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Your Complete Guide to Raising a Healthy Kitten

However, with a newborn munchkin in the house, you need to know how to raise a kitten properly by following a proper kitten routine.

Along with planning a kitten feeding routine, you must also know about their playtime, their time to go out, etc. When the basic needs of a kitten are met, it relaxes and is happy.

Raising newborn kittens might seem challenging initially, but with a proper guide to raising a kitten, things become simpler. In this article, we will discuss things to know about raising a kitten and essential kitten care tips. 

Toileting Spot for Kittens

Toilet training your fur baby is an essential part of raising kittens. Here are some tips for raising a kitten and toilet training them:

  • Find a proper spot

    Place the litter tray in a place where there is privacy and away from their food and water bowl.

  • Choose the right litter tray

    A basic litter box with low walls is the best choice for your kitty so that they can get in and out of it comfortably.

  • Proper choice of litter

    An important thing to keep in mind while taking care of a new kitten is choosing the right litter. Talk to the breeder or vet to understand the kind of cat litter most suitable for your feline friend.

Feeding Time for Kitten

While discussing tips for taking care of a kitten, a kitten feeding routine needs special mention. Follow this perfect feeding time:

  1. 0-1 weeks – Bottle feed kitten formula about 2-6 ml after every 2 hours. 
  2. 1-2 weeks – Bottle feed kitten formula about 6-10 ml after every 2-3 hours.
  3. 2-3 weeks – Bottle feed kitten formula about 10-14 ml after every 3-4 hours. 
  4. 3-4 weeks – Bottle feed kitten formula about 14-18 ml after every 4-5 hours.
  5. 4-5 weeks – Bottle feed mix of kitten formula/solid about 18-22 ml after every 5-6 hours.
  6. 5-8 weeks – Feed kitten formula mixed with solid every 6 hours.

Kitten Playtime

A playful and active kitten is a treat to watch. Playtime is an integral part of the kitten routine. Experts offering tips for raising a kitten say that 20 minutes of playtime 2-3 times daily, preferably in the morning and evening, is excellent for your furry friend. Along with mental and physical stimulation, playtime helps strengthen the bond between you and your kitty. 

While raising newborn kittens, encourage activities and exercises to keep your kitten’s weight under check. Scratching posts, indoor climbing frames, etc. are some ways in which the munchkin can stay active. 

Petting Time for Kitten

An important consideration in how to raise a kitten is its petting time. While taking care of a new kitten, gently pet them for just a few seconds, multiple times a day. When the kitten is 2 weeks old, pick up the fur baby and hold it in different positions for small periods every day. 

However, as the kitty gets older, you can pet it for longer periods. Vets offering kitten care tips recommend that you can pet, caress and cuddle your cat for 10-15 minutes daily on average. 

Kitten Sleeping Time

Among the important things to know about raising a kitten is the playful kitty’s sleeping time. Just like human babies, kitties sleep a lot too. Follow any guide to raising a kitten or look up kitten care tips and you will find that from birth to two weeks of age (till 3 months), these fur babies sleep for almost 22 hours a day. They wake up, eat, poop and sleep. 

During 3-6 months, they sleep for 18-20 hours daily. Once your feline friend turns 6 months, it sleeps for 15-18 hours. While raising kittens, let them sleep as much as they can for proper growth. 

FAQs

Is it easy to raise a kitten?

Yes, raising a kitten is not very challenging if you know the right ways and follow proper kitten routine. You can talk to the breeder or your vet and get to know how to raise a kitten properly. You can also learn essential kitten care tips to take best care of your kitty. 

What not to do when raising a kitten?

While raising a kitten, make sure that you don’t shout at it, scold it or frighten it in any way. This will scare your kitty and it will not be able to bond with you well. 

How do you raise an indoor kitten?

Many people ask ways of raising kittens indoors. You will need proper resources like food and water bowls, sleeping areas, toys, litter trays, etc. to raise a kitten indoors.

Can a kitten sleep alone?

In the initial days, your kitty might not find sleeping alone comfortable. However, if you have more than one kitten, they can cuddle and sleep comfortably.

What is the hardest age for raising a kitten?

The hardest age for raising kittens is approximately for the first 6 months. This is the development stage of a kitten and the most vital one. During its infancy, the kitten needs its mother as it is completely helpless.

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