The usual life changes if a small fluffy ball appears in the house. Future owners are really looking forward to this day to give their new family member their affection and care. However, before adopting a baby, it is worth considering that the optimal age when you can take a kitten from a cat is 2.5–3 months.
- Skills that a cat passes on to a kitten
- If you pick it up too early
- Gradually separate mother and child
At what age can you buy a kitten and sell kittens: expert advice
Bought a kitten
Often people persistently want to buy a tiny kitten that is barely a month old. Moreover, there is no shortage of advertisements from breeders who want to sell animals at such a young age.
There is an opinion that an older kitten will not form an attachment to its owner. This common misconception is fraught with dire consequences. Read the article on our website about how a kitten develops week by week , and you will understand why it is forbidden to take a little fluffy from its mother.
At what age can you buy a kitten and sell kittens? Experienced veterinarians are categorical on this matter. Here are the experts' advice:
- Don't complicate your life by caring for a kitten whose age has not reached 12 weeks.
- Younger creatures are very small and depend on their mother for everything.
- A three-month-old kitten may seem too old for those who would like to buy a funny little one and watch its development. But for a baby, this is the age when he will feel comfortable in a new place.
- Also, damage to the kitten’s well-being can be caused by tearing it away from its mother until the required time. Parting with a nurse and a familiar environment provokes anxiety and stress in the baby, which immediately affects health.
- In the worst case scenario, the kitten can become seriously ill and even die.
If you still have doubts and want to adopt a baby, then study the advantages of buying grown-up three-month-old kittens:
- Most babies at this age already stop drinking mother's milk and make do with regular solid foods.
- The course of preventive vaccinations prescribed for kittens is behind us, therefore, the immune system is adapted to changes.
- The kitten has mastered the rules of communication with relatives and animals like him.
- Fluffy is ready to meet his new home and is eager to explore the space he will soon find himself in.
Follow the advice of experts and then you will have a new furry friend at home who will be comfortable and safe in the new room.
How to give away a kitten correctly
Before giving a kitten to a new owner, you need to ask whether the future owner has everything necessary. The baby will need:
- A place to sleep is a sun lounger. It is better to place the kitten in a box, covering it with woolen cloth. For older cats, a bed with low sides will be suitable. Some pets choose their own resting place, so if it is safe there, you can leave it there;
- Tray. If the baby is less than 5 weeks old, you need a basin with low sides. It is better to choose a regular plastic tray; closed toilets are not suitable for babies. Wood or corn filler is suitable;
- Bowl and drinking bowl. It is better to choose ceramic or plastic. Metallic ones can oxidize food and water;
- Scratching post. When your baby first appears indoors, you should show him where he will sharpen his claws. You can make a scratching post yourself from a piece of an old rug and hang it on the wall, decorating it with movable soft pet toys;
- Carrying for trips to the veterinarian.
The new owner needs to be told about the food the kitten receives and the type of filler in the tray that the baby is used to. The buyer should also be made aware of the vaccinations they have received. You can inform about the habits and character traits of the baby. It is necessary to tell about the rules of caring for the kitten, hand over the birth certificate and veterinary passport, if any.
The new home for the kitten should be ready to welcome the baby
All these actions will help not only the kitten, but also the new owner, to quickly get used to each other and become best friends.
Vaccinations for kittens: age, what, first vaccination when?
Vaccinations for kittens
The first year of a kitten’s life is filled with all kinds of medical procedures. These are repeated treatments against helminths (worms), external microbes, fleas and vaccination. Veterinarians convince that vaccination is necessary, because without vaccination the body will not deal with infections, and the animal may get sick.
The first vaccination for a kitten is best done at the age of 8-10 weeks . The second injection should be given after 3-4 weeks . If all vaccines are completed, you only need to worry about getting a booster shot once a year. Here is an approximate calendar of injections, treatments and what vaccinations kittens need to receive:
- 4–6 weeks - first treatment for worms
- 6–8 weeks - second treatment for worms
- 9 weeks - first comprehensive vaccination
- 10–12 weeks - third treatment for worms
- 12–14 weeks - second complex vaccination
How to prepare a cat for vaccinations? Here are the tips:
- The main condition before the vaccine is that the animal must be given an anthelmintic drug one or two weeks before.
- There is a huge selection of them, including in the form of treats that the animal will eat with pleasure.
- Can be used in the form of drops on the fur, which will not provoke any protest and will be well tolerated by the cat.
If these conditions are not met, then after vaccination, the cat may contract an infection, and treatment will cost the owner a tidy sum of money. Look at the detailed calendar of vaccinations and treatments for kittens:
Pregnancy and birth of a cat – what to expect?
If you are still thinking about the question of whether your cat needs to become a mother, read this section, perhaps it will change your vision. At sexual maturity, each animal begins to obey its instincts to look for a sexual partner. If everything goes well, mating occurs, after which the female bears the offspring for 2 months.
