Have you recently adopted a kitten? Congratulations on your bouncing ball of fur! This will be a very important year in your pet’s life. Little Fluffy has a lot of growing to do, and plenty of pounces to master. She also has to learn how to be a good kitty. Read on as a Michigan City, IN vet offers advice on raising a polite cat.

Socialization

In order for little Fluffy to grow into a friendly, well-behaved cat, she’ll need to be properly socialized while she’s little. Have friends come over to pet your tiny buddy, play with her, and offer her yummy treats.

Petiquette

Teach your tiny furball good manners from the start. Offer her a scratching post, and give her lots of attention, toys, and treats when she uses it. Also, teach her to pounce on toys, not your toes.

Avoid Punishment

Never punish your kitten for misbehaving: that may just frighten her. If little Fluffy does something she shouldn’t, like biting you or scratching inappropriately, immediately tell her ‘No’ or ‘Bad kitty’ in a firm, disapproving tone. You can also clap your hands or squirt her with water. Then, just ignore her for a while. This won’t hurt your feline pal, but it will get the point across. Just remember to be consistent. Use the same words and phrasing each time.

Cuddles

Many kittens quickly come to think of their owners as their human parents. Little Fluffy may want to spend lots of time curled up on your lap, as this helps her feel safe. Indulge these adorable requests for snuggle time. That said, you should never force attention on a baby feline. If your pet doesn’t want to be held, just let her be.

TLC

Pay lots of attention to your kitten! The more you interact with little Fluffy, the more interactive she’ll become. Talking to your furry pal can really make a huge difference here. Use her name as much as possible, and talk to her in a gentle tone of voice. If she meows back at you, respond by either replying or petting her. This will help your adorable pet feel loved and cared for, which will in turn strengthen the bond between you.

Please reach out to us, your Michigan City, IN vet clinic, for all of your cat’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!