Bonding With Your Kitten

Have you recently adopted a kitten? Congratulations! It’s always fun and exciting to welcome a new pet into your home. Kittens are almost impossibly adorable, and have a remarkable capacity for melting hearts. Of course, it’s important to get things started on the right paw with your furry friend. An Oakland, CA vet offers some helpful advice on bonding with little Fluffy below.

Coming Home 

When you bring little Fluffy home, put her carrier down in a safe, petproofed room and open the door. Let her come out on her own when she’s ready. If you have other pets, keep your new arrival in a separate room for the first few days. Introductions should proceed slowly and carefully. Ask your vet for specific tips. 

Treats

Generally, we advise against going too crazy with snacks. However, you can bend the rules a bit during that first week. Sit or kneel on the floor, hold out a yummy treat, and call little Fluffy to you. Make that ‘pssst’ sound kitties respond to so well. 

Playtime 

Your feline pal will slow down eventually, but you’re going to have a tiny, rambunctious little ball of mischief on your hands for a while. Get into the habit of playing with your kitten. Fluffy will know that you’re doing something specifically for her benefit. This will also help teach her to burn her zoomies off in a healthy way. 

Cuddles

Baby cats love to be held and cuddled: it makes them feel safe. Indulge your little buddy, and let her snuggle up on your lap. When you snuggle your feline friend, a special hormone, called oxytocin, or the Cuddle hormone, is released in you both. This is associated with feelings of love and security. 

Conversation 

Talk to little Fluffy. Kitties love being spoken to. It doesn’t really matter what you say, as long as you use a friendly tone of voice. (Baby talk is optional, though cats do seem to like it.) You may very well find that the more you interact with your tiny pet, the more interactive she’ll become. You can also address bad behaviors verbally. Just saying ‘No’ in a stern tone can help you get your point across. Be sure to compliment your furry pal when she’s behaving.

Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? As your Oakland, CA animal clinic, we’re here to help.