Never put kittens on their backs
to bottle feed. They are not human babies. They will aspirate
milk into their lungs, get pneumonia and die -- quickly! Only
feed kittens with their feet on a table top or in your lap. Do
not squeeze the bottle into their mouth. Let them suck. If they
will not suckle, get an eye dropper and put one dropper at a
time on their tongue. Do not force milk down their throat. They
could aspirate from the dropper too.
If milk bubbles out their nose, you're feeding too fast and they
can aspirate. Quickly turn the kitten upside down, hold by the
hips and gently swing back and forth to get the milk out. If
this continues to happen and you know you're not feeding too
fast, the kitten may have a cleft palate. Open the mouth and see
if there is a hole in the roof of the mouth. Tube feeding may be
the only option.
Newborns should be fed approximately every two hours or upon
demand. They must be kept warm. A heating pad under their box
works well, but make sure that it's only under half the box, so
that they can get off if they get too warm. (You don't want to
cook them!)
Dental Care for
Your Pet
Is dental care really
necessary for your pet?
We would say that dental care
is more preventive care than necessary care (such as heartworm
medication.) By caring for your pet’s teeth throughout its life,
you can avoid expensive dental bills, pain and discomfort for
your pet later in life. An important thing to consider is that
since our pets can’t talk, they could live for years with
painful cavities before you will know.
Talk to your veterinarian
about how to care for your pet’s teeth. Some helpful tips are;
Brushing your pet’s teeth at
home is the best way to prevent gum disease. You must determine
whether your pet will be tolerant enough to sit still for a
brushing. If your pet is unruly, just do the best you can and
tell your vet how often you successfully brush.
There are special pet
toothbrushes made or you can use gauze that you can wrap around
your finger, plus a pet toothpaste or baking soda and water.
Brush or rub teeth, especially
at the gum line, where plaque builds. Be easy on the gums at
first, they may bleed but will toughen up. Do this at least once
a week.
Remember that wet or moist pet
foods contribute to dental problems. Bones and some toys can
help clean teeth.
5 Step Kitten Plan
Having a cat as a companion can be a
mutually rewarding, loving experience. How will he or she change
your lifestyle?
Step 1 - The Decision
Cats require little living space and are fairly easy to care
for. Cats are territorial animals, so permanent homes are
typically less stressful. Cats can live past 20 years!
Kittens generally require more
attention than adult cats. Two or more cats can keep each other
company!
Step 2 - The
Search, You Choose
Because a cat's personality usually
belongs more to the individual animal than a particular breed, a
cat/kitten from a humane society is suitable to almost all cat
owners. Look for one that is playful, friendly and not too shy.
A breeder can offer pedigree cats with very specific traits. If
you have a specific reason to have a pure bred cat, check with a
breeder/breed club for more information about their breed.
Step 3 - Prepare Your
Home
Begin with the appropriate supplies:
litter box, bed, scratching post, toys, food and fresh water.
Put objects that can be chewed and swallowed away from the reach
of your new cat. Any sharp or toxic items should be kept
securely behind closed doors.
Step 4 - Begin Training
Use praise, petting and play as a reward.
Be firm and consistent. Avoid physical punishment.
Establish personal space right away.
Step 5 - Every Day
Proper nutrition and fresh water.
Bathing, grooming and regular veterinary care.
Proper identification. Protect your pet from loss and theft. The
American Pet Association's Guardian programs are the best way to
protect your pet from theft and permanent loss.
Prevent disease, death and
overpopulation- Don't let your cat roam free!
Last, but not least, lots of love and attention! |
