|
Adopting a new
kitten means many traumatic changes in it's young life ..
New surroundings with new sights, smells & particularly sounds ..
Cats have a wonderfully acute sense of hearing - far more so than our
own ..
Sounds .. we are not even aware of .. sounds we take for granted ..
Sounds of traffic .. sounds of the neighbourhood .. sounds of barking
dogs ..
even the different sounds of various brands of vacuum cleaners!
& above all ..
new humans & possibly other four legged fur purr-sons ..
| Kitten Essentials .. |
-
A sturdy, medium sized cat carrier (do not
purchase a small carrier - your kitten will grow!) - this
is absolutely essential and will be needed for trips to
the vet or when ever you wish the take your kitten/cat in the car
with you. Never travel with your cat loose in a moving
vehicle.
-
Bedding for the carrier
-
2 Litter pans with hoods, 4 are preferred
allowing 2 for sanitization. Avoid automated litter
pan cleaning systems until your kitten is more mature
-
Cat litter - plain unscented litter is
preferred. Avoid clumping litter as this can cause a
bowel obstruction.
-
Food - Science Diet Feline Growth
-
2 food bowls - avoid plastic as this can
cause feline acne
-
2 water bowls - avoid
plastic as this can cause feline acne
-
A cat bed although the crate/carrier can
be used but Burmese will generally choose their own -
probably yours!
-
Nail or claw clippers
-
Scratching post - 3 foot size with a least
a small shelf
-
Toys!!
|
|
|
| Litter Pan Pointers .. |
| Burmese cats, by nature, are fastidious in
their toilet habits - don't forget to keep the litter pan
clean & clean it out regularly. Please make sure your kitten knows
exactly where the litter pan is located. I recommend that a litter pan
or two is kept on each level of your home until the kitten
is mature. Should an accident occur, ordinary soda water
will do a safe clean up & neutralise urine odour.
Litter pans should be sanitized with ordinary, unscented household bleach
(diluted strength 1:20).
Should a Burmese persist in inappropriate soiling - please
consult your veterinarian - there may be an underlying
medical problem.
If you plan to be away from home for an extended period
during the course of a day, I suggest you confine your kitten to a bathroom or
laundry room with litter pan, water & food - Burmese are
notorious for getting into or creating mischief ....
Don't forget the toys!! |
|
|
| Pet Introductions .. |
| We all want harmony in our homes - we
particularly want harmony among our critters as living in a
"war zone" isn't much fun - not for anyone &
especially for a nervous kitten or a well loved elder cat or
dog even though it may be a little cranky!
I am often asked how to make the introductions - each
individual kitten is different & each cat is different too
- as is each situation. |
- Confine the kitten to a special room, prepared with
food, water & litter tray as well as toys &
scratching post.
- Close all windows & door.
- Turn on a radio for company.
- Spend time with the kitten - family members will find
this irresistible ..
- The resident cat/s will know intuitively that there is
"another cat" in the house ..
- Allow the "resident" to inspect the carrier
the kitten used on the ride home - both inside & out
..
- Wipe the kitten down with a damp cloth - this may help
mask or neutralise the kitten's natural smell
- Alternatively place the kitten in it's carrier &
watch the reaction/interaction between the cat/kitten -
the kitten is safe as is/are the resident/s ..
- Try encouraging a game between the two by attaching two
toys with twine & threading the string under a door
thus encouraging a game of "Tug-o-War" ..
- Some kittens can be "noisy", calling &
meowing when first introduced into a new home - this is
usually because they are looking for their litter
mates. Simply by "answering" the kitten,
cuddling & giving it some attention or distracting it
with a toy or a game will quieten & calm it.
- Never neglect the resident pet/s in the presence of the
kitten!
- Never leave strange animals together unattended - all
interactions should be monitored & supervised until
you are certain there will be no fur flying - the results
may be catastrophic!
- Never leave toddlers or young children alone in with
your kitten - small children should be supervised at all
times. Kittens are fragile & can be accidentally
injured ..
Enjoy your Burmese!
|
|
