, or hold your new kitten for at least 30 minutes every day, to avoid feelings of neglect and isolation. With a few materials and a lot of love, you can provide your kitten with a safe environment to enjoy a happy and healthy life for years to come.