Tips For Adopting A Kitten

National Kitten Day is July 10th! If you’re considering adopting a kitten, this is a perfect time. Adopting a kitten is lots of fun, and can be very rewarding. It’s also a lot of responsibility! A local vet offers some tips in this article from Arapahoe Animal Hospital, your Boulder, CO veterinary clinic, serving Louisville and surrounding areas.

Be Prepared

Some pet proofing is definitely in order! Anything small or sharp is a hazard. That includes things like safety pins, tacks, pen caps … the list goes on! Other dangers include ropy or stringy objects; toxins, such as poisonous plants, chemicals, medicine, and fertilizers; and plastic bags and ties.

Expect (Adorable) Chaos

Baby cats are super cute, but they are also tiny little whirlwhinds. Little Fluffy will be very interested in inspecting everything in her new domain, and sorting out what she can eat, sleep on, and play with. Your fuzzy buddy will keep you on your toes! (Don’t worry: that adorable toddler stage won’t last long.)

Shop Carefully

With some products, such as food, treats, and litter, you’ll need to choose things made just for kittens. Clay and clumping litters, for example, are fine for older cats, but are dangerous for babies. Little Fluffy will also need kitten-formula food. That said, if you want to get beds or cat towers, just go ahead and get full-sized ones. Otherwise, your furball will outgrow them very quickly.

Be Ready To Commit

Adopting a kitten isn’t something to take lightly. You’re signing on for life! Don’t bring little Fluffy home unless you’re dedicated to caring for her for the rest of her life.

Start Teaching Manners

Teaching your tiny furball good manners should start immediately! Be firm but gentle with house rules, such as staying indoors, not jumping on counters … and not using you as a scratching post!

Purr Activation

It’s important to make your pet feel safe and loved. Pay attention to little Fluffy, and let her snooze on your lap. This will help forge that special bond we share with our tiny feline overlords.

Expect To Melt

While all baby animals are cute, kittens are almost impossibly adorable. It usually only takes little Fluffy a few minutes to have her humans wrapped around her paws! Please Arapahoe Animal Hospital, your Boulder, CO veterinary clinic, serving Louisville and surrounding areas, anytime. We’re here to help!