Throughout pregnancy, the cat’s body undergoes changes that affect literally all vital systems. The pet begins to produce more blood, since the body also provides embryos. Kittens develop quickly, which leads to increased consumption of proteins, carbohydrates and all nutrients.
While bearing offspring, the cat faces the discomfort that pregnant women often experience. The pet may suffer from vitamin deficiency, toxicosis and mineral deficiency. If the pregnancy proceeds successfully, the kittens are formed on time, after about 2 months the decisive moment comes - labor begins. At this stage, the cat faces the greatest danger - postpartum eclampsia. This condition is characterized by a sharp drop in all key blood parameters, including calcium and sugar.
In a state of postpartum eclampsia, a cat can quickly die or kill kittens.
Even if everything goes well, absolutely all cats suffer from dehydration and exhaustion after giving birth. The diet of a nursing cat should be maximally enhanced in accordance with the needs of the body. Regardless of age, breed or genetics, you can be sure that a nursing cat has calcium and mineral deficiencies. Constant milk production leads to greater consumption of water, proteins and vitamins.
The most difficult and critical time is the first three days after childbirth. During this period, the cat feeds the offspring with colostrum. The production of colostrum is necessary, since without it the microflora of kittens will be weak, and the babies themselves will not be able to digest milk.
A pregnant cat can be switched to an enhanced menu from the first week after mating. The problem is that owners of non-sterilized animals that have access to the street find out that their pet is pregnant by the fact that the belly “appears.” It is worth understanding that a noticeable rounding of the barrels occurs already in the second trimester. If you are faced with the fact that your pet is pregnant, it is recommended to switch the cat to a diet enriched with proteins and calcium. Be sure to give your cat a vitamin course and consult a veterinarian about your further actions.
Advice: if you do not want your cat to suffer from the hardships of bearing offspring, it is better to sterilize your pet before the onset of her first heat.
Statistics show that neutered, nulliparous cats live longer and have better health.
At what age is a kitten considered a kitten?
Little kitten
Cats remain playful into old age, which is why they always look cute like kittens. Often, owners do not understand when their pet will become an adult. Until what age does a kitten remain a kitten?
- Kittens begin to move like adults at two months of age.
- Six-month-old animals enter adolescence. You should be careful at this time.
- Pets exhibit behavioral characteristics with might and main: they mark space, yell, and conquer territory in fights. However, an animal that has reached sexual maturity is still considered a kitten.
- The development of a cat is completed only by one and a half years. Now there is no doubt that the pet has finally matured.
- By this time, animals acquire not only physical, but also social maturity.
However, there is no shame in an adult cat frolicking like a kitten. If a cat remains active and inquisitive in his advanced years, then this is not a reason to doubt his maturity.
Feeding
It is important to remember that alternating feeding methods is also stressful for a small pet. Due to this, the transition from cat milk to adult food should occur gradually. While continuing to suck the cat's milk, the kitten should gradually begin to consume adult food. Day by day, the amount of milk will decrease, and the amount of food will increase. As a result, they positively refuse milk. This usually occurs at 8 weeks.
Typically, cats stop nursing their babies between about 8 and 12 weeks. This is the first real test and lesson for the baby. Fortunately, the kitten will not receive such a life lesson from its mother; in the future, this may affect the animal’s behavior. After all, the transition to regular food is not only a physical phenomenon, although it is also a symbol of the beginning of an independent life for a pet. This trial should proceed gradually and naturally. The kitten stops suckling milk at the age of 10 weeks. By this time he is still becoming more independent.
When a new owner takes in a small kitten, he first encounters poor appetite in his new pet. However, one important problem is litter box training. After all, kittens that are 7-8 weeks old still do not know how to use a litter box.
Most often, they develop this skill at the age of 10 weeks. When an animal moves into a brand new home, it experiences stress. In addition, his provisions change. All these factors often lead to diarrhea. If the baby is too small, severe diarrhea can even be fatal. Still, this always leads to dehydration, which has a bad effect on adult animals.
At what age are kittens measured?
Little kittens
Metrica is an officially issued birth certificate for a pet. This is a kind of identity document, like a passport for people. Only the metric contains other data that indicates its pedigree.
This document states:
- Date, month, year of birth
- Breed name
- Gender of the animal
- Pet name
- Color
- Mother's nicknames for father
- Parents' color
- Breeder's initials
- Owner's initials
- Signature and seal of the organization where the document is issued
To get a metric, the owner needs to contact a cat lovers club in any city. Before filling out the document, kittens are examined for defects. If there are none, the metrics are signed and certified with a seal. A certificate for a pet can be made at an age starting from 45 days .
4-5 weeks
The babies have already developed their first teeth, they are trying to walk and even play. If you separate them from their mother cat for a long time, the kittens will begin to squeak, “cry” and worry. The role of the mother is still strong and irreplaceable. The cat washes, licks and feeds its cubs. By the end of the 4th week, it is recommended to give the cat the first worm prevention.
