These tips on how to raise a kitten will make sure you know what to expect before you bring the kitten home, and will have a good understanding of what is needed for the kitten to settle into its new home quickly and easily.

Your kitten will probably be about 6 to 8 weeks of age when you bring it home, which is a good age to be separated from its litter mates. By then it will be fully weaned, eating solid food and have some idea about clean toileting habits. Kittens younger than 4 weeks may not thrive.

Check that your kitten has received the necessary vaccinations, and find out in advance what local government regulations apply where you live. Take the kitten to your vet as soon as possible to be cleared of any health problems. Ask the vet’s advice about spaying and ongoing health needs, like worming and vaccinations.

You need to be properly prepared in advance and have what you need for the kitten. You will need a litter tray and a supply of litter, food and water bowls, kitten food, a bed and some toys. Cats are naturally clean animals, and your kitten should learn to use the litter tray quickly. A cat won’t use a dirty tray, so make sure the litter is changed regularly. The litter tray needs to be in a quiet place, out of general traffic areas in the house.

Continue feeding the food the kitten is used to for a few weeks to help prevent stomach upsets which are sometimes caused by changing the diet suddenly. This also reduces the number of major changes happening to the kitten and helps it settle better. Be sure to feed at regular times, and let the kitten eat in peace, without interruption. Fresh water must be available all the time. Wash the food and water dishes every day.

You can buy all kinds of cat bedding and while a cat likes sleeping in a basket, a blanket or soft towels will do the job. Take the kitten to its bed after feeding and at night, and it will soon get the idea. Remember that a kitten is still a baby and needs to be able to sleep a lot in the first few weeks in your home.

Toys are essential for your kitten to provide exercise and activity to prevent boredom; if you don’t provide the toys, the kitten may well decide that the lounge room curtains make a good plaything! Spend some time, several times each day, to play with the kitten to create a bond between it and its human family. You can buy a vast variety of cat toys, or paper rolled into a ball, an old sock stuffed with paper or even a toy car.

Cats generally settle easily into their new home. Some discipline may be necessary to help your cat understand the house rules when kitten decides to sharpen claws on your chair legs or swing on the curtains. Your kitten will appreciate a cat scratching post and it will help to save your furniture.

Knowing how to raise a kitten will help you and the kitten adjust to life together and get this wonderful relationship off to a good start.

Do you have a new kitten or cat? If you are new to owning a feline, Cat Keepers is a great resource for helpful advice on how to raise a kitten for the first time. If you arent sure how to raise a cat we have all the information you need to help get you started.