Cat lovers already know that they enjoy a happy, purring kitty on their lap more than the company of a cat that just stares at you like you have two heads, but the safety of your kitties is also very important. Kittens love to explore, and giving them safe ways to do it indoors is wonderful. Try hiding cat’s favorite toys like a crinkly ball inside a cat tunnel and for even more excitement try hanging a cat wand from one end when kitty is inside the tunnel. Kittens are naturally attracted to movements and sounds that trigger their instinct to stalk prey. Cats are usually most active in the early morning and early evening. Exercise and vigorous play can help get rid of excess energy and keep your kitty calm for the rest of the day. Take time out of your day to spend time playing with your kitty. Kittens don’t like high-pitched sounds like those coming from a squeaky toy. Save the squeaky toys for the dogs and give your cat a catnip mouse instead. Cats are perfectly happy as house pets as long as you give them enough toys and attention. If you are away from home for an extended period, you might consider keeping two kittens for company.

Cats will swallow ribbons or strings, which will not pass. It will require surgical removal. Tie the strings for the cross rods and the strings for the pleated shades; you should keep them out of reach, for the safety of your kitty. Cat’s teeth, like ours, are susceptible to decay and tartar, so regular oral hygiene is essential to keep them clean. Cats climb and then try to defy gravity all the time, and we enjoy it when gravity wins. They need something tall and sturdy like a scratching post so they can scratch it and not the furniture. Cats are reluctant to use a litter box that is too close to cat food, so keep them far enough apart. When you get a new kitten or even an older cat, go slow, don’t rush. Let your new cat come to you in its own time.

Cats scratch to mark their territory, not just to sharpen their claws. When your kitty doesn’t have the ability to use this marking behavior because you’ve declawed her, she may need to mark her territory with urine and feces. Cats are well known for their bed hogging abilities. They can make you cling to the outer edge of your bed while lying comfortably, taking up nine-tenths of the bed. We know this to be true even in our own home. When the cat naps, “don’t crowd me” is the command!

For the safety of the kittens, kittens generally do not overeat so food should be available at all times. There are automatic cat feeders that keep your kitty’s food fresh and water fountains to keep the water fresh as well. Always make sure to feed your kitten a good quality kitten food. Cats are carnivorous and mature at around seven to eight months of age. Before this time your protein requirements are higher and the protein must be of animal origin. If you have children, the litter box should be placed in a place that your children cannot reach, but the kitty can easily access.

Cats can teach children compassion and affection, and provide companionship. However, before you bring a kitten or even a senior cat into your home, consider your lifestyle and your expectations. Then go out and choose the pet accordingly. A kitten will make a wonderful and amazing pet, bringing hours of pleasure to children as well as adults.

Brushing your kitty encourages a healthy shine in her coat and keeps her looking sleek and healthy. As with all good habits, it’s wise to establish good grooming early on so that it becomes a normal part of your kitty’s life. Groom them regularly for your kitty’s safety, follow your vet’s instructions carefully when it comes to deworming and other treatments.

For your kitty’s safety, anything on the floor becomes a toy, so keep floor areas free of things that could injure her or swallow. You may want to have a garden pole so that when you hit it you can retrieve lost items under the refrigerator, stove, and furniture. Special note: I don’t know why, but anything that can be pushed off a smooth flat surface probably will, so put your breakables up high where the cat can’t reach them or in a locked cabinet or cupboard. Remember these guys love a challenge!

Your vet is always ready to answer any questions about caring for your kitty’s safety. Feel free to bring a list with you or call anytime. Remember that it’s the behavior that upsets you, not the cat, so don’t be too quick to give your cat up for adoption if he annoys you. Most cat aggression problems have very simple solutions that, with a little time and energy, can help make your cat the sweet and lovable pet you want.

NOTE: This article is for information only. Consult your vet for medical advice.