🐾 6 key points for beginners to raise kittens・Detailed introduction

Congratulations, new kitten-lovers! 🎉 From today on, you'll have a meowing companion in your life. However, a word of caution: raising a kitten is a completely different challenge than raising an adult cat . Like babies, kittens require special attention to their diet, hygiene, health, and upbringing. If you don't get it right from the start, you could face a whole host of problems later on.

I've collected a lot of information online, and combined it with my own experience of raising two kittens, to help you sort out 6 key points . I hope this will help novice owners avoid detours!

🍼 Key Point 1: Nutritional Diet・Choose the Right Kitten Food

✨ Editor's Note

Kittens grow very quickly and require much more nutrition than adult cats. Eating too much food may affect their bones and immune system.

💡 Recommended Practices

• Food for kittens : Choose dry or wet food labeled "Kitten" that is high in protein and fat.
• Eat small meals frequently : For babies aged 2-6 months, it is recommended to have 3-4 meals a day to avoid eating too much at one time.
• Clean water supply : Always have fresh water available. It is best to use a water purifier or drinking fountain to increase your water intake.
• Avoid human food : onions, garlic, chocolate, milk, etc. are harmful to cats.

🐱 Benefits

• Helps healthy skeletal and muscle development
• Improve immunity and reduce the chance of illness

🛁 Point 2: Safe environment and creating a home suitable for kittens

✨ Editor's Note

Kittens are like children, full of curiosity, and they want to try everything.

💡 Recommended Practices

• Keep small items such as rubber bands, plastic bags, and wires away to avoid accidental swallowing.
• Provide a cat litter box : Place it in a quiet corner. The recommended number of litter boxes is "number of cats + 1".
• Prepare a dedicated space : cat bed, cat climbing frame, to make the owner feel safe.
• Cover up dangerous places : for example, install protective nets on windowsills to prevent people from falling.

🐱 Benefits

• Reduce the risk of injury or accidental ingestion
• Kittens adapt to new environments faster

💉 Point 3: Health check-ups, injections, and deworming are essential

✨ Editor's Note

Many new owners think that kittens only need to see a veterinarian when they are young, but in fact, the first six months are the most important .

💡 Recommended Practices

• Initial physical examination : Take your dog to the veterinarian for a checkup as soon as possible after adoption or purchase.
• Vaccinations : The first shot is usually given at 6-8 weeks of age, with additional shots given every few weeks thereafter.
• Deworming treatment : including internal (intestinal worms) and external (fleas and ticks).
• Regular follow-up : to ensure normal growth curve.

🐱 Benefits

• Reduce the risk of infectious diseases
• Ensure the healthy growth of kittens

🧸 Point 4: Socialization training and character building critical period

✨ Editor's Note

Kittens are in their golden socialization period when they are 2-3 months old. If you miss this period, they may become fearful or aggressive.

💡 Recommended Practices

• Gentle interaction : Spend time every day stroking and holding your dog gently to get him used to human contact.
• Diverse environment : gradually expose your baby to different sounds and smells to help him develop adaptability.
• Toy interaction : Use a cat teaser instead of your fingers to prevent your cat from developing a biting habit.
• When introducing pets to other animals : Introduce them slowly, don’t rush, and avoid startling them.

🐱 Benefits

• Cultivate a stable character and be close to others
• Reduce future behavioral problems

🧼 Point 5: Daily care and developing good habits

✨ Editor's Note

Although kittens can lick their fur to clean themselves, the owner's help is still very important.

💡 Recommended Practices

• Combing : 2-3 times a week for short-haired cats and once a day for long-haired cats to reduce hair shedding.
• Manicure : Once every 2-3 weeks to avoid scratching people or furniture.
• Clean your ears and eyes : Check regularly for discharge or abnormalities.
• Dental care : Practice brushing as early as possible to avoid periodontal disease in the future.

🐱 Benefits

• Kittens are more comfortable and healthy
• A closer relationship between the master and his children

😴 Point 6: Sleep and Regularity・Develop a Stable Sleep and Rest Routine

✨ Editor's Note

Kittens can sleep for 16-20 hours a day, and sleeping well is the key to their health.

💡 Recommended Practices

• Fixed feeding times : Helps establish a routine.
• Bedtime games : consume energy and make it easier to fall asleep peacefully at night.
• Create a quiet environment : turn off lights and maintain a comfortable temperature.
• Avoid excessive disturbances : Don't keep your child awake all day long; give them enough rest.

🐱 Benefits

• Helps the brain and body develop normally
• Reduce nighttime hyperactivity

🐾 Editor's summary

Raising a kitten is a truly sweet responsibility, requiring time, effort, and patience. By remembering six key points: a nutritious diet, a safe environment, health checks, socialization training, daily care, and a regular sleep schedule , you can help your kitten grow up healthy and happy.

👉 A friendly reminder from the editor: New minions don't need to achieve perfection right away. The most important thing is to keep learning and treating your kitten with care . You and your kitten will improve together and build the sweetest bond. 🐱💕