How to raise a kitten

© Helen Krasner Kittens are absolutely gorgeous
© Helen Krasner
Do you really want a new kitten?
Advanced thinking
You need to think in advance about how to raise a kitten. If you have children, emphasise to them that a baby kitten is not a toy, and teach them how to treat tiny animals.

Also, realise that your sweet little baby cat is going to live for ten, fifteen, maybe even twenty years. You need to think hard if this will suit your lifestyle.

Decisions to be made
Learn all about cats and kittens in advance of bringing baby home.

Decide if you want a pedigree kitten or a moggy. Your local rescue centre may well have orphan kittens which need a home. This could be a good option for the new cat owner, and will not prove too expensive.

Being ready for kitten care
Have everything ready for the new arrival. Make sure you have feeding and water bowls and a litter tray – also toys for the kitten to play with. Make sure baby can’t get out; close doors and windows, and block off the chimney if you have one. If you have other pets, introduce them very slowly.

Life with your new kitten
Your new kitten will actually be quite self-sufficient. It should know how to use a litter tray, and it will be able to take care of itself to a large extent. Gradually show it where everything is in the house. If it is to go outside, don’t let it out until it has had all its vaccinations. As it gets older and becomes a young cat, more freedom will become possible. But always be careful if you live near a main road.
Positive points
Kittens are lovely, lovable, and can turn a house into a home. If you have children, caring for a kitten can teach them a lot about caring and responsibility. A kitten may turn into a lifelong friend.
Negative points
Kittens are a lot of work. They can be destructive, and will claw ylur funiture, knock over ornaments, and run away with small objects. If you want a perfect home, don’t have a kitten. And don’t expect your children to care for it all the time; kids quickly become bored, and the cat will be your responsibility think about all this first, as your baby kitten will be yours for…maybe 20 years! Can you cope?