Fostering
kittens and cats has risen in popularity during these unprecedented times, and
many pet lovers are becoming fosters to help overcrowded animal shelters. Fostering
a kitten can be a fun and exciting time, but it may also come with a learning curve.
Among the 43% of
respondents to a Royal Canin survey, who have fostered a pet, 6 in 10 have
“foster failed” and permanently adopted the pet they were fostering. Most pet
owners who responded also agree the first year
of pet ownership is the most important, but 64% believe it is the most
difficult, as well.
Whether you’re fostering
or adopting a kitten, learn how to give your kitten proper care during her first weeks and
months with you with this advice from the experts at Royal Canin.
Arriving
Home
The
new sights, sounds and smells in your home, and the separation from her mother,
may make your kitten feel stressed. Keeping the environment calm and quiet can
ease the transition.
When
you arrive home, put the cat carrier in the room you’ve prepared for the kitten
with the kitten still inside, allowing her to get acclimated before opening the
door. Then allow the kitten to explore a closed-off area. Resist the urge to
cuddle your kitten right away.
As
your kitten gains confidence in its new surroundings, she will want to explore
more. Make sure the environment is prepared with electrical wires and outlets
covered; windows, balconies and stairs secured; and small or sharp objects put
away so she can safely explore with your supervision. If there are possible
hazards, a designated room with windows and plenty of social contact for the
first few weeks may be better.
READ MORE: 4 shocking ways pets benefit your kids
Creating
a Safe Place
Kittens
can tire easily. After a little exploration time, give your kitten access to a
bed in a
cozy, quiet place with access to water, food and a litter box. Turning out the
light helps establish sleep patterns, but on the first night you might want to
leave a night light on to help with the adjustment.
Provide somewhere quiet
to eat. This should be somewhere your kitten feels secure, away from where you
and any other pets eat. Cats don’t like to eat too near their litter boxes and
should always have fresh water available.
As
kittens grow rapidly, their digestive and immune systems develop slowly and
they have specific nutritional needs that are different from adult cats. Any sudden changes
in your kitten’s diet can cause digestive trouble, so for the first few days, keep
the same feeding routine as the previous caretaker. You can slowly switch to a
different routine, if you choose, and transition to kitten food suitable for
the appropriate growth stage. For example, Royal Canin Kitten formulas are tailor-made
with optimal vitamins and minerals to support healthy development.
Ongoing Care
Your kitten should see a
veterinarian as soon as possible. In addition to a general health check, your
vet can help you create a vaccination schedule and give advice on deworming,
nutrition and more. Always use a carrier to transport your kitten safely while
in the car and into the vet’s office.
Gradually introducing
your kitten to new experiences can help with socialization. New sounds can
startle a kitten, so be ready to offer plenty of reassurance. You may also need
to introduce new terrain like stairs or unfamiliar surfaces. Gentle play and careful
handling can help your kitten become more comfortable with being touched.
Learn more about proper
cat nutrition and how to create a welcoming home at royalcanin.com.
Photo courtesy of Getty
Images
Source: Royal Canin
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