10 Very Useful Tips on How to Raise a Happy and Loving Kitten. These tips are essential to consider from the very first day of a kitten’s life until it reaches old age.
Learning how to raise a happy kitten is an art. These little fluffy companions bring joy and love into our lives, and our guide will reveal the most valuable tips to ensure a wonderful start and a life full of happiness.”
10 Tips on How to Raise a Happy Kitten
1. Never use your hands when playing with a kitten.
Always use a “wand,” balls, or other cat toys. Never use your hands when playing with a kitten. Kitten play is nothing more than predator training, and your hand will be seen as prey to bite and scratch. While they may not cause serious injuries when they are small, things will change as the kitten grows and develops strong muscles, sharp claws, and teeth.
2. Pet the kitten while holding it in your arms.
Get your kitten accustomed to being petted while you hold it. Use gentle strokes as you pet its belly, head, paws, and especially under its chin. This will help you have an easily manageable cat when it comes to trimming its nails or administering medications.
3. Hold the kitten in your arms as often as possible.
Affection is crucial in raising a happy kitten. Even if the kitten was born in a household and is accustomed to human presence, the more you hold it in your arms, the more trust it will develop, and it won’t be as timid. You’ll have an affectionate cat that enjoys being petted.
4. Don’t let the kitten jump from your arms.
Even though cats always land on their feet, a jump from over a meter can be risky for kittens. Gently lower the kitten and don’t allow it to jump from your arms. For a small kitten, that distance is quite significant, and the landing could potentially hurt its nose or legs. Moreover, the next time you pick it up, it might not be as excited, anticipating the discomfort of being lowered from a height.
5. Speak softly to the kitten.
A cat’s ears are highly sensitive, and loud noises can startle them easily. If you have children, it might be a bit challenging to explain that their excited shouts could frighten the kitten. It’s essential to speak to a kitten softly and gently, avoiding loud noises, as they might perceive them as threats or danger.
6. Leave the music or TV on when you’re not home.
When you’re away, cats can feel lonely. By leaving music playing on an audio system or having the TV on, a timid kitten will become accustomed to hearing multiple human voices. Additionally, it helps pass the time when they are alone.
7. Don’t leave toys that could harm the kitten.
Small kittens are incredibly playful and may engage in playful behaviors even when you’re not around. Avoid leaving toys like “wand” toys with strings or any objects that they could potentially strangle themselves with or get injured by. It’s advisable to remove these toys at night or when you’re not at home.
Related: Caring for Abandoned Newborn Kittens Without a Mother Cat
8. Trim the kitten’s claws regularly.
It’s recommended to trim a kitten’s claws every two weeks. Trim their claws when they are tired or asleep, as they will be more cooperative. Avoid doing this when you interrupt them during playtime or mealtime. You can find specialized clippers for nail trimming, and your veterinarian can demonstrate the correct way to perform this operation without hurting the cat.
9. Brush the kitten frequently.
Brushing is also a form of pampering for kittens, especially if they have long fur. Brushing keeps them feeling clean, which is essential for them, and reduces shedding in your home. Various brushes and special gloves for cats are available in stores.
10. Offer your cat unconditional love and affection.
Love and affection are undoubtedly the most crucial factors for a cat to feel secure and adapt well to a family. Give them your time, attention, and gently correct any inappropriate behaviors.
Bringing a kitten into your family can bring immense joy, and now you have the tools necessary to create a wonderful life for them. With love, patience, and guidance, you can raise a happy kitten that will fill your days with purrr-fect happiness and unconditional affection.
