Answers To Your Confusing Kitten Issues

Why is my kitten sneezing all the time?

ANSWER:

The first step is too make sure your kitten is up to date on all of its shots. Also the vet could check if your cat's sneezing is the early signs of an upper respiratory infection. If you get the all clear from the vet, try removing spray air fresheners and disinfectants from your home. These products could be upsetting your kitten, especially if the animal comes in contact with surfaces that the product is used on. Additionally, litter types that create large amounts of dust can be upsetting to cats with allergies. (About)

How can I keep my kitten from climbing on the curtains? 

ANSWER:

There are multiple approaches you can take to keeping your curious kitten off your drapes. First, it is good to clear the area of any launch pads, like a chair or table, that allow your kitty to jump from a surface to the drapes. Adding a small doorknob alarm inside the curtains can also help. The alarm will go off whenever your cat climbs the drapes, encouraging the kitten to stay away. Finally, it is a fact that cats just enjoy a good view — try to encourage non-destructive voyeuristic tendencies by getting your kitten a window perch. (Eukanuba)

I just noticed my kitten's nose is very dry. Is this a health issue?

ANSWER:

In most cases, a kitten's dry nose shouldn't cause alarm. A cat's nose can become dry from sitting near a heat source, poor air circulation or licking. In most cases a kitten's nose will vary between wet and dry, depending on the surrounding conditions. If your feline's sniffer is flaking or discharging a non-clear mucus, you should take your cat to the vet to check for health issues. (Hill's Pet)

Why is my kitten suddenly getting diarrhea?

ANSWER:

Diarrhea is kittens is usually due to a parasite problem your new baby picked up before they got into your home. It is best to take a stool sample to your vet to have it tested and determine the best course of treatment to get rid of the pesky problem. If the tested sample comes back negative for parasites, it could be a dietary issues. Try switching to a food made for felines with digestive issues. You can also add some canned pumpkin to your cat's food for additional fiber. (Cat Channel)

How can I ensure my kids and our new kitten get along?

ANSWER:

The first step is setting some ground rules before you bring your new kitten home. Make sure children know when to let a cat be and generally how to handle the animal. Involve children in vet visits, the adoption process and informational sessions about their new pet. With this knowledge, kids can gain a better understanding and respect for their pets. Once the kitten comes home, teach your children how to treat the kitten by showing them, and make sure their first close encounters with the animal are supervised. (IAMS)

When is the right time to start weaning my kitten? 

ANSWER:

Usually the mother will handle the weaning process without much human help, but if the mother can't produce enough milk or the kittens are orphaned, you will have to intervene. Every kitten should try to get some of their mother's milk in the first 24 hours of life, because of the antibodies it contains. If this is not possible, you can use a kitten milk replacement formula during your bottle feedings. If you are bottle feeding kittens, you should start to wean them off the milk and onto solid food within 3-4 weeks of birth. You will know they are ready when they start biting the bottle. Start by mixing in wet food in with their formula so they are used to the taste. Soon, the baby cats will start seeking food elsewhere. At this point, monitor their feedings and give them moistened food. As the kitten matures, reduce the amount of water added to the food until about 6-7 weeks, when the kitten should be comfortable eating solid food on its own. (PetMD)

How can I keep my new kitten from bullying my older cat?

ANSWER: 

This kind of behavior is perfectly normal. It is called play aggression and it is your new cat's way of honing their hunting skills, but your older cats probably don't appreciate it. To discourage this behavior towards your other cat(s), try redirecting your kitten's play aggression towards a large stuffed animal. Another way to calm down this tense situation is to burn your kitten's extra energy with games. Over time, this playful bullying nature should fade away as your kitten grows out of their youthful stage. (eHow)

I noticed that my kitten is losing teeth. Should I be concerned? 

ANSWER:

Kittens are born without teeth in order to nurse from their mother. As they get older, the kitten starts to grow baby teeth, with a complete set of 26 in about 7 weeks. After 3-5 months, your kitten's permanent teeth will start to grow in, knocking out the baby teeth. As long as your kitten's tooth loss happens around this age, you should not be concerned. If you are noticing that your kitten is losing teeth after their permanent teeth come in, then you should take your cat to the vet. (Cat Channel)

Why did my kitten suddenly become aggressive? 

ANSWER:

Kittens may seem all sweet and fluffy at first, but as they grow older, they begin to explore their other skills. Around 4 months of age, you may notice your kitten attacking, scratching and biting more. This is normal — your kitten is acting out play aggression, which allows them to get a sense of their bodies. The best way to get through this energetic time is to divert your kitten's attacks away from you and towards toys instead. Remember to be patient; your kitten's attacks have innocent intentions behind them. Most cats grow out of this stage by the time they turn a year old. (Pet Place)

Why is my kitten peeing on my bed?