Teaching Your Kitten Good Petiquette
Have you recently adopted a kitten? You’re definitely bound for some adorable photos during this super cute phase of your new pet’s life. Being a kitten parent isn’t all fun and games, however. Little Fluffy will need to visit the vet a few times during her first year, for vaccinations, microchipping, exams, and spay/neuter surgery. You’ll also want to show your tiny furball good manners now, so she’ll grow into a friendly, polite adult. Read on as a Lakeville, MN veterinarian offers tips on teaching your kitten proper petiquette.
Scratching
Cats have an inherent need to scratch. Offer your little one suitable scratching options, like a kitty tower or scratching post. Pick something tall enough so that your kitten can stretch out to her full length when she’s using it. To encourage little Fluffy to utilize her personal manicure station, offer her toys and praise near it.
Attacking
Your tiny furball may think that practicing her pouncing and biting skills on you is great fun. Needless to say, being a giant cat toy is not much fun for you! To teach your little one good habits, tell her ‘No’ whenever she pounces on your foot or tries to bite or scratch you. You can also instruct your feline buddy to put her claws away, or tell her not to bite. Then, walk away and ignore your kitten until she decides to play nice.
Midnight Zoomies
Kittens are basically furry bundles of energy. Little Fluffy may be at her friskiest in the middle of the night, when you’re trying to sleep. Tire your baby feline out with a fun evening play session, and then feed her dinner just before you go to bed. A full, tired kitten is a kitten that wants to nap!
Counter-Hopping
Cats don’t understand punishment, so to keep little Fluffy from developing bad habits, like jumping on counters, you’ll need to use a bit of tact. When your furball does something she shouldn’t, do something to startle her: squirt her with water, or make a loud noise. When your frisky little feline is being good, offer lots of cuddles, treats, and praise.
Does your kitten need shots or an examination? We can help! Please contact us, your Lakeville, MN animal hospital, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs. We love seeing kittens grow from adorable balls of fur to happy, healthy adults!
