Kitten Care Guide

Kitten Care Guide
Charles Dickens, the well-loved author
of numerous classics once wrote,
“What greater gift than the love of a cat.”
A new cat is tons of fun. But, while most
people regard cats as independent creatures
requiring minimal attention, we can guarantee
you that for the first couple of weeks, your
new cat, whether a kitten or full grown
adult, will need a lot of gentle guidance
and attention to get fully settled into her
new home. Although we don’t claim to
know it all, we do have a few tricks up our
sleeve that may help you get a head start.
trained professional (e.g. a veterinarian
or certified feline behaviorist) right away.
While independent research can certainly
be helpful, they are the only people who are
qualified to give you accurate and current
advice regarding the physical and mental
health of your new pet.
We sincerely hope that the days to come
are as fun and exciting for you as it is for
your newly adopted family member. By
First things first – if you have any questions taking good care of your new friend, their
or concerns regarding the health or unconditional love and affection will be
development of your new cat, contact a your reward!
- The Nutrience Team
Table of Contents
A Smooth Landing............................................... 6
Choosing the Right Products.............................. 7
Creature Comforts................................................8
Housebreaking.................................................... 9
Safety First.......................................................... 10
Playtime & Exercise............................................. 11
Cat Talk............................................................... 12
Nutrition.............................................................. 14
Doctor’s Orders.................................................. 16
Dental Care, Grooming & Hairballs.................... 18
Nutrience Lineup.................................................... 20
A Smooth Landing
Transitioning from one home to another can be confusing and stressful,
especially for a cat – they are creatures of habit and can become upset
when their routine changes. What we call the “smooth landing” factor is all
about making your pet feel at home in their new surroundings as quickly
as possible. Ensuring a “smooth landing” can be fairly easy:
DO
Ask for a toy or blanket you can
take home with you so your new
friend has some familiar objects
and smells to comfort them as they
get used to their new surroundings.
Create a safe, quiet, secure area
in your home for them to stay in
when you aren’t around. If your
cat is still a kitten, putting up a
barrier such as a baby gate may
be enough; if she is older, you may
want to segregate her in a room
until she is used to her new home.
Set aside a few days after the
adoption to bond with your
new cat. Your presence will be
comforting to them.
Make sure hazardous items and
keepsakes are kept out of reach.
Let your existing pets get used to
your new family member as
gradually as possible –first from
afar and then in close proximity
when they are comfortable with
each other.
Pick up a few treats and new toys
from your local pet store.
Ensure that the litter box is placed
in a quiet area, and not too close
to their food.
Provide appropriate scratching
options to stop inappropriate
scratching behaviors before they
start.
Give them lots of affection for
“good” behaviors, but be aware of
any signs that they would prefer
to be left alone (a swishing tail,
flattened ears).
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DON’T
 Leave
your new cat unsupervised
with young children and other pets.
 Punish them or yell when they
do something wrong. Cats can
sometimes be very skittish – loud
voices and noises can often make
undesirable behaviors worse.
 Overwhelm
them by introducing
them to too many new people or
things at once.
ESSENTIALS
• Breakaway collar with
identification
• Food and water bowls
• Litter box and litter
• A bed or a box with soft
blankets
• Cat food, treats and catnip
Choosing the Right Products
Of course, having the right feeding and grooming tools, as well as toys on
hand will make this transitional period much more enjoyable for everybody.
There are literally thousands of pet products available on the market today
for cats of all personalities and breeds – but don’t let the vast array of choices
overwhelm you; just ask a sales associate at your local pet store for help.
They’ll be able to point you in the right direction.
• A variety of toys – choose a
few to find out what your
new friend likes best. Often,
cats enjoy toys that mimic
their natural hunting and
stalking behaviors
• Scratching post, stand or
block
USEFUL ADDITIONS
• A harness and tie-out to
allow your cat to enjoy the
outdoors without wandering
• Grooming tools: brushes, nail
scissors etc.