Five-week-old babies are already trying to wash themselves. They can begin to be given the first complementary foods - thus preparing the babies for the “adult” table, where there will be no mother’s milk.
At what age are kittens spayed or neutered: recommendations
Neutered kitten
The earliest age to have your pet neutered is 6 months . This is the period of puberty of the animal. The optimal age for castration of a kitten is 7-8 months . Cats grow up to 1 year and it is best to do this when the body is formed, but not completely. It is from 6 to 8 months that this is the right time to castrate or sterilize a kitten.
Worth knowing: It is undesirable to delay castration, since an older animal experiences hormonal changes in the body.
Veterinarians recommend not castrating older animals - from 8 years old , due to the possibility of poor effects of anesthesia.
Conclusion: The ideal time for castration of cats is from 6 months to 8 years.
How and what to feed your baby?
When the kitten is six weeks old, they begin to feed it seven times a day, with special dry food.
Before distributing the cubs to other people, the breeder must tell them how the cubs ate, since a sudden change from one food to another causes dyspepsia in kittens. At 6 weeks the animal is switched to dry kitten food. The number of feedings is 7 times a day and as they grow older, one feeding is eliminated every month. If the cat is purebred, a large selection is offered by Royal Canin, which produces food for Maine Coon, Persian, Siamese, and British babies. Or they are fed with special high-quality food with o, “Pronature”, “Origin”, “Akana”, “No”, “Go”, “Karnilov”, “Nutram”. A small pet's diet should include boiled boneless fish and liver (no more than 1 meal every 2 weeks), raw frozen meat, cut into small pieces. Steamed meat products are strictly not recommended. Minced meat is undesirable because the baby will not learn to chew. Gluten-free porridges are healthy - rice, buckwheat, oats with the addition of meat ingredients and boiled vegetables. Raw yolk and low-fat cottage cheese can be 1 r. in 7 days. All products should be introduced gradually, in small portions, observing the body's reaction. After a year, an adult cat is given food with the Adult symbol if there are no health problems.
At what age do kittens change their teeth, whiskers, and eye color?
A small kitten whose whiskers, teeth and eye color have not yet changed.
Milk teeth erupt in kittens at the age of 2 to 4 weeks.
- Somewhere in the third week, when the baby already has incisors and fangs, baby teeth begin to change to permanent ones.
- This process will be completely completed by 6-7 months .
- Read more in the article at this link , when kittens change their baby teeth, how this process occurs and how to help your baby so that it is less painless.
At what age do kittens change eye color ?
- A newborn baby's eyes do not yet have pigment, and therefore they are blue.
- The change occurs depending on the breed. A cat without a breed will have dark eyes at 1-1.5 months . In an animal with a pedigree, this process can last from 1 to 12 months.
- A cat's eye color finally changes by age 2 .
Vibrissae and tactile hairs are organs of sensitivity, inspection and tactility in a cat, which we call whiskers. They appear in infancy, then grow and change throughout the cat's life, unnoticeable to humans.
Interesting: It often happens that a mother cat gnaws off the whiskers of her children. It is not known why she does this, but the breeders are sure that this is necessary so that the stupid little tomboy does not crawl out of the nest prematurely. It will take six months for the kitten to grow new whiskers.
What should a kitten be able to do by the time it starts living independently in a new home?
By the time a kitten begins independent life, it must master a number of skills. He must:
- walk well;
- eat solid food independently;
- know the tray;
- maintain hygiene.
The kitten acquires all these skills thanks to its mother. She is an excellent teacher of her children, and they are wonderful imitators. Skills are developed gradually:
- by the age of one month, kittens can walk confidently;
- by one and a half months they are already trying solid food;
- the tray is firmly mastered by 2 months;
From one month to two months, the kitten masters the litter box
- they begin to take care of themselves by the age of one month, but they do this effectively at the age of no earlier than 2–2.5 months;
- By 3 months the kitten has fully adapted socially.
It turns out that at about the age of 3 months you can already look for a new home for the kitten.
At what age should kittens be bathed?
The kitten's first bath
In the first weeks of life, the kitten's hygiene is maintained by the cat herself. Therefore, during this period you should refrain from swimming. At what age should kittens be bathed?
- It is best to do this at 3-4 months , after the baby teeth have been replaced.
- This age guarantees that the body will tolerate the procedure well and that mental disorders will not occur.
Of course, you need to perform bath procedures when it is relatively warm in the house and outside. During cold weather it is better not to take risks. Read more in the article at this link , you need to bathe kittens in general, because many owners are sure that this is not necessary.
Worth knowing: You should not bathe kittens with human shampoo - it is best to purchase a special one. It would also be a good idea to check the composition - for children it is better to use a product that has natural ingredients.
Features of newborn kittens
Immediately after birth, the cat releases the babies from the amniotic sac, which allows the kitten to take its first breath. The babies are wet at this time, the mother licks them and later pushes them towards the nipples. Main features of babies:
- Dream. During the first and second weeks, kittens eat and sleep most of their lives. During sleep, the baby may shudder, move his paws, and smack his lips. This indicates the active phase of sleep and is normal. For the first 2 days, cats sleep with their heads tilted towards their chest.
