Kittens are young pet cats that can follow the player. In order to obtain a pet kitten, a player must complete the Gertrude's Cat quest, after which Gertrude will give them a kitten as part of the reward. The first kitten is free, and each kitten after that is 100 coins, but players cannot own more than one kitten at a time.
Full Answer
What to know before getting a kitten?
You’ll want to shop for some essential items that you’ll need for your kitten:
- Litter box
- Non-clumping litter
- Kitten food
- Food and water dishes
- Treats
- Toys
- Cat bed or blanket
- Scratching post
- Kitten-proofing supplies like pet gates
- Cat carrier
What should I buy for my new kitten?
- Buy any supplies they need. ...
- Make any home adjustments, which could include: Installing a cat flap Setting up their bed areas Setting up their food, water and toilet areas, which should all be in different ...
- Speak to your local vet about any preventive treatments your new kitten will need and how much they will cost. ...
How old should a kitten be before it is adopted?
The optimal age to adopt a kitten is from ten to twelve weeks. By this age, the kitten should have had at least one of its core vaccinations and have been spayed or neutered. Why should pet owners wait until the kitten is older? Many new cat owners are keen to get their kitten as soon as possible, and as early as possible.
How to help your kitten adjust to a new home?
Tips and Insights to Help Your Cat Adjust
- Realize how stressful the situation is for your cat. Your new cat’s world has been turned upside down. ...
- Address any health issues. Depending on where they came from, new cats can have all sorts of health issues. ...
- Consider the cat’s innate temperament. ...
- Set up a safe room. ...
- Keep it quiet. ...
- Give the cat time to adjust to the environment. ...
What is the easiest way to get a kitten?
Your best bet is to adopt from a shelter or rescue. From May to October (or even later), shelters are inundated with unwanted kittens. Chances are good that you can even find a purebred through these sources.
Where should a kitten sleep on the first night?
This means that the best place for a kitten to sleep is a secure spot, sheltered from draughts and warm enough is the best set up. It is a good idea to have the kitten close to you for the first few nights. Find a cosy place next to your bed and you can even choose a spot up off the floor if possible.
What to do when you first get a kitten?
When you arrive at home, place the kitten and carrier in a small, quiet room in the house away from traffic. Open the door of the carrier and allow the cat some time to come out willingly. Place fresh water, food, and a litter box near the entrance of the carrier. Allow the kitty to come and go at will.
What do I need to get before getting a kitten?
Here are the basic items you should stock up on before bringing her home:Quality kitten food.Cat treats - you can make quality treats using kitten food to make sure she is still getting quality nutrients.Food and water dishes.Litter box and cat litter.Cat bed.Cat carrier.Collar and ID tags.Cat brush and/or flea comb.More items...•
What should you not do with a new kitten?
Never force attention on your cat. ... Don't bring plants into your home before checking that they are safe for cats. ... Don't let your cat play with yarn or string. ... Owners should not teach their cats to "hand play." ... Never directly punish your cat, whether you plan on tapping their butt or using a loud sound.More items...•
When should I let my kitten roam the house?
There is no fixed age as to when kittens should be allowed to roam the house on their own. They can only be allowed to roam the house alone once they have already been litter trained and familiarized with your home.
Is it OK to leave a kitten alone at night?
Can I leave my kitten alone overnight? You can probably guess the answer to this one: kittens need attention at least every four to six hours, so they cannot stay alone overnight. In addition to their food, water, and litterbox needs, kittens can get themselves into trouble when left alone for too long.
Should a kitten sleep with you?
If you choose to allow your kitten to sleep in bed with you, that is perfectly fine. Just keep in mind that once permitted to sleep in your bed, if you change your mind, it will be more challenging to get your little one to adjust to his own sleeping quarters.
Can I Leave My kitten Alone the first day?
It is okay to leave a kitten alone overnight as long as it is over four months old. A kitten younger than four months old needs to be supervised because they still rely on you to take care of them. A kitten older than four months will be fine by itself overnight.
How long can a kitten be left alone?
A: You can leave a kitten home alone for short periods of time. Kittens younger than four months of age should not be left alone for more than a couple of hours. Over four months, they can handle up to five hours. When they turn six months, they should be able to handle your 8-hour workday.
Should I keep my new kitten in the bathroom?
Bathrooms work especially well! They're easy to clean and easy to get in and out of. Best of all, they usually don't have much furniture for New Kitty to hide under or to soil while she gets to know where her box is. Getting the space ready: Food, water, a bed, and a litter box are key.