• Kitty toothpaste and
toothbrush (or tooth cleaning
finger mitt)
• An “accident” kit – enzymatic
cleaners, extra litter
• A carrier (useful for vet
visits)
• Window perch or cat tree/
furniture
• Kitty first aid kit (ask your
vet for a list of essential
items)
7
“Time spent with cats is never
wasted.”
– Sigmund Freud
Creature Comforts
One of the first things you’ll want to do is ensure that your new cat has a
place to relax and sleep. This will mean choosing amongst a wide array
of cat beds. They can be as simple as a cardboard box with a soft blanket
inside (after all, as proven by endless youtube videos – cats love boxes!),
or you can purchase one from a pet store in an array of shapes and sizes.
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Although pricier than a regular bed, you can also purchase a cat tree or
“kitty condo” that often has hammocks, beds or caves built into them – if
you have more than one cat, or simply wish to spoil your new friend, it
can be a great option that can also provide your cat with a place to sleep,
a playground, and a perch to observe her surroundings.
PLACE YOUR CAT IN HER
DESIGNATED LITTER BOX:
• First thing in the morning & last
thing before you go to bed
Housebreaking
The golden rule is to never give your new cat the chance to have an
accident in the house. Easier said than done, we know, but if you follow
these guidelines you’re more likely to prevent any mishaps.
Make sure the litter box is in a quiet part of the house, and not too close to
your cat’s food and water. Also ensure that there’s a clear “escape route”
from the litter box area – cats feel vulnerable when they are eliminating
and will often eliminate elsewhere if they don’t like where it is placed.
• 10 minutes after each meal
• Right after active play
In addition, always ensure that the litter box is scooped daily, that there
is enough litter, and that the litter is fresh; it’s a sure way to prevent
any unwanted accidents. Nonetheless, if your cat happens to have an
accident, having an enzymatic cleaner can help make sure that they are
not tempted to “return to the scene of the crime.”
9
Safety First
Curiosity killed the cat – as inquisitive, independent creatures, your new
kitty is likely very curious and eager to explore their new home. While you
want them to explore and get to know their surroundings, you also want
to make sure that they don’t get into any dangerous situations.
Here are some things you can do around the house to make sure they
don’t get into any trouble:
• Make sure any dangerous household objects, such as curtains,
electrical cords or sharp tools, are placed out of reach of a curious
cat; same goes for any fragile keepsakes you want to make sure
are protected. A good rule of thumb is to get on your hands and
knees (literally!) and look at your house from the viewpoint of a
cat. Anything that could be potentially dangerous or tempting
should be kept well out of reach.
• Do some research on common household plants and substances
that might be dangerous to your cat, and ensure that they are
locked away.
• Make sure the collar you purchase for them has identification, and
is the correct weight and width for their size – it should be loose
enough to fit two fingers underneath, but not so loose that it can
get caught or come off easily. It should also have a breakaway
option so that if your cat is caught by the collar high off the
ground, it will release and prevent choking.
• Consider microchipping your cat if you plan on letting her roam around.
10
Playtime & Exercise
Because cats are active, curious creatures, they need plenty of mental
and physical stimulation.
The amount of play & exercise your cat needs will depend on the age,
breed, and personality of your cat. Giving them the proper amount of
physical and mental stimulation will ensure that your cat stays fit and that
she stays out of trouble.
During play, your cat may become overly excited, and can cause minor
injuries. For this reason, make sure that there is plenty of distance
between you and your cat to avoid any accidental injuries. Once in a
while, you might still get scratched – make sure to clean the wound
thoroughly and consult a medical professional if it appears to be
infected or not healing.
Playtime is all about stimulating your cat’s natural predatory instincts.
Chasing
a toy such as a cat teaser or laser pointer stimulates their need to hunt
and stalk small prey by mimicking the erratic movements of natural prey
animals. Other toys, such as stuffed mice, also stimulate this instinct
by allowing your cat to “hunt” them as if they were the real thing.
