Thursday 2 January 2014

Bringing Your Cat Home - After the First 24 Hours

Sending to the Veterinarian for Check-Up
After settling down your new kitten/cat, it's time to bring it to your veterinarian for a complete and thorough check-up. Suggest it's best to bring them to the vet a few days after the new pet has settled down well, or it may cause more unnecessary stress to it. However, if you have more than one pet at home, it best to bring your new pet to the vet for checking as soon as possible. Your vet will be able to confirm the kitten/cat is in good health, free if parasites or hidden health problems. If bought from a breeder, a vet check is often part of their contract and validates the purchase. 
In Western countries, putting microchip underneath kitten/cat skin is a good way for cat identification.It is inserted into cat's skin between the shoulder blades. This could also be performed at the vet. However it is not a norm for Malaysian to invest microchip to their pets.  




Carrying the Kitten
Handle the kitten gently. Rough or sudden movements may startle it. Slip a palm under its stomach to hold the two front legs, another palm to support it's bottom.



Introduce to Another Pet
Always supervise the introduction of the kitten with other family pets. Begin by allowing the kitten and resident pet to sniff one another underneath the door. They may even play a game of footsie. This allows them to become accustomed to one another scent. An adult cat may feel territorial and resent the kitten initially. Don't be surprised if there is some initial growling or hissing. This is not unusual. 
You can also use a pet gate to separate a dog from the kitten. Or put the kitten in a cage, allowing the dog to approach and investigate but preventing a physical confrontation. Act as a chaperone until you are confident the animals will get along together. Often they will end up as best friend after a few days.
Kusky accepted Kurimu within the first day Kurimu arrived and joined the family. Although they could play well together, they could share food and toilets, but Kusky still set restriction to share some other things with Kurimu. I noticed Kusky doesn't like to share his sleeping place with Kurimu, only at night. During day time, they are alright to sleep head to head, side by side. When ever I am alone with Kusky in the bedroom, Kusky becomes very passionate, wanting so much love and attention, wanting to be touch and pet, will approach my face to kiss on me and do the 'stepping act' on me. But once Kurimu enters the room, Kusky will raise and leave the room immediately. Not sure if Kurimu has become the dominant one, but definitely Kurimu shows the alpha behavior in most of the things he did.



Play Time
The new kitten will need plenty of play activities. This is an excellent time for bonding. You are acting as its siblings or playmate. The kitten will chase and play with your fingers or hands, even your feet and ankles. If the kitten becomes too rough or aggressive, say no and blow softly in its face. 

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