Did you know that National Kitten Day is July 10th? Kittens are ridiculously cute: little Fluffy can quickly melt hearts with her furry face, bright eyes, tiny mews, and playful antics. Of course, baby cats can be a handful! A Fort Collins, CO vet discusses caring for your tiny ball of mischief in this article.

Petiquette

Sooner or later, little Fluffy is going to want to practice her pounce on you. This is fairly normal: your pet’s instincts are all driving her to explore, investigate, and attack! When this happens, clap your hands, squirt her with water, or say ‘No’ in a disapproving tone of voice. Ignoring little Fluffy may help get the point across. You’ll also need to provide your feline pal with plenty of toys.

Health

Follow your vet’s recommended appointment schedule for wellness and preventative care. You’ll also need to keep a close eye out for signs of sickness. Kittens are actually very fragile, and can fall sick very quickly. Little Fluffy is also very vulnerable to parasites and disease. Some of the things you would want to watch for include respiratory issues, fever, lack of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, call your vet immediately.

Safety

Kittens are super playful, which is beyond adorable to watch. Of course, little Fluffy will want to hone her ‘lion’ skills on anything she can get her paws on. Petproofing is a must! Ask your vet for tips on this. Some things you would want to address would include chemicals, medication, plastic bags and ties, and anything small or sharp. Toxic plants are also a concern. You can find a full list on the ASPCA website here. We also recommend keeping your tiny pet indoors, where she is safe from things like cars, traffic, and weather.

Bonding

Kitties think of their humans much like second parents. However, it takes time to build that special bond! Talking to little Fluffy can help a lot here. Even if your feline buddy doesn’t understand what you are saying, she’ll know that you’re communicating with her. Don’t be surprised if your heart melts when you look into that adoring furry face. It usually doesn’t take long for kittens to completely wrap their humans around their tiny paws! As your Fort Collins, CO animal clinic, we’re dedicated to offering top-notch veterinary care. Contact us anytime!