Scratching
stimulates the natural urge to keep claws sharp; also serves to mark
territory. Provide a variety of attractive surfaces for your cat to
scratch on, in a variety of configurations. Having plenty of designated
scratching surfaces can prevent her from destroying your furniture.
Solving “puzzles”
helps improve mental acuity and relieve boredom. For example, a
hollow ball filled with treats that has to be moved a certain way to
release the treats can keep them entertained for hours on end. By
incorporating food, you ensure your cat stays interested, as hunting
and eating are closely linked behaviors in the wild.
Stalking games
games that allow your cat to hide and pounce on things, for example,
by allowing them to play in paper grocery bags (avoid the plastic
ones!), boxes, or cat towers with multiple levels and hideout spots
stimulates your cat’s natural stalking instincts.
11
Did you know?
While a dog can only make around 10 types
of vocalizations, cats can make over 100
different types of sounds – for example, research
shows that they meow at a pitch that imitates
human infants to tell their owners they want
something.
Cat Talk
Cats are opinionated, expressive companions who are not shy to let you
know how they feel in a given moment. Contrary to popular belief, cats will
let you know how they feel by using a combination of various vocalizations
and body language.
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WHEN YOUR CAT IS…
Happy
Neutral
Anxious or
Annoyed
Scared
or Angry
Focused
A happy cat is generally
relaxed, without any signs of
tension. She might hold her
tail still, or with a slight curl
at the top if she’s greeting
you. She’ll often purr or look
as if she’s daydreaming. She
might also give you “head
bumps,” or rub against your
ankles. A cat blinking her
eyes languidly at you is a
very happy cat (it’s the feline
equivalent of kissing and
letting their guard down).
This is how most cats spend
their waking day. There is
no tension in the body, and
she appears to be content to
watch what’s happening in
the environment. Depending
on the cat, she may appear
to be almost smiling or
simply indifferent.
When your cat is anxious,
her eyes will be open and
unblinking. Her pupils may
dilate. Sometimes, your cat
may tense up, and get ready
to run. When she is annoyed,
she may pull her whiskers
back and start swishing
her tail.
If you see the “Halloween
cat” posture –flattened ears,
tensed body, puffed up tail
& fur, whilst hissing, spitting
and growling – your cat is
letting you know she’s
scared. When this happens,
it is wise not to pet your cat,
even if your first instinct is to
physically comfort her.
Avoid staring at the cat and
any sudden movements to
avoid injury.
When there’s something
interesting to the cat, she
may make small chirping
or chattering sounds, stare
intently, and point her
body towards the object
of attention. She might get
ready to pounce, or start
stalking the object. Her
head and tail will often be
held low, and swish slowly
from side to side to enhance
her sense of balance.
Often, while cats rely on body language and subtle vocalizations to
communicate amongst each other, they will less subtle vocalizations
(a variety of meows) to get your attention instead. As time goes by, you
may recognize various types of meows – they may use a different one to let
you know they want food, and another one to let you know they want to play.
If some of these signals are unfamiliar to you at first, don’t worry – with
time, you’ll become more and more comfortable with the way your cat
expresses herself.
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Nutrition
Ever hear the saying, “great abs are made in the kitchen?” Well, even for
your pet, a healthy lifestyle begins with what you put in the bowl™. Don’t
underestimate the importance of choosing a quality food. Reading the
labels on pet food is just as important as reading the labels on human
food – if you wouldn’t eat it yourself, chances are you probably shouldn’t
give it to them either.
SELECTING A FOOD FOR YOUR NEW PET
When choosing a high quality food for your pet, here’s a handy checklist
that will help you make the right choice:
SAY YES TO:
Animal protein: Cats are obligate carnivores first and foremost,
so look for quality animal protein as the first ingredient. The more
varied the protein, the better the amino acid profile.
 By-products:
Quality carbohydrates: Commercial cat food formulas will contain
carbohydrates such as grains, legumes or starchy tubers. While
they are all a good source of dietary fiber, for a more premiumquality food look for one made with low-glycemic carbohydrates
such as sweet potatoes, chickpeas or oats.
