kitten Care Questions
Q: What should I feed my kitten?
A: Kittens need a balanced diet that contains all the necessary nutrients for their growth and development. A high-quality kitten food is mandatory to ensure a healthy kitten. At Wildwood Coons we recommend 100% wet food for all cat/kitten life stages. Weather you choose to go with Raw or Commercial wet food, is up to the pet-parent's personal preference and convenience but the focus should be on high quality food. Compromising in that area can lead to many health related issues that start from an irritated gut and show up in various other areas in the cats body. Some recommended cat food brands are Tiki Cat, Weruva and Nulo for wet food.
At Wildwood Coons we prefer to go Raw. Since there are various options for raw food in pet stores today, please do thorough research before you decide on your brand. We love to make our own raw as it's part of the process of how we take care of all our fur-babies. That being said, our kittens are treated to our recommended commercial brands every now and then, to expand their food palates. This helps them transition easily to those brands once they are in their forever homes.
Q: How often should I feed my kitten?
A: Kittens should be fed small, frequent meals throughout the day, usually three to four times a day. As they get older, you can gradually decrease the number of feedings to two or three times a day. We feed Raw food to our Kittens until they leave and also treat them to our recommended commercial wet foods (Tiki Cat, Weruva or Nulo) every now and then to increase and expand their taste buds. However, after adopting, if you choose to start them on another healthy brand make sure to transition them over 4-5 days by mixing up the 2 brands and slowly decreasing the ratio of our recommended food, to your brand of choice.
Q: How can I train my kitten to use the litter box?
A: Kittens generally learn to use the litter box on their own, but you can help by placing them in the box after meals or naps. Keep the litter box clean and easily accessible, and use a litter that your kitten prefers.
All Kittens from Wildwood Coons are adopted out after being litter trained. We use Hardwood Pine Pellet litter over the traditional clay litter because pine pellets are more natural and dust and odor free. We find them to be a healthier choice of litter, not just for cats but also for ourselves as they do not contain the chemicals found in clay litter.
Q: When should I take my kitten to the vet?
A: Kittens should be taken to the vet for regular check-ups, vaccinations, and to be spayed or neutered. They should also be taken to the vet if they show any signs of illness or injury.
Our kittens leave the cattery spayed/neutered and fully vaccinated with health certificates up to the 12 week mark. It is stated in our contract that the pet parent must take the kitten to their own choice of vet within a week of adoption to reinforce and authenticate our claim of adopting out a healthy kitten to the new family.
Q: How can I socialize my kitten?
A: Socializing your kitten is important to help them become well-adjusted adults. Introduce them to new people, animals, and environments gradually and positively, and provide plenty of opportunities for play and interaction. We encourage pet-parents to start their kittens on harness and taking them out on a walk. Your kitten will love it!
Q: How can I keep my kitten entertained?
A: Kittens have a lot of energy and need plenty of stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Provide toys, scratching posts, and playtime with their human family members to keep them entertained.
Q: How can I keep my kitten safe?
A: Kittens are curious and can get into dangerous situations. Keep them indoors or supervise them when they are outside, keep hazardous substances out of reach, and provide a safe and secure environment for them to explore.
Q: When should I start grooming my kitten?
A: You can start grooming your kitten as soon as you bring them home. Brush their fur regularly, trim their nails, and clean their ears and teeth as needed.
Q: When should I start training my kitten?
A: You can start training your kitten as soon as they arrive home. Teach them basic commands such as "sit" and "stay," and use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior.