- Weight. Normal full-fledged babies weigh 70-130 g, gradually gaining weight.
- Vision and hearing. Kittens are born blind with closed eyes, which should open in 1-2 weeks. During this period, the cubs begin to hear.
- Touch and smell. Developed because the kitten smells milk, so it approaches the cat’s belly and grabs the nipple.
- Sucking reflex. Very developed. If a kitten is taken away early, the instinct remains for a long time, even when the baby grows into an adult cat and sucks the owner's hand.
- Defecation. The kitten does not yet know how to go to the toilet on its own, so the cat must stimulate the tummy by licking it in the genital area. At 1 month, the baby can already go to the tray on his own, which his mother teaches him to use.
- Leather and wool. Always clean and well-groomed, the skin is light pink and elastic.
- Behavior. The older the kitten gets, the more intensely it moves and shows curiosity, getting out of the box or basket. Therefore, inactive babies may be sick, and in a Scotsman or Briton this indicates osteochondrodysplasia.
At what age are kittens trained to use a litter box or scratching post: recommendations
A kitten is taught to use a scratching post.
Kittens grow quickly and strive to constantly explore the world. At what age are kittens trained to use a litter box? Here is the answer :
- Kittens are trained to use the litter box from 3-4 weeks .
- If the kitten does not understand what needs to be done, you can “interest” him and lightly rustle the litter in the tray.
- As a rule, animals are smart and curious, so the baby will quickly understand what is required of him.
As for the scratching post, here are some tips and recommendations:
- It is also worth accustoming a kitten to it from a very early age, while its desire to explore the world around it is at its peak, and its claws already need a little “polishing.”
- From the age of 1-2 months, kittens are already making attempts to tear at furniture with their still weak claws.
- You can buy a scratching post during this period.
It is important to remember: The process of accustoming to a scratching post is not that simple. Therefore, in some cases, it may take a long time.
Negative consequences of premature separation of a kitten from its mother
If kittens are taken away from the cat immediately after birth and not allowed to feed on their mother’s milk, then they will not receive the necessary antibodies and strong immunity. This will lead to frequent illnesses that can be severe.
The kitten's digestive system may be disrupted. Kittens that have not eaten much of their mother's milk have difficulty digesting adult food; their enzymes have not yet matured. As a result, diarrhea or dysbacteriosis may begin.
There are many negative consequences of early weaning of kittens.
A kitten deprived of its mother's training will take longer to get used to the tray and use of a scratching post. Kittens weaned early do not know how to calculate the force of their bite during play, or how to retract their claws. Such babies experience severe stress in the absence of their mother and their brothers and sisters. All this can greatly affect the psyche of an adult cat, causing nervous disorders.
At what age can a kitten be treated for fleas: wear a collar, use drops?
Kitten treated for fleas
Fleas prevent the kitten from developing normally. In addition, they carry diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to promptly begin to protect the baby from these pestering insects. At what age can a kitten be treated for fleas? Here is the answer:
- You can treat a kitten against fleas using special drops starting from 1-2 months of age .
- After all, the presence of these insects can cause significant harm to the animal even in infancy.
- Of course, the age of the pet also determines the type of product. For very young kittens, you should choose more natural, gentle products.
- Those drops that are used to treat adult cats will not work.
- You can use sprays or drops on the withers.
- As a rule, at the age of 1-2 months, kittens are treated for fleas even by the most humane owners, who believe that it is not worth “tormenting” the animal until a month.
Worth knowing: If the kitten is less than 4 weeks old and has fleas, they do not use medicines, but folk recipes - as a rule, these are natural decoctions and infusions.
Anti-flea collars are also used to control fleas. But it is worth remembering that they do not serve to eradicate existing parasites, but for prevention. if fleas are already present, then it is better to resort to medication.
Important: Carefully study the composition of the drops and choose those whose recipe contains natural ingredients. After all, the smaller the kitten, the more sensitive its body.
During the treatment, the pet should not experience discomfort from substances with a pungent, unpleasant odor, much less suffocate. Keep an eye on your baby, and if he doesn’t like something or doesn’t feel well, then you need to remove the product as soon as possible.
Possible health problems
Significant problems can also arise with the health of a pet that is separated from the cat for up to three months. During this period, the most important processes in the formation of organs and systems take place. The presence of breast milk eliminates the deficiency of essential minerals, vitamins, and other microelements. This allows the digestive system to establish the production of enzymes necessary for food processing, gradually, in a normal manner. A kitten that begins to eat regular food before the age of three months may experience various disruptions in the gastrointestinal tract. This often becomes the cause of chronic diseases.
It is known that cats have good health; their bodies cope with many diseases on their own, without medical help. These qualities are ensured by the strong immunity that nature provides to animals. The body of a newborn kitten is practically deprived of this natural defense and cannot produce antibodies to fight pathogenic microbes and bacteria. They come to babies from mother's milk. If kittens are deprived of this source too early, immunity does not have time to form and strengthen. Consequently, a favorable environment is created for the development of infections and inflammations.
