July 10th may be the cutest holiday of the year: it’s National Kitten Day! Cats are cute at any age, but they are almost impossibly adorable when they are babies. An Eau Claire, WI vet discusses Fluffy’s super cute toddler phase below.
Adopting Kittens
Want to know the best way to celebrate National Kitten Day? Take in a baby furball of your own! This is a huge decision, so you’ll want to think carefully before deciding. Adoption is forever!
Kittenproofing
Is a new kitten joining your household soon? You’ll need to do some petproofing. Eventually, Fluffy will grow into a lazy, lovable furball that spends most of her time napping. However, baby cats are tiny, adorable bundles of mischief that are always getting into shenanigans. You’ll need to take a few steps to make little Fluffy’s kingdom safe for her. Remove or secure toxic plants, plastic bags and ties, chemicals, medication, and small or sharp objects. You’ll also want to block off openings behind and beneath furniture and cabinets, and keep major appliances shut.
Petiquette
Little Fluffy is almost heartmeltingly cute, but that isn’t the only reason people adopt kittens. There’s a strong appeal to raising your pet yourself. Take time to teach your feline buddy proper manners! If she bites or scratches you, tell her to play nice, and then ignore her for a while. If you’re having a hard time getting the point across, blow in her face or squirt her with water.
Veterinary Care
Cats are quite hardy, but they’re also very small, and are susceptible to illness and injury. You’ll need to bring your little buddy in a few times during that crucial first year. Spay/neuter surgery, exams, vaccinations, screenings and panels, and parasite control are all on the agenda. (We also like to do purr checks, so we offer extra cuddles to make sure that little Fluffy’s motor works properly.)
Purrs
Speaking of purrs, one of the best things about having a kitten is bonding with little Fluffy. Cats think of their humans almost as second ‘parents,’ and they often crave being held and cuddled. Indulge those adorable requests for snuggles! Chances are, your heart will probably melt as soon as you see your tiny furball looking at you with that adoring expression cats do so well.
As your Eau Claire, WI veterinary clinic, we’re here for you. Call us anytime!
