your home
Please remember, that any animal that leaves its surroundings is going
to be somewhat scared going to a new place, with new smells, voices,
sounds and people. Even the most outgoing pet needs some time to
adjust.
Kittens require some special instructions. Please follow this outline
even if your cat/kitten seems okay, for at least a few days. It will make
your animal more comfortable, a list of things that you need to get
before you pick up your kittens:
(1) Cat litter - any brand is fine. The exceptions to this are the brands
that use recycled newspaper (the print is very bad on the liver and
kidney of a Siamese), and some of the crystal and scented litters have
been known to cause respiratory problems. Whatever brands you buy,
consider that the litter serves several purposes:
(a) A place for the kitty to do its business (most important) and
you really should have a least 1 box for each cat (1 box for 2 cats
will serve okay as long as it is cleaned often.
(b) Provides a way for you to ensure that you cat/kitten is eating
and drinking. Litter should be, at a minimum, cleaned/scooped
daily - we prefer three times a day. You can tell that your cat is
eating or drinking by the amount of waste in the box - please
remember to make a mental note of what the cat usually does and
that way it will help you to notice if there is a problem (i.e.,
blockage). Try to make sure that the litter you buy is colorless -
that ensures that you can see blood in his/her urine or stool.
(2) Cat food - remember that all cats are meat eaters - make sure that
the food you buy them contains the protein that they would get from
eating meat. Additives like rice, barley, and others are just fillers in
food and if fed enough, cause more harm than good. We feed (and
require that you continue to feed) the following:
(a) Kittens: (ages 3 months to 8 months) the Science Diet brand of
kitten kibble. We put this out in small amounts and feed it free choice.
It should not be left out for extended periods. It is best to put out a
little each time than to throw out a lot. We also feed kittens the
NUTRO Max moist food. It comes in a little foil package and is the best
kitten food that we have found. Cats love it and its packed with kitty
nutrition and made from grade A quality meats and meat meal.
(b) Adults (over the age of 8 months) the IAMS Adult and the NUTRO
MAX CAT brand of kibble - our cats like and prefer the salmon flavor.
We also feed the ROYAL CANIN SIAMESE brand. Again following the
same rule regarding the amount fed and what is left out. Any good
brand of kibble will work - just ensure that it contains real meat and is
low in carbs. We feel that it is nescessary to give moist or can food to
adults, at least once a day Wealso give cats (including kittens) cooked
turkey each day - remember they were meant to be meat eaters.
There are many different brands of cat food available. If you must
change the animals diet - do so gradually over a period of time mixing
the two brands. Contrary to popular thought - cats do not need (and
its bad for them) a variety of different brands or flavors of food. The
change can cause gastric and absorption problems. So find a brand that
the animal likes and that you can easily get, and then continue with
that brand.
Regarding can food and other treats. Cats have to be able to smell a
food for them to eat it. So foods that have a strong odor (i.e., canned
tuna or fish for humans, and any flavor of fish / seafood cat food)
should not be used. The animal develops a need for that strong smell
before they will eat - so try to avoid these at all costs. At the same time
a cat that does not eat, will not drink - so you have to make sure that
your cat/kitten is eating. You can try human brand baby food
(chicken/turkey flavor); a cooked turkey or chicken, and as a last resort
fish or seafood flavor items.
(3) Water - our cats live on well water that has not been chlorinated.
You will need to make sure that you buy bottled water and gradually
introduce the animal to your water by mixing it in. Half bottled water,
and half of your tap water is a good introduction - and after a week or
so you should be all set.
(4) Supplies for the pet store: - this is a list of a few things that you will
need in additions to a cat bed, cat toys, nail clippers, etc.
(a) Kitten Milk Replacement - for anyone getting a kitten. This is a
powder mix that you mix with water to create kitty milk - our cats are
raised on this. You can use this to ensure that the kitten is drinking
while it is getting used to you and the new home.
(b) Nutra-Cal - or any form of high caloric supplement. There are
many to choose from in the typical pet store. All you want is to be able
to add some nutrients and calories to your cat if they are not eating. It
only takes a little, which you put in their mouth. Follow the directions
on the package for specific amounts.
(c) A scratching post or board - our cats are used to having them all
around the house and are trained to use them vice the furniture. Save
your self some money and buy one.
Now that you are all set with supplies you are ready to introduce the
new cat to your house. If you do this correctly over a period of time, it
will work. Place the litter box, cat food and water into a small room.
You want a place where the cat/kitten is always assessable to you. Not
necessarily in a bedroom as the cat can get under the bed and hide and
you cannot. We recommended a bathroom. Leave the kitten in the
bathroom with its food, water, box and toys. Don't let it out. You will
need to go into the room to feed and play with the kitten often. You
want the kitten to become dependent on you for attention, for food, and
for play. Often this takes 2-3 days - but may take up to a week or
more. You know the time will be right when the kitten continually
comes to you as soon as you open the door.
Once this occurs you can gradually introduce the kitten to other parts
of your house and other pets. Take your time with each room, making
sure that you are in the room with the kitten. Make sure that you show
them where the litter box is and where the food and water is kept.
When introducing other animals make sure you talk to all the pets -
remember there is comfort in your voice. Play with them and hug and
love on them in each room. Let them know that they are safe and that
you are a safety zone for them. Since other pets get jealous (just like
people), make sure to give them special attention as well.
Do this slowly and make sure that you put the kitten back into his/her
room after each excursion. After 3-4 days of introduction you should
be fine to let the kitten roam around the house.
If you have little kids please try to remember that all kittens have very
good hearing and screams from a child are painful - so you have to
introduce the kitten to a baby or young child that same way that you
would introduce a puppy - very slowly and with constant supervision.
If you have any questions, please make sure that you ask. Call us,
email us, or stop by. We want you and your kitten to be happy and we
worry constantly about our babies.
