How To Settle A New Kitten
24.07.21 July 24, 2021 Getting A Kitten

How To Settle A New Kitten

Adding a new kitten to your family can be very exciting. It can be so much fun getting to know a new feline personality and getting to cuddle, care for and play with an adorable little furbaby. However, all the new sights, sounds and smells can be overwhelming for your kitty so it’s important to know the steps you should take to help your new addition to feel calm, comfortable and content when they first move in. By preparing your home for your cat and taking some practical steps to help them settle in, you can help to prevent a whole host of difficult feline issues and behaviours, including stress, aggression, eating problems and spraying. In this blog, we’ll give you practical tips on how to make your new kitten feel right at home.   How do you settle a new kitten? Whether you’ve adopted a kitten from a cat shelter or bought one from a breeder, it’s important to know how to help your feline friend to get acquainted with their new home. Here are some top tips to make adjusting to life in their new surroundings less daunting for them.   Get essentials in advance Don’t leave it until your cat has moved in to get the essentials they require. Give them the best start by getting feeding bowls, water bowls, litter trays, beds, blankets, carriers, scratching posts and cat toys ready in advance of their arrival. That way, they can get used to having the same items from day one.   Prepare a safe room Giving your new addition the run of your whole house or flat can lead to overstimulation, disorientation and stress. Instead of giving them access to your entire home, you should try to set aside one room or a quiet area of a room that is just for them. A spare room, a utility room or a room under the stairs could work well so long as it is well lit, heated and ventilated. The room should be away from the busier areas of the house if possible so that your cat feels safe and doesn’t feel scared or threatened by loud noises and the general hubbub of a busy household. Everything your cat needs should be placed in this safe room. You should only give your cat access to the rest of the house when they’ve grown accustomed to their space and developed more confidence.   How to make a kitten feel safe Even when confined to one room with all of their essential items, a cat can still be easily perturbed when they’re in a new environment. By paying heed to the following advice, you can help them to feel safe throughout this important   Give them a hiding spot Having a cosy nook to hide away in can help an anxious kitty to feel safer and more secure in their new environment. A cardboard box, a den, a hooded bed, a cat stool or a tunnel would be perfect.   Give them access to high spaces Cats are natural climbers and like to explore the world at all levels. If possible, give your cat access to a safe spot high up so they can put their natural instincts into practice and have somewhere to jump up to when they want to feel more secure. A window sill (as long as the window is shut), a radiator bed or a perch on top of a scratching post or activity centre could work well.   Use scents Familiar scents can help your cat to feel grounded and secure. Before you take a new cat home, you might want to investigate whether you can take a blanket or towel they’ve used in a foster home, adoption centre or breeders with them to help them to feel safe and comfortable. You may also want to give them an item with your scent on it, such as an old piece of clothing or a blanket to help them to get used to your smell and build their confidence with you. Cat calming sprays can also be great for helping nervous kittens to feel more settled.   How to comfort a new kitten It can be difficult to see a kitten scared or in distress and your instinct might be to pick them up and give them a great big cuddle. However, this might have the opposite effect on your cat, who might misinterpret your affection. Earning your cat’s trust requires patience and consistency but if you follow these tips, you’re sure to win your kitty over and be their safe space for many years to come.   Let them come to you As we’ve discussed, it can be very exciting to have a new cat come to live with you and you may be keen to make a fuss of them. If there are children in the home, they may also be eager to handle and cuddle their new furry friend. However, in order to help your kitty to feel safe and comfortable in their new space, it’s important not to force contact. Instead, you should let your kitten come to you in their own time. Being consistent with this can help you to gain your kitten’s trust and get your relationship off to a good start.   Get down on their level Imagine how tall you must appear to a tiny kitten! Rather than standing up to shake a box of treats or bending down to give your cat a stroke, sit down on the floor and experience the world at your kitten’s level. Doing this will help you to appear less threatening and make your kitten more likely to work up the confidence to get to know you at their pace.   Bond through food The best way to your cat’s heart is through their tummy. Cats are naturally social creatures but they tend to form the closest bonds with the people who provide them with food, water and safety. Food is fantastic for helping you to develop that special bond you’ll enjoy for the rest of your cat’s life. As well as providing your cat with regular meals, you can supplement their diet with healthy snacks. You can make the feeding experience more fun and enjoy regular playtime sessions together by using interactive toys that release treats for your kitty. Bringing a new kitten home is undoubtedly an exciting time and, as long as you follow tips like these, your cat is sure to settle into their new environment. If you have questions or concerns about your cat at any stage, however, it’s best to seek advice from a veterinarian.

