How To Care For A Kitten

Cats have the reputation of being independent, leading people to believe that learning how to care for a kitten is a simple task.  While caring for kitties isn't all that difficult, the little bundles of fur aren't as independent as you might think.  They do have some specific needs that must be met in order for them to grow up into healthy cats.

1. Food - Kittens will consume only mother's milk for the first four weeks of their life, and will be completely weaned at about eight weeks.  Kittens that are eating solid food should only be fed food that is formulated especially for growing kittens. If the kitten was taken from it's mother before eight weeks of age, supplement their diet with a kitten formula, which you can buy from a veterinarian or pet store. Never give cow's milk; despite common belief, it isn't good for kittens and can make them ill. Of course, fresh water should be available 24 hours a day.
2. Litter Box - If you start while they're young, litter box training is very easy.  Cats naturally want to bury their waste, so they usually take a litter box with little problem.  Make sure that the sides are low enough for a small kitten to climb over, and keep the box cleaned by removing waste daily.  No one wants to use a dirty bathroom, not even a cat.  Clumping litters shouldn't be used until your kitten is older; it can cause digestive blockages in very young kittens.
   
3. Indoor or Outdoor? - This is an age old debate, but studies have shown that indoor cats live longer and healthier lives.  Also, many cities now have leash laws that apply to cats as well; check your local regulations.
   
4. Playtime - Spend time each day playing with your kitten.  Whether you wrestle with your kitty, play with toys or simply pet it and talk to it, it's very important that the kitten receives this attention so that it becomes well socialized. Plenty of play in the daytime will also help kitty sleep better at night.
5. Sleeping - Make sure that kitty has a warm, safe place to sleep.  If the kitten won't be sleeping with you, make sure that it has someplace to go that's warm and draft free.  If there are other pets in the house, make sure kitty is safe from them until you're sure they all get along.