How long should you confine a kitten?
For this reason, RSPCA recommends confining your kitten in their safe haven for up to two weeks at first – and a minimum of 10 days. During this time, allow your resident cat to smell under the door to kitten's haven. If they hiss or run away, don't worry!
Can I leave my new kitten alone at night?
Still, there may be times when you must leave your adult cat for overnight or longer. (Kittens younger than four months should not be left alone for more than four hours. Older than that, they can handle another hour or so. When they reach six months, they can tolerate an eight-hour day without company.)
Should I put my new kitten in a room at night?
It's OK to put your cat alone in a room at night so long as your cat is OK with it. It's not just a matter of locking them in; you have to prepare the room, the cat, and yourself. You will need to take the time to acclimate them to this new living situation and make sure that they are never under undue stress.
Is it okay to keep a kitten in one room at night?
As long as the room you keep a kitten in is kitten proof (which is more complicated than it seems!), it's perfectly fine to leave a kitten in a room overnight. Chances are the kitten will spend most of the night sleeping, so they won't be more distressed alone at night than they are alone in the day.
Can my kitten be alone in a room at night?
Can I leave my kitten alone overnight? You can probably guess the answer to this one: kittens need attention at least every four to six hours, so they cannot stay alone overnight. In addition to their food, water, and litterbox needs, kittens can get themselves into trouble when left alone for too long.
How to find a good home for a kitten?
Animal shelters, rescue organizations, and humane societies are filled with loving, healthy cats and kittens who are longing to find a good home. Research shelters in your town, including Hill’s partner shelters across the United States to help you find a kitten that is right for you. Your vet can also refer you to local rescue groups. Be prepared to provide a home inspection request, as many rescues want to make sure their kittens are going to good homes. Hill’s Facebook page provides a shelter directory tool and can point you to adoption events in your area. If you want a purebred kitten, ask your vet to recommend a local breeder.
Should I Get a Kitten?
Because bringing a kitten into your home is a huge obligation, there are several questions to consider before you make the leap:
How many dogs are returned to shelters after adoption?
Between 7% and 20% of dogs and cats are returned to shelters after being adopted within the first 6 months of adoption every year. Finding the right match for you and your family will reduce these numbers and improve the bond you share with your new cat. If you’re not sure what kind of cat is right for you, ask for some advice. Research shows that owners who seek advice and support from family, friends, or a vet after adoption are 3 times more likely to keep their pets.
Do you have patience to train a kitten?
Do I have the patience to train a new kitten? It’s also important to consider if you have enough patience to train a new kitten. Just like children, kitten’s require a lot of attention and education about what is acceptable behavior. Ensure you have patience to train your kitten for things such as litter box use, scratching, jumping on furniture.
Do children have to clean up after kittens?
While children may promise to feed, care, and clean up after the cat, you will certainly still have a role in teaching your children how to properly care for the kitten. Do you have other pets to consider first? If you already have animals in your home, it may take awhile for them to get used to a new pet.
What is the best way to introduce my new kitten to my home?
A new home with new sights, new sounds, and new smells can be a scary place for a young kitten, but there are things you can do to make the transition easier. Your new kitten likely left behind a loving mother, playful siblings, and a familiar environment, so he needs a little special care when being introduced to his new surroundings and new family.
What should I do if I have other pets?
Some kittens not only face a new home, they also face a new family that includes other pets as well as humans. Some kittens may show fear and defensive postures toward other pets in the home, but most young kittens are simply playful and inquisitive around other animals. In fact, existing pets that have an established territorial instinct for the home may pose more of an aggressive problem than the new kitty. If you know or suspect that your dog or cat might be aggressive toward the kitten, choreograph their introduction with safety in mind.
How do I deal with inappropriate behavior?
Inappropriate behavior such as swatting, excessive vocalization, and biting should not be tolerated. If your kitten begins to exhibit these behaviors, quickly and quietly leave the area and cease all interactions. Once the kitten is calm and quiet, resume interactions. The goal is for the kitten to learn that calm, quiet behavior warrants attention while aggressive actions do not. Make time daily for appropriate interactions with your cat that include play and petting.
How to train a kitten to come out of a cat carrier?