 Gluten
Healthy fats: There are two key things you’ll want to look for when
it comes to fats – first, a rich source of omega fatty acids such as
flaxseed or salmon oil; second, a fat whose source is named and
familiar, such as “chicken” fat or “duck” fat.
Fruits, vegetables & botanicals: Rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients,
the addition of these will help boost the immune system.
Nutritional supplements: While these are not essential to your
pet’s diet, some supplements can even further benefit their health
such as glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health while
pre- and probiotics to improve digestion.
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SAY NO TO:
Quality food will include recognizable proteins
sourced from reliable, safe suppliers. Avoid “mystery” proteins (e.g.
“meat meal”) and by-products .
meals: Plant glutens (often listed as wheat gluten meal or
corn gluten meal) are not easily digestible or bioavailable to your
pet, and provide little nutritional benefit beyond spiking the protein
content of a food.
 Cheap,
high-glycemic grains: Avoid foods made with wheat or
corn, especially if they’re high on the ingredient panel.
 Ingredient splitting: some companies often split unwanted ingredients
and fillers into different components, so they appear further down
the list. For example, they might split “whole corn” and “ground corn …”
either way, its still corn, which provides little nutritional benefit.
 Artificial colors and flavours:
These are added to poor quality foods
with low natural meat content to improve the look and taste of the
food, which your pet may find offensive otherwise.
SWITCHING YOUR PET’S FOOD
If you’re planning to switch your pet’s food, you should avoid switching it
immediately, as this can cause stomach upset and diarrhea. Coming into
a new home is quite enough change for them as is; aim to introduce the
new food of your choice gradually:
Start with 25% new food and 75% old food; slowly change the proportion
over the next 5 to 7 days by gradually increasing the amount of new
food while decreasing the old.
KEEPING YOUR PET HYDRATED
It’s important to have fresh, clean water available at all times. In addition,
canned food is another way to help keep your pet hydrated – while it
doesn’t replace drinking water, it’s high in moisture (about 75-80% as
opposed to about 10% in dry food) and can be a tasty option for pets
that have a low thirst drive.
Ideally, try and keep your cat on a feeding schedule – you can usually find
the feeding instructions on your bag of pet food. If you’re unsure about the
frequency or portion size, your veterinarian should be able to help you out.
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Doctor’s Orders
No matter the age of your cat, it’s important that you make your first
appointment with the vet as soon as possible. To help ensure that your
cat enjoys a long and healthy life, they need regular checkups, scheduled
vaccinations, and parasite medication appropriate for their age and size.
If you are unsure of which vet to go to, a good place to start would be to
ask friends and family who have cats for referrals to a reliable veterinarian
with solid references and credentials. Don’t worry if you have a lot of
questions for the vet in the beginning – we’ve all been there!
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THE IMPORTANCE OF SPAYING/NEUTERING YOUR PET
Having your cat neutered is a simple surgical procedure that prevents them
from having unwanted litters and helps alleviate pet overpopulation. Often,
if you adopt an adult cat from a rescue, the procedure will be included in
the adoption fee; if you are adopting a kitten and have no plans to breed,
you should talk to your vet about the timing of the spay or neuter to ensure
they get the care they need.
Rather than thinking she’s a small
human, your cat views you as a big,
hairless cat that is not very good at
being a cat – don’t be alarmed if she
brings you mice, birds or other wild
critters as presents from her hunting
trips – it’s her way of trying to teach
you how to hunt and feed yourself,
as she would with her kittens.
PARASITE PREVENTION
Parasites, such as fleas, ticks and worms can harm a cat, and can harbor
communicable diseases such as Lyme disease. Therefore, you should pay
special attention during high risk seasons, and administer preventative
medications according to your vet’s recommendations. If you want more
information on common parasites, your vet should be able to provide you
with all the information you need.
17
“No amount of time can erase the
memory of a good cat, and no
amount of masking tape can ever
totally remove his fur from your
couch”
– Leo Dworken
Dental Care, Grooming & Hairballs
While regular veterinary care is certainly important, regular care at home
is also important for the health of your pet.