Veterinary pharmacology includes vaccinations to strengthen the natural defense system. But they can only be done at 2 months. After this, the kitten remains defenseless against these aggressors for some time; it still requires help in the form of mother's milk. Therefore, babies who were taken before three months often get sick.
At what age do kittens start walking?
The kitten is already starting to walk.
From birth, kittens are absolutely helpless and are not able to move independently. But at what age do kittens begin to walk? Here is the answer:
- 5-10 days after birth, the animal’s sensory abilities increase, and it begins to develop its front legs.
- Closer to the 10th day , the kittens' eyes open, which gives them a sense of orientation in space.
- In the future, babies will continue to develop sensory abilities. Thanks to the organs of touch and hearing, the kitten will achieve the ability to navigate in space, which will contribute to confidently standing on its paws.
- Within two weeks the baby will feel confident and will even try to jump.
From this moment we can assume that the kitten actually began to walk. With practice, the ability to walk will improve, and already 20-25 days after birth, the kitten’s ability to walk will approach the skills of an adult.
Proper feeding of a cat in the first days after birth
Immediately after giving birth, the cat may refuse to eat. If your pet does not eat well in the first few hours after giving birth, this condition can be considered normal. You need to be wary if your cat refuses water. Try offering your pet a warm drink, low-fat broth or fermented milk products. If you give water, it is advisable to add a little salt and sugar to it.
When preparing for the birth of a cat, it is better to buy a rehydron solution, which retains fluid in the body. It quickly and effectively helps in case of severe dehydration.
If after giving birth the cat refuses to drink and has a fever, consult a doctor immediately - these are the first signs of eclampsia.
The diet of a nursing cat provides for its special needs. It is not recommended to feed a young mother with simple food, especially with economy-class dry food. If your pet is accustomed to commercial food, it is better to consult a veterinarian for advice and selection of the optimal product. Many manufacturers produce special food for nursing cats, which enhances lactation and contains increased amounts of proteins and vitamins.
With a natural diet, in the first three days, it is recommended to give the cat only soft food. It is advisable to boil meat products, chop them and dilute them with broth. For the entire period while the cat feeds the kittens with colostrum, dairy products should be a priority.
To stimulate a cat's appetite, food needs to be heated.
By the third day, most cats can eat normally and are introduced to familiar foods. Changes should affect the frequency of feeding. In the last stages of pregnancy, the cat is physically unable to eat enough food at one time and must be switched to fractional feeding. Immediately after giving birth, it is also recommended to feed the cat in small portions, but often, 3-5 times a day.
Anti-worming medications for kittens: at what age are kittens dewormed?
Anti-worm medications for kittens
Worms for animals cause many problems with health and well-being. Therefore, they need to be removed in a timely manner, and it is better to do prevention. At what age are kittens dewormed? Answer:
- You can fight helminths as early as three weeks of age.
- However, drugs must be labeled accordingly. If there is no inscription “for kittens” , then this product can only be used at one and a half to two months.
- Kittens should not be wormed often - once every three months will be enough.
The most popular medications for kittens against worms:
- Tablets: Milbemax, Drontal, Prazitel, Dirofen. Despite the fact that the tablet form is more difficult for animals to consume. Veterinarians recommend it, since the tablets contain a higher concentration of active substances. You can crush the tablet and put the powder in the kitten's food or directly in the mouth. But then you need to give it a drink, for example, from a syringe without a needle.
- Suspension : Prasitel, Prazicide, Dirofen and Febtal combo. Convenient form for reception. In liquid form, you can give the product using a special dispenser, which is included in the package, or using the same syringe without a needle.
- Drops : Drontsit, Profender, Stronghold, Prazicide. Used as a preventive measure.
It is important to consider: How often does your kitten go outside (and whether it does), how often does it communicate with other animals. If your pet is always at home and there are no other animals in the apartment, deworming can be done less often.
Food products are also taken into account. In some cases, deworming medication is used more often than once every 3-4 months, if the animal eats offal, raw minced meat, etc. But a kitten can become infected with worms even before birth - from its mother cat. The drug should be chosen according to age and weight. As a rule, most products are available in both an “adult” version and a “children’s” version (for kittens).
Advice: Give preference to natural preparations.
Why was this age chosen?
There are two main factors to consider when deciding when to separate a kitten from its mother:
- The kitten should be young enough to easily get used to its new home. Kittens will take much less time to get used to new surroundings and new people while they are young. Their brains are developing and it is easier for them to perceive everything new. They don’t yet have many memories of the place where they were born, so having received a lot of love and care in their new home, they can easily survive parting with their mother. In fact, there is no specific point in time when kittens or cats can no longer adjust to a new home. With enough time and proper care and taking into account their personalities when caring, even old cats can become beloved pets and wonderful friends for new owners. However, as a general rule, the younger the cat, the faster and easier it is to form a cat-human bond.