When you arrive at home, place the kitten and carrier in a small, quiet room in the house away from traffic. Open the door of the carrier and allow the cat some time to come out willingly. Place fresh water, food, and a litter box near the entrance of the carrier. Allow the kitty to come and go at will. If he cowers in the back of the pet caddy and refuses to venture out after 30 minutes, gently remove the top of the carrier, pick him up, and show him the food and water bowls and litter box. If the kitten is very tiny, a small litter box with low sides may be necessary at first. If possible, duplicate the type of litter material used in the previous home (see Litter Box Training).
Why do cats have to be on leash?
Have him on a leash in case a hasty retreat is necessary. Resident cats may not respond to voice commands, but they can be placed on a leash/harness for quick avoidance of dangerous behavior. The presence of other pets in the house makes confining the kitten to a restricted area even more important for two reasons.
What to do if kitten is tiny?
If the kitten is very tiny, a small litter box with low sides may be necessary at first. If possible, duplicate the type of litter material used in the previous home (see Litter Box Training). "Give him lots of time to become. familiar with this room before giving him. a tour of the entire house.".
What happens when a kitten and a cat bond?
Bonding will occur between the existing cat and the kitten. They will play together, groom each other, and sleep near each other. This is more likely to occur if competition is minimized and if the existing cat has been lonely for companionship.
How to get a kitten to sleep?
Place the kitten in the small room with its belongings when you can’t supervise it, so you won’t have to worry about anyone getting hurt. Make sure the kitten knows where the litter boxes are and that they eat and drink. If the kitten wants to sleep, let it sleep.
What to do if your kitten has parasites in the litter box?
Make sure your kitten continues to eat and drink and monitor their litter box habits during this time. If you see any parasites, blood, loose stools, etc. in the litterbox, it is a good idea to bring this sample to the vet. Regardless, you'll need to make an appointment during this time to get your kitten checked out.
How long does it take for a kitten to eat?
30 Days. By the end of the first month, your kitten should be eating, drinking, and using the litter box normally. Your cat should be adjusted to its new home by now, so the scratching of surfaces, wrestling, climbing, etc. will probably be observed. If there is a behavior that is less than favorable to you that your kitten is starting to exhibit, ...
How long does it take for a kitten to get used to a new home?
10 Days. After a few days , your kitten will explore its new home and get used to where the litter box, food, and water dishes are. It might even claim a favorite spot to sleep and befriend your pets. Make sure your kitten continues to eat and drink and monitor their litter box habits during this time. If you see any parasites, blood, loose stools, ...
How to make a kitten feel at home?
Set up a bathroom or other small room with these items for your kitten to stay in for the first few nights in its new home. You should have at least one more litter box than you have cats and there should be no direct line of sight from litter box to litter box. Extra litter and, of course, kitten food will also be needed to help your kitten feel ...
What to do before bringing a kitten home?
Before Bringing Your Kitten Home. If you are planning to bring a new kitten into your home, then you should take some time to prepare for the kitten’s arrival. Purchase the items that your kitten will need and place them in your home for other people and pets to start adjusting to. Pheromones can be diffused prior to the arrival ...
Why diffuse pheromones before kitten arrival?
Pheromones can be diffused prior to the arrival of the new kitten to help both your older cats and the new one feel calm and relaxed. Even if you already have a cat, make sure the new kitten will have its own bed, food and water dishes, and a couple of toys.
How to get cats to tolerate kittens?
Most adult cats are fairly tolerant of kittens. Keeping the kitten in its own area and then allowing introductions when the cats are eating or playing should help to decrease any initial anxiety. A crate, or a leash and harness, can be used to control one or both of the cats during initial introductions. A synthetic cheek gland scent, either as a spray or diffuser, may also be useful for easing introductions. Most cats and kittens will soon work out a relationship on their own without injury. However, if there is a threat of aggression, a gradual introduction program will need to be followed.
How to introduce a kitten to a dog?
Begin by placing your new kitten in a carrier or on a leash and harness so that it will not provoke the dog or make the dog feel defensive.
How should a kitten be introduced to a family?
The kitten should be given a safe and secure area that provides for all of its needs (as described above) and introductions with the existing family pets should be carefully supervised. At the first introduction there may be no immediate problems, and reinforcement of desirable responses may be all that is required.
What to do if your kitten is tiny?
If the kitten is very tiny, a small litter box with low sides will be necessary at first. If possible, duplicate the type of litter material that was used in the kitten’s previous home.
How to train a kitten to ride in a car?
First, cats should always be transported in some kind of carrier in the car. By teaching your kitten to ride in a confined location, you are providing safety as well as starting a routine that you can maintain for future car rides. Upon arriving at home, place the kitten in a small, quiet area with food and a litter box.