By Zac Girdlestone

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Adding a new kitten to your family can be very exciting. It can be so much fun getting to know a new feline personality and getting to cuddle, care for and play with an adorable little furbaby. However, all the new sights, sounds and smells can be overwhelming for your kitty so it’s important to know the steps you should take to help your new addition to feel calm, comfortable and content when they first move in.

By preparing your home for your cat and taking some practical steps to help them settle in, you can help to prevent a whole host of difficult feline issues and behaviours, including stress, aggression, eating problems and spraying.

In this blog, we’ll give you practical tips on how to make your new kitten feel right at home.

 

How do you settle a new kitten?

Whether you’ve adopted a kitten from a cat shelter or bought one from a breeder, it’s important to know how to help your feline friend to get acquainted with their new home. Here are some top tips to make adjusting to life in their new surroundings less daunting for them.

Kitten sat underneath the stairs with a bed and a blanket

 

Get essentials in advance

Don’t leave it until your cat has moved in to get the essentials they require. Give them the best start by getting feeding bowls, water bowls, litter trays, beds, blankets, carriers, scratching posts and cat toys ready in advance of their arrival. That way, they can get used to having the same items from day one.

 

Prepare a safe room

Giving your new addition the run of your whole house or flat can lead to overstimulation, disorientation and stress. Instead of giving them access to your entire home, you should try to set aside one room or a quiet area of a room that is just for them. A spare room, a utility room or a room under the stairs could work well so long as it is well lit, heated and ventilated. The room should be away from the busier areas of the house if possible so that your cat feels safe and doesn’t feel scared or threatened by loud noises and the general hubbub of a busy household. Everything your cat needs should be placed in this safe room. You should only give your cat access to the rest of the house when they’ve grown accustomed to their space and developed more confidence.

 

How to make a kitten feel safe

Even when confined to one room with all of their essential items, a cat can still be easily perturbed when they’re in a new environment. By paying heed to the following advice, you can help them to feel safe throughout this important

Close up of a ginger kitten 

Give them a hiding spot

Having a cosy nook to hide away in can help an anxious kitty to feel safer and more secure in their new environment. A cardboard box, a den, a hooded bed, a cat stool or a tunnel would be perfect.

 

Give them access to high spaces

Cats are natural climbers and like to explore the world at all levels. If possible, give your cat access to a safe spot high up so they can put their natural instincts into practice and have somewhere to jump up to when they want to feel more secure. A window sill (as long as the window is shut), a radiator bed or a perch on top of a scratching post or activity centre could work well.

 

Use scents

Familiar scents can help your cat to feel grounded and secure. Before you take a new cat home, you might want to investigate whether you can take a blanket or towel they’ve used in a foster home, adoption centre or breeders with them to help them to feel safe and comfortable. You may also want to give them an item with your scent on it, such as an old piece of clothing or a blanket to help them to get used to your smell and build their confidence with you. Cat calming sprays can also be great for helping nervous kittens to feel more settled.

 

How to comfort a new kitten

It can be difficult to see a kitten scared or in distress and your instinct might be to pick them up and give them a great big cuddle. However, this might have the opposite effect on your cat, who might misinterpret your affection. Earning your cat’s trust requires patience and consistency but if you follow these tips, you’re sure to win your kitty over and be their safe space for many years to come.

White kitten 

Let them come to you

As we’ve discussed, it can be very exciting to have a new cat come to live with you and you may be keen to make a fuss of them. If there are children in the home, they may also be eager to handle and cuddle their new furry friend. However, in order to help your kitty to feel safe and comfortable in their new space, it’s important not to force contact. Instead, you should let your kitten come to you in their own time. Being consistent with this can help you to gain your kitten’s trust and get your relationship off to a good start.

 

Get down on their level

Imagine how tall you must appear to a tiny kitten! Rather than standing up to shake a box of treats or bending down to give your cat a stroke, sit down on the floor and experience the world at your kitten’s level. Doing this will help you to appear less threatening and make your kitten more likely to work up the confidence to get to know you at their pace.

 

Bond through food

The best way to your cat’s heart is through their tummy. Cats are naturally social creatures but they tend to form the closest bonds with the people who provide them with food, water and safety. Food is fantastic for helping you to develop that special bond you’ll enjoy for the rest of your cat’s life. As well as providing your cat with regular meals, you can supplement their diet with healthy snacks. You can make the feeding experience more fun and enjoy regular playtime sessions together by using interactive toys that release treats for your kitty.

Bringing a new kitten home is undoubtedly an exciting time and, as long as you follow tips like these, your cat is sure to settle into their new environment. If you have questions or concerns about your cat at any stage, however, it’s best to seek advice from a veterinarian.