- The kitten needs to spend enough time with its mother and siblings to learn "cat etiquette." The behavior of cats is determined by several factors. Some behavior patterns are entirely based on instincts. Others are laid down by training. Some are related to both instinct and acquired experience. The best teacher for a kitten is a mother cat . Some kittens will instinctively pick up positive behaviors, but others need their mother to set an example. Additionally, interactions with mom and with their siblings help establish their ability to socialize with other cats later in their lives. For a cat to acquire good cat manners, they must spend several weeks playing and interacting with their siblings. In this way they learn to control and regulate biting and scratching, for example during play.
Until what age does a cat take care of a kitten: facts
The cat takes care of the kitten
Kittens, like any children, are always very dependent on their mother, but at some point, they still need to become independent. Until what age does a cat take care of a kitten?
- During the time when babies are socializing ( from 1 to 3 weeks ), they develop a sense of family connection. They understand that they need to repeat everything after their mother, but there are also people with whom it is also interesting and fun.
- Also at this time, the role of the cat increases not only as a mother, but as a teacher and mentor.
- Using games and communication, the mother builds the behavior of her children and teaches them to hunt.
In the subsequent stage of socialization, from approximately 3 to 8 weeks , the final formation of self-care skills and the instillation of cleanliness occurs. Although the kittens may seem to be on their own, separating kittens from their mother is not the best option.
Worth knowing: Closer to 12-16 weeks, kittens become much more independent, and the cat stops taking care of them, and this is already a proven fact by many owners of these cute animals.
What socialization skills are desirable for trouble-free adaptation to new conditions?
Physiological indicators are, of course, of great importance for independent living. In a cat family, while playing with its brothers and sisters, the kitten strengthens its muscles, learns to control its body, and acquires fighting and defense skills. Mother teaches kittens to hunt.
The mother will also teach the kitten to hunt
But socialization skills are no less important, because the baby will live with people in the future. The mother also teaches this to the kitten; the baby repeats after her what she does. A cat that lives with people teaches kittens how to communicate with humans and accustoms babies to the litter box.
When my cat’s kittens grew a little older and it was time for the first feeding, I fed them separately, since the diet and consistency of the food was different from what I gave to adult cats (I had three of them). But the time has come to bring the kids “to the common table.” Usually, when I go out with food, the cats are already waiting for me at the door, lined up in a row (there’s no other way to say it), and then they all run together to the place where I give them food. I noticed that at first the kittens were minding their own business at this time, and in order for them to eat, I had to pick each one up and carry them to the “common table.” But after a week there was no longer any need to do this. They joined the general ranks and, with loud meows, caught up with their older relatives (or even ran ahead of everyone).
Kittens that grow up with their mother in a “human” family are not afraid of people, do not run away when they hear a person’s steps, and are calm when they are picked up or stroked. In all these moments they also follow the example of their mother.
One day I picked up a kitten from the street. He looked about a month and a half old. I don’t know where and how long he wandered before this. I was able to pick him up only because he was simply exhausted. This baby, after warming up and eating a little, crawled under the bed into an inaccessible corner. It took me almost a month to accustom him to myself a little. The concept of “tray” was not in his vocabulary; the best I could do was teach him to use a disposable diaper placed in his favorite place. In general, when he got used to it a little, he went to live in the yard with the rest of my pets, but he never joined the general “flock”. He found a place for himself in the barn and came only at feeding time. Apparently, this was the “child” of a street cat, who was also left without a mother at an early age, which left an imprint on his behavior and attitude towards people.
At what age can a kitten’s claws be trimmed: recommendations
Kitten's nails are trimmed
Long nails are a nuisance to any pet. In addition, they can break, damaging the tip of the paw, and this is already dangerous, since an infection can get inside the body. At what age can a kitten's nails be trimmed? Answer:
- This can be done starting from 4 months . At this time, they are already beginning to interfere with the cat’s ability to run and move actively.
- The formation of claws begins much earlier - from 4-8 weeks of life , and if there is a possibility that the cub may be injured due to the length of its claws, you can begin the procedure much earlier than the deadline.
- At a younger age, kittens' claws are fragile, so they do not cause significant harm, but they can interfere and injure the paws if the animal accidentally gets caught on something.
Of course, you should also pay attention to how quickly the claws grow. After all, some animals' claws grow faster, while others grow slower. It is best to trim once or twice a month.
Important recommendation: When carrying out the first haircut, you should pay attention to accustoming your pet to the procedure, calming it down and encouraging it with treats.
Vitamins and nutrition
What else is missing for the full development of a pet? To raise a healthy, active cat with a good appetite and silky coat, you need vitamins and minerals.
When choosing a drug at a veterinary pharmacy, it is better to first consult with a doctor. He will tell you the name of the product and possible contraindications.
The components in medications may coincide, which leads to hypervitaminosis (excess vitamins in the body). It’s easy to avoid this by studying the composition on the packaging.
