ADORA MAINE COON CATTERY

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How to prepare your home for a kitten

Congratulations on your new furry addition! A kitten will bring joy and fun into your home, but it's important to prepare for its arrival and make sure your living space is safe and comfortable for it.

1. Eliminate all potential dangers in your home: Kittens are curious and playful creatures and will explore every nook and cranny of your home. Look for gaps between furniture, open drawers, closets or washing machine drums that the kitten may get stuck in. At first, make sure to constantly monitor the kitten to prevent any accidents until it becomes familiar with its new surroundings. Place stops on doors, close cabinets, and check the washing machine before turning it on. The kitten may also be attracted to the contents of your trash can and toilet, so be sure to keep these covered.

2. Hide electrical cables and chargers: Kittens love to play with wires and may bite through them, putting themselves at risk of electrocution. Make sure to hide all cables and chargers out of reach.

3. Windows and balconies: Cats are not afraid of heights and may sit on windowsills or balconies, putting themselves in danger of falling. Although mosquito nets can help, it's best to keep windows and balconies closed to prevent any potential dangers.

4. Monitor the kitten around heat sources: Make sure to supervise your kitten when you are using a stove, iron, or heater as it may become curious and get injured.

5. Keep small and dangerous objects out of reach: A small kitten can easily swallow something that may be harmful to its health, so make sure to remove small items such as plastic bags, foam rubber, threads, ropes, and tinsel from its reach. Keep household chemicals, medicines, and foods stored safely out of reach as well.

6. Remove poisonous plants: Certain plants such as common geraniums, ficus, hyacinths, rhododendrons, and cacti can cause serious health problems for a kitten if ingested. Make sure to remove these from your home.

7. Acquire essential pet accessories: Play is an important part of a kitten's life and helps to satisfy their hunting instincts. Your kitten will need toys and a scratching post to play with and sharpen its claws on. If you don't provide these, it may end up using your furniture or curtains instead. The best toys for kittens are teasers, fishing rods, and small objects that they can roll around. It's important to play with your kitten regularly to stimulate its hunting instincts, but never use your hands as toys as this can lead to biting, scratching and developing a bad habit.

Additionally, you'll want to purchase

- Toys and a scratching post for play and claw maintenance

- A carrier for vet visits

- Shampoo and a brush for grooming

- Nail clippers for trimming claws (refer to YouTube videos for proper technique).

8. Prepare a sleeping place: You can purchase a cat tent or bed for your kitten to sleep in, and make sure it's cozy and comfortable. You'll also need two bowls and a tray for food and water.

9. Vet Appointment: Schedule a veterinary appointment for a health check-up and vaccination schedule.

With these steps in mind, you'll be well on your way to creating a safe and comfortable home for your new kitten. Enjoy this exciting time with your furry friend!