DENTAL CARE
Tooth decay is a major problem for cats, and oral disease is a frequently
diagnosed health problem. Be sure to include regular dental care throughout
their life so that they get used to having their teeth cleaned on a regular
basis. Your vet should be able to give you tips on how best to clean your
cat’s teeth.
18
GROOMING & HAIRBALL PREVENTION
Whether you D.I.Y. or have a professional do it, regular grooming helps
your cat stay clean and feeling his best. It’s also a great way to have him
become comfortable to the human touch, while allowing you to check his
skin and coat for any unusual bumps or spots.
Although cats are very fastidious creatures and will groom themselves
often, be sure to include regular brushing in your grooming routine. Regular
brushing will help remove dead hair, dirt and debris, and reduce shedding
for a healthier looking coat, while helping you bond with your cat.
Fun Fact:
Your cat can run at 30 miles per hour – 3 miles
per hour faster than Usain Bolt, the world
record holder for the 100 meter sprint, whose
average speed was around 27 miles per hour.
If your new kitty has a long coat or a short double coat (a “teddy bear”
coat), she may be prone to hairballs, as cats ingest their hair when grooming
themselves. Brushing will often help reduce the incidence of hairballs, as is
feeding a diet supplemented with dietary fiber or pineapple extract (also
called bromelain), contained in most high-quality foods, but once in a while
you may see her trying to cough one up after a vigorous self-grooming session.
If you’ve never had a cat before, the coughing sounds they make as they
try to regurgitate an ingested hairball can be quite alarming – but don’t be
nervous – observe your kitty carefully, just to be sure it isn’t anything else,
and simply throw away the hairball (icky, we know) when you find one. If
your cat coughs up hairballs frequently, it may be a sign that she needs
more frequent brushing, or a dietary change.
In addition, it’s worth noting that a cat’s nails should be clipped a couple
times a month on average (kittens’ claws may need more frequent clipping,
as they grow faster). Providing scratching posts also helps keep nails
at a healthy length. Cutting nails can be tricky, so if you’ve never done
it or are unsure on how to do it properly, consult your veterinarian or a
qualified groomer.
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3 DISTINCT LINES TO SUIT EVERY LIFESTYLE, LIFE STAGE & BREED.
Made with North-American ingredients
Produced in small batches for superior control
ORIGINAL
KEY CHARACTERISTICS
A no-nonsense, back-to-basics
recipe for pet parents seeking
the perfect balance of quality
and value
Available in regular adult,
indoor and kitten formulations
NATURAL
GRAIN FREE
For pet parents looking to give
their everyday cat a nutritional
edge
A premium high-protein diet,
ideal for active pets or pets
with grain sensitivities
Available for a wide range of
life stages & special dietary
needs
Certified low-glycemic &
diabetic friendly
Formulated for all life stages
CRUDE PROTEIN LEVEL
PROTEIN
CARBOHYDRATES
HEALTHY FATS
FRUITS, VEGETABLES
AND BOTANICALS
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
28%
34%
40%
Single source
(meal only)
Multiple source
(meal + fresh meat)
Multiple sources
(meal + fresh meat)
Multiple sources of grain: brown
rice, oatmeal, barley
Single source of grain:
steel-cut oats
Grain – Free:
Sweet potatoes, lentils
Salmon oil, flaxseed
Salmon oil, coconut oil
Salmon oil, coconut oil
Basic blend
Complex blend
Complex blend
Small amounts of glucosamine
& chondroitin in select
formulations
Glucosamine, chondroitin,
prebiotics & probiotics in select
formulations
Glucosamine, chondroitin,
prebiotics & probiotics
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THAT’S IT?
Definitely not. We’d love to say we’ve covered everything in this guide,
but learning how to care for your new family member doesn’t end here.
Entire books and numerous online resources have been written on the
subject, and of course numerous local professionals are at your disposal.
If you have any questions related to your pet’s nutrition, you can always
find us at nutrience.ca.
nutrience.ca