TARASCANI MAINE COONS

...................................... .................................The Tail With The Cat Attached

 

CARING FOR YOUR NEW KITTEN


Frankie All animals, especially young ones, need attention and care from their owner. It is very unfair to leave any pet alone for hours at a time with no company. If you cannot fulfil these requirements then I recommend an aquarium.

If you are considering getting a kitten, it is always best to be prepared well in advance. You should prepare a quiet, safe area or room before you bring the kitten home. You will need a bed, food and water dishes, toys, scratching post, cat carrier and litter trays. Ideally food bowls and litter trays should be placed in quiet areas so there is no disturbance while eating or toileting, but do not place them next to each other for obvious reasons. I recommend wood pellet litter (e.g. Beauticat or Snowflake). Once the kitten has settled in this area gradually introduce him to his new family. Take your time; a nervous kitten will take longer to gain confidence. Look out for your kitten until he knows how to look after himself - remember curiosity can kill the cat!!

Your kitten will take four years to mature and should be given the best quality foods. I recommend:-

  • Iams Kitten/Cat Food (leave out all day with fresh water).
  • Felix/Arthur's or any 100% meat cat food.
  • Pilchards or Sardines in tomato sauce (not brine or oil) will tempt a poor appetite.
  • You can give your cat a bone to chew as long as it cannot splinter.
  • DO NOT GIVE MILK most cats cannot digest lactose and will get diarrhoea.
  • Give vitamin supplements as instructed by the Manufacturer.

Sometimes due to the stress of moving to a new environment a kitten will get an upset tummy. Keep him on a light diet and it should clear up after a few days. The usual treatment for a case of diarrhoea is to starve for 12 hours (24 hours for adults) and then give boiled fish or chicken until it clears up. If the symptoms do not go after 4-5 days consult your Vet. The stress of the move may also cause a slight case of the "sniffles" and/or weepy eyes. Keep the kitten warm, keep eyes and nose clean and this should clear up after a few days, if not consult your Vet.

Do not give your cat medicines you use yourself, e.g. Germoline, Paracetamol, these are toxic to cats. If your cat is injured or poorly consult your Vet. Always buy your flea treatments and wormers from the Vet they are better than store bought products.

Watch out for electric wires. Small toys, needles and cotton and elastic bands should not be left out, as they are dangerous if swallowed. All household cleaners should be locked away as they are toxic to cats and you should use the ones that are Phenol free, i.e. they do not cloud the water.

The following plants are poisonous - Poinsettia, Azalea, Dieffenbachia, Mistletoe, Ivy, Figs, Asparagus Fern, Philodendron, Umbrella Plant, all Cherry varieties, Chrysanthemums, Amaryllis, Sansaveria, most bulbs, Virginia Creeper, Privet, Lily of the Valley, Horse Chestnut, Laburnum.

If your kitten is on the Non-Active Register (sold as a pet only) you should have him or her neutered. This is most probably already part of your Sale Agreement and will ensure that he will not fight with other cats and will be less likely to contract Leukaemia (FELV), Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), Feline Aids (FIV) or Infectious Anaemia (FIA) from a bite from an infected cat. These are all fatal. You can now inoculate against FELV and this should be done before the kitten starts going out.

Do not forget annual boosters. If your cat is going to a cattery give a booster at least two weeks before going.

I hope you and your kitten have a long and happy life together.

 
 
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