The most popular supplement for kittens 1 - 1.5 months old is fish oil. The liquid from the capsule can be mixed with food, feeding the pet 2 times a week.
Among natural products, kittens will be happy to try fresh herbs (in combination with cottage cheese), apples (ground to a puree), and cucumbers. The frequency of feeding is the same - no more than 2 times over 7 days. Bran is limited in the diet, at least until 4 months of age.
At what age do kittens open their eyes?
A grown-up kitten with long-open eyes
Not every cat owner knows the characteristics of their pet’s body. Especially beginners cannot even answer such a question as opening the eyes of a kitten. Let's try to clarify the situation.
Experienced owners, based on their expertise, know that kittens open their eyes 7-20 days after birth . It all depends on the characteristics of the cat breed:
- The Sphinxes are considered to be leaders in this matter . There have been cases of these kittens being born with their eyes already open. Basically, on the third day, sphinxes already confidently look into the eyes of everyone around them.
- Next in line are representatives of Siamese, Thai and Siberian breeds . These include the British and Scots . The period of eye opening in such kittens occurs from the fifth to the tenth day.
- In last place are kittens of the Ragdoll . They open their eyes around 21 days after birth.
Worth knowing: Cats do not finally gain sight at the moment they open their eyes. They become fully sighted 5-8 days after they open their eyes.
Question answer
The cat pushes the kittens away and does not allow them to suckle
This is observed if a nursing female has problems with the mammary gland, or when the mother cat herself decided to wean her offspring from breastfeeding. It is necessary to examine the cat's mammary glands. If there are no signs of disease, and the kittens are still not allowed to breastfeed, you should somewhat speed up the process of switching to solid food. It is necessary to ensure that the cat does not injure the kittens in the process of driving them away. It is better to seat them in different sleeping places yourself.
The cause may be a foreign smell from kittens. If babies are often held in your arms, have been stroked by hands after washing with strong-smelling soap, or their fur has absorbed the smell of perfume when cuddling them to the chest, the cat will not let them near you. It is necessary to put the kittens in their usual sleeping place so that they are “saturated” with the usual cat smell and everything will fall into place.
If kittens stop eating solid food after weaning
Perhaps this is how post-weaning stress manifests itself. It is necessary to be patient when starting to feed the kittens again with milk (from a syringe or saucer yourself), starting to introduce complementary foods with minimal portions.
The cat is looking for kittens after weaning and distribution
Weaning doesn't just take its toll on the kittens—cats are also stressed about losing their babies. Ideally, a cat is always left with one kitten until lactation completely subsides. If this is not possible, you can try two options - placing a toy in the sleeping area or distracting the cat at the moment when she begins to walk around the house and meow, clearly inviting her babies (give a treat, play, pick up, stroke, let out). and so on.). It takes time and patience from the owners until the cat gets used to being alone.
It is also advisable to replace the bedding in the sleeping box and move (or completely remove) it to another place.
After the kittens were weaned, feces began to be found everywhere.
While the babies are small and feed only on milk, the mother cat licks their tummy after eating, doing a kind of massage and licking the excreted primary feces and urine. Obviously, after switching to adult food, kittens' feces become more and more formed and look like adults. The cat no longer eats it. The period begins when kittens are trained to use the tray. If after some time you put the babies in the tray and wait for them to do their “natural” business, the feces will no longer be detected.
Month one
Just like human children, little kittens have very poor vision in the first days of their lives. However, by the end of the first week, many changes occur: the first undercoat appears, the kittens make their first hesitant movements, and sometimes they can crawl 30 or even 50 cm towards their mother.
By the end of the second week, kittens are still sleeping a lot, but they are starting to have periods of wakefulness. The animals still walk very unsteadily, but they train every day. During this period, babies are not ready to switch to other foods, and therefore mother’s milk remains their only nutritional option. The number of meals decreases, but the need for milk volume increases.
Owners need to monitor the mother cat’s quality nutrition so that all her kittens have enough milk. Approximately on the 14-16th day after birth, the cat’s eyes open well. In addition, his hearing improves significantly. The animal can hear and respond to the purring of its mother and respond to her call.
At 3 weeks, kittens can already hear and see very well, in fact, the same as adults. Their weight is approximately 350-450 g, and the first milk teeth begin to appear. Their activity is increasing. About a third of the day is waking time. They try to jump and run, but their orientation in space is still quite poor and they can get lost if they are placed in an unknown place.
At 3 weeks, kittens begin to look outside their “house”, so they often fall out of the box. It is worth making sure that there are no dangerous objects nearby that could injure the baby.
At 4 weeks (1 month), cats need socialization. In order for an animal to grow up well-mannered, you need to be in constant contact with it: talk, stroke, play. During this period, cats put out their nails for the first time, trying to protect themselves from people or falling or unfamiliar objects. The animal becomes very curious and plays a lot. This is a great time to teach your baby to use the litter box.
