Quote:
I would appreciate any and all tips on things like:
a) preventing material damage
b) creating a great environment for a new kitten
c) feline food management
d) feline waste management
e) general feline management
|
a) Get nail clippers and clip nails regular approx every 2 weeks. Start this right from the beginning and reward the little monster with several treats after nails are clipped. You can also doing any grooming / brushing at the same time. If the cat scratches furniture, it will do less damage while you correct the behavior.
b) You don't have to spend much on toys, but likely you will anyways (hard to resist). Laser lights are fun for most cats, but even scrunched up aluminum foil balls are fun. Have multiple scratch posts / pads around house, praise / pet / reward the kitten every time it uses one (especially at the beginning). If you catch him scratching furniture etc, don't hit or scold, place him on a nearby scratch pad and after he scratches it, reward him with petting etc.
c) Good quality wet food only IMO (grain free), not as convenient, but healthier for the cat, and potentially less vet visits in the long run. Male cats are especially prone to urinary track blockages which are ofter caused in part by dry food. We almost lost ours to this (it was an expensive vet bill). We switch over to wet food with no problems since.
d) If you can afford it, the automated litter boxes are very nice, we have both the catgenie and litter-robot. They both work very well, the catgenie is less maintenance and my personal preference.
e) If you plan to eventually get another cat / kitten, make sure you do some research and introduce the new one properly to the home. Google this online and there is lots of info. Enjoy your kitten, they can be a little destructive at times but be patient and have fun with him.