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Ok, so what to do? First thing is to prepare for your
kitten's arrival. Below are some items you will need to
ensure your kitten's health and safety. Make sure also, that
you take your kitten to the vet as soon as you get him so that
he/she can be checked out and be given his shots.
Simba’s Rules:
The little one will bring you much joy, cherish him. - Simba
Thanks for a wonderful website. I have
been all over the internet looking for info and yours is the
best!!Our cat just had kittens and We have never been through
this experience. I have a few questions I could not seem to
find in your previous letters from people.
Do we need to provide any type of litter care for the kittens. I read that the mother takes care of this for the first few weeks. Does this mean she disposes of their waste? My other question is about coloring. The mother is pure black and the father is a longhair grey with white stripes. The kittens (3) were black with gray stripes and two pure white. Will the white ones stay white or will they change? --- Sandy
Dear Sandy, Thank you for your kind words. Your first question about litter. You should supply litter for the mother to dispose of her own and of her kitten's waste. Remember that at their age, kittens will produce small, tootsie roll-sized poops. So do not worry too much about a mess. As for the color of the white kittens. Certain breeds of cats, such as Honey Bears are known to change fur color as they age. These cats are born covered with many perfect stripes that later lighten. These cats change color as they age, and stripes will either break into spots, get blotchy or shade out to the cats' dominant color. The stripes may remain near the legs, tail and head. A dark stripe along the cats back and tail is normal, but will fade with age. Other cats that change color as they age are the Siamese and Burmese. With these breeds, the facial mask spreads over the face and darkens with age. So will your white kitten change in color, it depends, but probably not. Simba Kitten Proof Your Home
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Ultimate Scratcher
 Milk Replacer |
Dear Sara,
If you are concerned for her safety, you may want to consider keeping her in a safe room when you are away so as to prevent her from getting into trouble.
It also seems you have a cat-proofing issue. As you know, cats are inquisitive and curious. They can also jump onto shelves, counters and table tops. They also love to get into trouble. Below is a list of steps to take in Cat-Proofing your home:
- Cords, Windows Cats enjoy batting around cords from hanging blinds. The danger is that they get tangled up and choke. Be sure to either anchor the cords or tie them up out of reach.
- Decorations / Jewelry Do not leave fragile items (vases, glasses) or jewelry (earrings, chains) sitting on the coffee table or counters accessible to your feline friend. Best case you make a sacrifice to your new kitty's exploration. Worst Case, kitty swallows a sharp object and hurts himself badly.
- Garage Unless it is a living area, the garage should be a 'Cat-Free Zone'. Garages usually contain too many poisonous/hazardous materials. Anti-freeze is particularly deadly and is doubly dangerous because of its sweet taste. Clean up any spilled anti-freeze and the keep garage floor thoroughly washed if your cat has access to it.
- Home Electronics Electrical cords are a hazard to cats, as they love to chew and play with them. Consider buying cord management systems or instead tape cords together and then fasten them out of reach. The same goes for phone cords.
- Home Office Rubber bands, paper clips, thumb tacks, broken balloons, Christmas tree tinsel and other small articles irresistible to cats. Simba's rule is that you put away anything you would not want a toddler to get his hands on.
- Kitchen / Bathroom Kitchen cabinets are another danger zone. Be sure to place child-safety bands on cabinets where you keep bleach, detergent, cleaning supplies or personal hygiene products including dental floss. Cats love comfy environment and cabinets provide that. Be sure they relax in safe places only!
- Laundry Room Clothes dryers are especially dangerous for Cats & Kittens. Cat love to snuggle up in warm places. Because of that, be sure to always close your clothes dryer doors so as to keep your furry friends out.
- Living Room Kittens love to climb furniture and drapes. You might want to consider covering cloth furniture with a cover, blanket or bedspread.
- Poisons Be sure to remove any ant/roach traps from places where kitty may find them. Cats love to chew and play with things and a roach motel can deliver a dangerous dose to your cat. Scour your yard and remove any ant stakes or snail bait. See Common Dangers for more information on dangerous plants.
- Safe Haven Be sure to have a "safe haven"within your home when you first get your new cat. Stock this room with food, a litter box, toys, scratching post and a bed. This will give your friend a chance to acclimate to your home and you some time to cat-proof your house.