Veterinarians strictly prohibit separating the kitten from its mother during this period. He still really needs breast milk, because it is the most balanced for this period of development. Separation from the mother causes a strong psychological shock for the animal, which in turn provokes various digestive disorders and a sharp decrease in the immune system. A one-month-old kitten, left without a mother, begins to suffer from viral diseases.
Optimal age to move
Kittens are often purchased through online advertisements. Thoroughbreds are offered starting from 3 months of age. There are often offers to adopt 5-7 month old kittens. Pseudo-pedigree animals without documents of origin are sold as early as 3-4 weeks of age. Kittens from 3 weeks old are placed in “good hands” for free. Usually these are kittens from domestic and outdoor cats whose owners for some reason did not neuter.
At what age is it better to take a kitten home is an important question. Professional breeders claim that at 3-4 months the kitten is completely independent of the cat: it licks itself clean, knows the litter box, uses a scratching post following the example of its mother, eats and plays independently. The main thing is that the cat no longer feeds the kitten with her milk. The restructuring of the gastrointestinal tract was smooth and natural, the kitten switched to “adult” nutrition without stress. He is not afraid of people, plays with pleasure and cuddles up to them.
The baby, previously separated from his mother, suffers without her milk. It is difficult for him to digest industrial feed or natural food, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and refusal to eat. He doesn't know how to lick himself or wash his paws. Because of this, his eyes may become sour and respiratory diseases often occur. Such a kitten is still poorly oriented in space and is not able to use the tray - it simply does not remember where it is. By relieving itself in different places, the kitten gets used to uncleanliness, and this habit is difficult to break. When a kitten has a need to sharpen its claws, it will satisfy it using the owner's sofa, wallpaper or doors, because there is no one to show it to the scratching post.
Note! It is optimal to adopt a kitten at 3-5 months: with vaccinations, treated for parasites and socialized. At older ages, kittens are usually taken from breeders
These kittens attend exhibitions from 10 weeks, receive diplomas and are prepared for an exhibition career and breeding. The cost of an exhibition animal is much higher than the price of a kitten without diplomas and titles. A kitten that is unsuitable for exhibitions and breeding is usually already neutered at this age, and breeders sell it for a low price. A neutered purebred kitten is an excellent solution for those who want a pet from healthy producers that meets breed standards, but do not plan to breed
At older ages, kittens are usually taken from breeders. These kittens attend exhibitions from 10 weeks, receive diplomas and are prepared for an exhibition career and breeding. The cost of an exhibition animal is much higher than the price of a kitten without diplomas and titles. A kitten that is unsuitable for exhibitions and breeding is usually already neutered at this age, and breeders sell it for a low price. A castrated purebred kitten is an excellent solution for those who want a pet from healthy producers that meets breed standards, but do not plan to breed.
Two to three months
As a rule, a two-month-old kitten is already able to cope with moving to a new family and getting to know a new environment. The baby can now be switched to natural products or dry food without significant harm to its health.
Vaccination
This age is largely a turning point due to the fact that it is between two and three months that the kitten undergoes its first vaccination.
Respectable breeders warn the buyer in advance whether the kitten requires any vaccinations and whether they have been given previously
Mandatory vaccinations include vaccinations against the following diseases:
- calcivirosis;
- panleukopenia (or plague);
- rhinotracheitis;
- rabies.
In addition to these diseases, the breeder can also include others at his discretion.
Vaccination schedule
As a rule, vaccination requires a certain age of the kitten and strict intervals between which the procedure must be repeated:
- the first “approach” is made at 8 weeks or two months. By this time, the kitten is strong enough to undergo vaccination without weakening. At this age, the kitten is vaccinated against all the diseases mentioned above, except for rabies;
- at four months the kitten goes through all the same vaccines again, now including rabies;
- at five months the same vaccinations are repeated as at four months.
Vaccination schedule for kittens from birth to one year
Subsequently, the pet will need to be vaccinated annually so that the body does not have time to lose the developed immunity.
Features of vaccination
A natural question may arise: “Why can’t I take the kitten to the veterinarian for vaccination and take it home?” Of course it's possible. Moreover, some owners do exactly this, buying a kitten at two months of age.
Vaccination temporarily weakens the kitten and makes it vulnerable to various diseases.
However, when taking such a step, it is necessary to be aware of the responsibility that the future owner of the animal places on his shoulders:
- firstly, there is a high probability that when moving, a kitten that has not yet been vaccinated may become infected with some disease that will be difficult for the fragile body to fight;
- secondly, the first vaccination is often not easy for a kitten. Cubs sometimes develop complications that quickly go away with the correct response from the owner. However, it can be difficult for an inexperienced person to react correctly and take the necessary actions in a timely manner.
Sometimes kittens may develop complications after vaccinations.
Of course, a two-month-old kitten will not die in your arms if you do not provide him with proper care during vaccination, but this period is very difficult for both the animal and its owner. But ultimately, assessing risks and setting your preferences is a personal matter for everyone.