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    03.10.24 October 03, 2024 Getting A Kitten

    How Much Should My Kitten Weigh?

    As a new kitten owner, it's natural to wonder if your furry friend is growing at a healthy rate. Monitoring your kitten's weight is crucial for ensuring proper development and identifying any potential health issues early on. This comprehensive guide will help you understand how much your kitten should weigh at various stages of their young life. The Importance of Monitoring Kitten Weight Keeping track of your kitten's weight provides insight into their overall health and well-being. Sudden weight loss or failure to gain weight can indicate underlying health problems, such as parasites or nutritional deficiencies. Conversely, excessive weight gain may lead to obesity, which can cause long-term health issues. Newborn Kittens: The Starting Point How much does a newborn kitten weigh? On average, a newborn kitten weighs between 90 to 110 grams (approximately 3 to 4 ounces). Newborn kittens are entirely dependent on their mother for nutrition and warmth. During the first week, they typically gain about 10 to 15 grams per day. Kitten Weight by Age: A Month-by-Month Guide Understanding the typical weight range for kittens at different ages can help you assess whether your kitten is on track. 2 Weeks Old By two weeks, kittens usually weigh between 170 to 230 grams (6 to 8 ounces). Their eyes begin to open, and they become more active. 4 Weeks Old At one month, kittens weigh around 350 to 450 grams (12 to 16 ounces). They start exploring their environment and may begin the weaning process. 8 Weeks Old (2 Months) How much should an 8-week-old kitten weigh? At this stage, kittens typically weigh between 800 grams to 1 kilogram (1.8 to 2.2 pounds).  9 Weeks Old A 9-week-old kitten should weigh slightly more than they did at 8 weeks, usually gaining about 100 grams per week. 10 Weeks Old How much should a 10-week-old kitten weigh? Expect your kitten to weigh between 1 to 1.2 kilograms (2.2 to 2.6 pounds). 12 Weeks Old (3 Months) How much should a 12-week-old kitten weigh? At three months, kittens generally weigh between 1.2 to 1.5 kilograms (2.6 to 3.3 pounds). 4 Months Old How much should a 4-month-old kitten weigh? A kitten at this age typically weighs between 1.8 to 2.3 kilograms (4 to 5 pounds). This is a significant growth period, and proper nutrition is essential. 5 Months Old How much should a 5-month-old kitten weigh? Expect a weight of 2.3 to 2.7 kilograms (5 to 6 pounds). 6 Months Old How much should a 6-month-old kitten weigh? By now, your kitten should weigh between 2.7 to 3.2 kilograms (6 to 7 pounds). They are approaching adolescence and may begin to exhibit adult behaviours. Factors Affecting Kitten Weight 1. Breed Different breeds have varying growth rates and mature sizes. For example, a Maine Coon kitten will weigh more at six months than a Siamese kitten due to the breed's larger size. 2. Nutrition Proper diet is crucial. Kittens require a diet rich in protein and essential nutrients to support rapid growth. Feeding high-quality kitten food ensures they receive the necessary nutrients. Shop our range of nutrient-rich kitten and cat food here. 3. Health Status Parasites, infections, and other health issues can impede weight gain. Regular vet check-ups are vital to catch and treat any problems early. How to Weigh Your Kitten Accurate weight monitoring involves regular weigh-ins: Use a Digital Scale: For precision, use a kitchen or postal scale that measures in grams and ounces. Weigh at the Same Time: Weigh your kitten at the same time each day or week to maintain consistency. Record the Weight: Keep a log to track growth over time. If it’s easier you can weigh yourself with and without your kitten and deduct your weight to get theirs. Kitten Weight Chart Creating a kitten weight chart can help visualise your kitten's growth. Here's a simplified example: Age (Weeks) Expected Weight (Grams) 1 110-170 2 170-230 4 350-450 8 800-1000 12 1200 - 1500 16 1800 - 2300 20 2300 - 2700 24  2700 - 3200   When to Be Concerned About Your Kitten's Weight If your kitten's weight is significantly below or above the average kitten weight by age, consult your vet. Signs of concern include: Underweight: Lethargy, visible ribs or spine, poor coat condition. Overweight: Difficulty moving, excessive sleeping, difficulty breathing. Conclusion Understanding how much your kitten should weigh at various stages is essential for their health and happiness. Regular monitoring, proper nutrition, and veterinary care will ensure your kitten grows into a healthy adult cat. Remember, each kitten is unique, so use this guide as a reference while considering individual differences. At Lords & Labradors, we offer a range of products to support your kitten's growth all the way into adulthood, from high-quality food to comfortable bedding and super cat trees. Shop everything your kitten needs here.

    By Megan Willis

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