What to do if your dog is not well trained?
Dogs that are not well trained to settle on command may need their training reviewed and improved upon before introduction to any new pet. Alternatively, a leash and head halter may be used for more immediate control and safety. Calm investigation should then be encouraged and reinforced. Any initial anxiety on the part of the dog or kitten should soon decrease.
How do experienced vets answer your pet questions?
Experienced vets answer all your pet questions via chat or video.
How to introduce a kitten to a new family member?
Start introducing your family members to the kitten while she’s in the sanctuary room but do it in a way that doesn’t overwhelm her. When you aren’t there to supervise the kitten, keep her in the sanctuary room until she’s old enough and confident enough to have the run of the house.
How to make a cat hide in a carrier?
Leave the carrier in the sanctuary room for your cat to use as a hiding place if she wants. Line the carrier with a towel and your kitten will have a safe place if she wants to curl up in there.
How to train a kitten to be in a carrier?
This will help your kitten become comfortable with its presence and you’ll eventually be able to do some carrier training to help desensitize your kitten to the experience of being in a carrier and also travel itself. It’s never too early to start training her to accept being in a carrier. You can do this by placing treats nearby and also inside the carrier. You can even offer some of her meals in there. While it may be easy to get a kitten in a carrier now, it will be much more difficult to wrestle a full-grown cat in there if she really doesn’t want to go. Training early will save you and your cat lots of stress later. You can find specific information on cat carriers in the following articles:
What to do if your kitten is hanging from the back of your cat?
Don’t leave string, yarn, thread or rubber bands around where your kitten can get them. Also, if you see thread hanging from the back end of your kitten, don’t pull it because there may be a needle attached. Take your kitten to the veterinary clinic immediately.
Why do cats have barbs on their tongues?
All cats have backward-facing barbs on their tongues that are used in the wild to rasp meat from the bones of prey. The barbs also trap dirt, hair and parasites as cats groom themselves. These barbs are what give your kitten’s tongue that scratchy feeling when she licks you.
What is a kitten's sanctuary room?
I have always referred to this as the “sanctuary” room. It can be an extra bedroom or any room you can close off. This way the kitten can get her bearings without being overwhelmed. Your kitten is also just in the learning stages of activities such as using the litter box, scratching, climbing, exploring, etc.
How to keep kittens out of the house?
Make sure fireplace has a secure screen. Don’t throw boxes out without first checking if the kitten is hiding there. Do a “kitten check” before leaving the house in case she’s locked in a closet or drawer. Block the space behind the refrigerator so the kitten can’t get wedged in there.
What to do if you have never owned a cat?
If you've never owned a kitten, you'll need to prepare yourself a bit for pet ownership. Unlike some other pets (fish and mice, for example), kittens need attention, companionship, and care. But that doesn't mean you need to turn your home over to your pet. In fact, just like human beings, kittens and cats thrive in settings where rules and expectations are clear. With that in mind: 1 Be sure you and other family members have time to spend with your new pet. 2 Agree as a family on the rules you'll be setting for your kitten. May she sleep on the furniture? What's your rule about jumping onto counters and tables? 3 Where will your kitten spend the night? You may want to keep her in one location for the first few weeks, as it's easy to "lose" a kitten who decides to hide. 4 Who is responsible for kitten care? From feeding to litter cleanup to grooming and vet care, kittens do require time, energy, and work. Who is responsible for which aspect of kitten care? Be sure you're all on the same page!
How to keep kittens from getting upset?
For now, if you know the brand, give him the same food he's been eating at the breeders, foster home, or shelter, to avoid tummy upsets from sudden changes. Use a small, low bowl so she can reach inside (many cat bowls are intended for larger adults). It's very important, too, to provide your kitten with plenty of clean, fresh water. Change the water each day, and consider investing in a low-cost "cat fountain" which recirculates water and is often more attractive to kittens than a simple bowl.
How old do kittens have to be to be adopted?
In addition, most kittens are adopted at just eight to 10 weeks of age—meaning your pet is really still just a baby with little or no knowledge of risk or danger.
How to bond with a kitten?
One of the best ways to start this bond is by playing with a kitten with an interactive toy. You can purchase low-cost or expensive items at the pet store, but don't forget another favorite game is "fetch" with a wadded-up piece of paper. Other fun cat toys include string, yarn, and feather dusters. Do be careful, however: feathers, string, and other fun "toys" can become choking hazards if they detach from toys.
