Kitten Care Notes

Kitten Care

Bringing them home:

Kitten proof your house! Block or remove things that they can get stuck under. Make sure they can’t climb onto something as they may get hurt if they hurt fall off. Also see the toxic plants list below.

Keep them in one room for the first couple of weeks preferably where you sleep.

They may cry at first leaving their brothers, sisters and mom. The stress may also result in loose stool. If that happens, use Forti-Flora (comes in pouches, available from vets). Sprinkle on wet food only, 2 times a day.

They will need lots of love and games.

Exotic Cats are indoor cats ONLY. Never let them outside, they are not street-smart and will likely be killed or stolen. Also, never declaw them.

Toys:           

Lots of them!! (none with feathers or string), shaky mice and little soft balls are good

Toy that has a scratching pad in the middle and a ball that rolls around the outside

Other toys with sticks and feathers (long ones) are good, but put them away after you play with them

Litter:

use Exquisicat Natural Corn, or "SWheatScoop". Very safe and is flushable. Start with a big open litter box. Eventually get a covered one if you choose.

Scoop regularly to keep it clean, a dirty litter box could result in a dirty kitten!

Occasionally you may have to wash their backsides if anything gets stuck.

Grooming:

Comb every day so they get used to it

it is a good idea to get them professionally groomed a couple of times a year. I know a wonderful place with two excellent groomers, Bonnie and Jill. They are an amazing team and keep my cats looking beautiful. You can reach them at Tails Up Grooming. Just say you have Heather Smith's kitten!

Eye Care:

Clean eyes carefully every day with a soft washcloth and warm water or eye safe pads you can get from your vet for staining around the eyes.

Use Viralys ® (in the powder form) for eye health. for eye protection. You do not need a prescription. Just pick it up at a vets office and sprinkle a little on their food each day.

Dry Food:

Babies should have Royal Canin Dry Baby Cat, Kitten Persian and Hair and Skin. At 8 months they can have Adult Persian and Hair and Skin. Put out different dry foods in different bowls but don't mix them.

Wet Food:

Wet food 2 times a day as babies and as adults, once a day as a treat. Use Royal Canin Baby Cat Wet, (not Kitten) the pâté is easy for them to eat. Or Nutro Kitten Soft Loaf, they are both equally good. Available at Petsmart and most other pet product stores. (1/4 tin 2x a day)

If there is any problem with the food that causes diarrhea it's usually the protein source. So if that's the case try Natural Balance Green Pea and Duck. Goes from kitten through adult, wet and dry. If it's occasional diarrhea get some Forti Flora at your vet, no prescription required. Sprinkle a little on food for a few days. It's a probiotic that balances the flora.

Bowls should be very shallow and be big around since their faces are flatter and they can't eat or drink out of tall bowls. Have lots of water on hand and dry food available at all times.

Use stainless steel bowls to prevent skin problems.

Supplements:
3 products are highly recommended: 
Super Lysine: for eye protection
VM900+3 Vitamins and Minerals: for cats and kittens. 
XtraBloom Digest Aid: great for immune system, bowels and urinary tract
Order directly from supplier. 

IMPORTANT - Toxic Plants:

Cats are attracted to plants and flowers however many common ones are toxic.

All types of lilies (including the pollen) are HIGHLY toxic to cats and can cause a very painful death.

Please check the web or this list here to make sure you remove all toxic plants from your home:

http://www.cfainc.org/catcare/householdhazards/toxicplants.aspx

Spaying and Neutering:

Males can be neutered at 6 months of age, females can be spayed at 8 months. If considering a chip implant, this is the idea time to do it. 2 weeks prior to surgery, kittens should have their rabies shots.

Find a good vet immediately, and give them the records. Make sure they are familiar with Exotic Cats.

Enjoy your babies!

Email or call me any time with questions or concerns,

Heather Smith (416) 429 5946