Tuesday, September 7, 2010

KITTENS!

I just wanted to jot down a couple of tips I have in case you just got new kittens or are thinking of getting kittens.
First of all, I suggest you let yer new kitty keep it's claws. For one, you never know when they might get outside (Accidental door/window open, screen blown out, house burned down...) or trouble gets in (neighbors cat found its way inside, seemingly sweet boyfriend turns out to be an ass, ignorant guests, invading opossums?) so, they'll need them for defense. I highly suggest you acclimate your new pal to having it's paws touched (start slowly at first, limiting contact to only a few seconds at a time. Be sure to stop before kitty gets upset and bites). Perhaps reward your kittens tolerance with a little treat. This will be important because my next suggestion is that you clip kitties claws on a regular basis. I'm not going to give specifics on how to do that. I suggest you ask your veterinarian, but be very very careful that you do not cut too short and end up with kitty bleeding!
As for BITING: even though your new kitten might be tiny and weak and you think it's cute that it's little needle teeth don't hurt you, DO NOT ALLOW YOUR KITTEN TO GET INTO A HABIT OF BITING! When they get older they will still bite and it will hurt. Kitty needs to learn that human hands are not for biting. If your kitten is biting you, gently push your hand into it's mouth. Do not pull your hand away or kitty will think its a game. Remember that a cats natural prey (ie a mouse) would pull away and this act can incite kitties prey drive and encourage him/her to pursue your hand. If you gently push your hand into the mouth (very gentle! This is a tiny creature!!) the fluffball will release your hand. Then stop the play session and kitty will eventually get the message (if you are CONSISTENT) that a hand is not a chew toy or prey.
I feel strongly about these 2 things and wanted to share my ideas. I got these ideas from reading several feline behavior books and through personal experience. Along with your new kitten you should really read at least one of Pam Johnson-Bennett's books. Maybe Think Like a Cat is a good place to start.
As for my kitties...no big update today. INKY is back to his schedule of waking me up at 6 or 7 AM by harassing the others. I'm guessing he needs more one on one playtime with me during the day to satisfy his natural hunting instincts.