How to make a kitten look cute?
Put on some comfortable old clothes and get way down on the floor and put on your best kitten persona. You can even lie on your back. Now look up; you'll likely see dozens of tempting attractions, many of them hazardous to tiny kittens.
What do you need to adopt a kitten?
You'll also need to provide your kitten with appropriate toys, bedding, litter box, and food. If you're adopting a kitten from a rescue center, there's a good chance your new pet has been separated from its mother. When that's the case, while your kitten may be socialized, she's had little chance to learn the skills she needs.
What do you need to know before you welcome a kitten?
Before welcoming a new kitten (or kittens) to your home, you'll need to prepare your home for a curious critter with the ability to climb, leap, and scratch. You'll also need to provide your kitten with appropriate toys, ...
How to introduce a kitten to a new kitten?
Introduce Your Cat to the New Kitten. When you bring your kitten home, allow your cat to sniff it while the kitten is in a carrier or your arms. Go directly to the room previously designated and set up for your new kitten and allow the kitten to explore.
Why does my cat swat at my kitten?
Your older cat may have a period of time when it tries to establish a hierarchy with the new kitten. Your older cat may hiss and swat at the kitten when the newcomer does something unfavorable. This is completely normal and as long as it is just hissing and swatting, do your best to not interfere. Your older cat is establishing its role as ...
How to get older cats to play with kittens?
Do not force interaction between your cat and kitten. If your cat has a favorite interactive toy, such as a feather wand or laser pointer, try playing with both cats at the same time. This will encourage mutual activity. You can also give them both treats at the same time and feed them at the same time from separate bowls. Be sure to leave enough space between the food bowls so your older cat does not feel threatened.
How to get a kitten to stay in a room?
Designate a small room, such as a bathroom, for your new kitten to retreat to and spend the first week or so in. Your older cat should be able to get to the door of this room in order to hear and smell them, but not have any interaction with the kitten. Place the kitten’s belongings in this room (such as a litter box and food bowls) along with a toy that belongs to your older cat.
How to calm a cat before bringing home a kitten?
Try using pheromones for at least a few weeks before bringing home a kitten. If you suspect your older cat will become stressed and anxious with a new kitten, consider nutritional supplements that are designed to calm a cat. These won’t drug your pet but will help it remain calm and relaxed.
Why do cats not like change?
These behaviors are because cats do not like change, especially when it involves their established territory. Introducing a kitten to an adult cat can cause a lot of stress in your household, but there are some things you can do to help make the introduction go more smoothly. Preparation is the key to a successful introduction ...
What are pheromones used for?
Pheromones are useful for creating a calm environment for any cat. The weeks before the arrival of a new kitten is a great time to make use of them. Diffusers, sprays, and wipes are all available and help your cat feel relaxed without the use of drugs.
How to stop kitten from scratching the ground?
If your kitten is peeing or pooping in the room and not in the box, gently place it in the litter box . Do not scold or punish your kitten for eliminating outside the box.
What to use for kittens to turn around?
It should be big enough for the kitten to turn around and eliminate in more than one spot as well. A basic small plastic litter box can work well. However, you may wish to start with something like an old baking pan or a shirt box with a liner, especially if your kitten is very tiny.
How long does it take for a kitten to learn to use a litter box?
Kittens learn most of their behaviors from their mother over the first six weeks of their lives. If the mother uses a litter box, then the kitten will likely learn this before being adopted into a new home. However, if the kitten was raised outdoors or was separated from the mother too early, it might have no knowledge of litter boxes ...
How to train a kitten to use a litter box?
This can also really help with litter box training. Set up the food and water on one side of the room and put the litter box as far away as possible. Keep your kitten in the room for the first several days to weeks until it seems comfortable in the environment.
How to keep a litter box clean?
Maintain a clean litter box and keep the surrounding area as clean as possible. Scoop the litter box once or twice a day. Immediately clean up any accidents made outside the box and sweep up stray litter pieces regularly. A clean, neutral-smelling litter box is much more inviting to cats and kittens.
What does a clean litter box do to cats?
A clean, neutral-smelling litter box is much more inviting to cats and kittens. A dirty litter box can easily lead to unwanted elimination behaviors , like peeing on laundry or rugs .
How to keep cats from entering litter box?
Make sure you choose something that will feel soft and comfortable on your cat's paws. Rough or spiky surfaces are likely to deter your cat from entering the litter box.
