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kitten essentials
Guide
Kitten Care
Caring Travelling Grooming Behaviour Health Feeding Settling in First steps
A new breed of pet store
everything for your kitten under one roof.
The ultimate guide
to caring for your new kitten.
Advice
02
First steps
08
Settling in
16
Health
29
Grooming
02 The joys of a 08 10 things to do 16 Best of care. 29 How to groom
At selected new kitten. before bringing 18 C
ommon health your kitten.
stores your kitten home.
Nutrition 04 7 things you need problems for
to know before 10 Kitten checklist. kittens.
becoming a 11 G
etting started.
30
19 Kitten dental
kitten parent. care.
12 The essentials.
06 Kitten’s 20 Keeping your
development. kitten safe
Animates Cattery
14
Loyalty from parasites. Travelling
At selected
Great pets deserve stores
great rewards 30 Car safety for
your kitten.
21
Feeding 31 K
ittens on
holidays.
14 What should I
feed my kitten?
Behaviour
32
21 Cat door training.
22 Helping your
kitten to use
litter.
Caring
24 What is my
kitten saying? 32 Kitty dilemmas.
Meow
o 25Boredom busters 34 Kitten moments.
Squeak
for your kitten.
35 Bonus vouchers.
26 A guide to your
kitten’s instincts.
28 Tech advances
to streamline
For all your kitten needs, think Animates. your’s and your
pet’s life.
For more info, visit animates.co.nz
In-store Repeat Delivery Click & Collect
Get at least 15% off plus free delivery. Order online and pick up
Have your favourite pet products delivered to within 90 minutes.
Online your door when you need them!
First steps
How
exciting!
The joy of
a new
kitten.
The cuteness, the cuddles
and so much love being sent
your way.
You’ll probably notice a change
in how you do things too.
You’ll want to give your kitten
the best life ever. Become the
best parent possible, showing
kindness, discipline, love and
understanding every single day.
Kittens enrich our lives and
provide us with unconditional
love.
In the following pages you’ll find
all you need to look after your
new family member. These
essentials are designed to make
your new role easier and to keep
your kitten happy and healthy
for years to come.
2 animates.co.nz 3
7 things you
First steps
feline friends, particularly
indoor cats. You’ll need lots
need to know of fun toys to occupy them,
especially when you’re not
around. Interactive toys that
before becoming
allow you to get involved in
playtime are also important
and provide a balance
of physical and mental
a kitten parent.
stimulation that will help to
avoid your kitten developing
behavioural issues.
Kitten love
6. They scratch
Scratching is a natural New parent Sasha
behaviour and helps them shares the joy of
keep their claws neat and kitten parenthood.
tidy. In saying that, you’re I adopted Nala as a
probably not going to kitten. When I brought
bubble wrap your entire her home with me she
house so your best bet is cried a lot and was very
to get a scratching post shy, but she immediately
for your cat to play on and stuck to my side. I was
sharpen their claws, this will working from home at
help to save your furniture. the time, so I was lucky
enough to spend a lot of
time with her as she
natural instinct to be in high That said, it can also get you 7. Introduce other
settled in. After her initial
Thinking of adopting a furry feline friend? places, so it's important to into trouble at times. pets slowly timidness, she felt right
Here’s what you need to know before provide enough high spaces While cats adapt to new
at home and has
welcoming a kitten into your family. for your kitten to retreat to. It’s 4. Not all cats are surroundings quickly, they
managed to claw every
also good to put their litter the same don’t always warm to other
piece of furniture in the
tray in a low-traffic area of the While some cats are pets at quite the same
1. Have you thought to do your research and house! I never knew I
house as they need their lap-lovers, others like to pace. If you already have
it through? understand the monetary would be a cat person
privacy too! be free agents and will another pet, like a dog, you
While cats can be fairly investment and also the – she has changed my
genuinely be happy in their should know you can’t force
independent, they do lifelong commitment to this life for the better. She
new little family member.
3. Felines are smart own company. While they will pets to like each other, so it’s
sleeps at the top of my
require a level of care and Don’t underestimate cats, often come to you when they best to go slow in the
maintenance, including pillow every night and
they’re a lot smarter than you want affection, most cats are introduction process. For
regular veterinary check- 2. Cats need their starts pawing my face in
think… and they will try to impressively individual and animals, smells are far more
ups and medical care, own space the morning after 6am.
outsmart you if they get the independent – doing what important than
ongoing preventative Some cats are more social While people think I am
chance! They have an innate they want, when they want. appearances, so try getting
parasite treatments (such than others. Either way, it’s obsessive about her, she
ability to learn quickly, solve your pets used to each
as flea and worming important to ensure that their completes my day. I
problems and adapt to their 5. The power of other’s scent before they
control), appropriate environment has their own come home and she
environments. This can often playtime meet face to face. Try
nutrition and, in some space – somewhere they can runs to the door – she
be incredible to watch as they Environmental enrichment swapping the blankets or
cases, regular professional retreat when they want some makes my house a
use their smarts to navigate is very important for our beds they use before
grooming. It’s important alone time. Cats have a home.
their lives around your home. meeting.
4 animates.co.nz 5
Your kitten’s
First steps
14-16 weeks
At 14-16 weeks of age, Your kitten will need a few
your kitten can have their trips to the vet in their first
third booster vaccination. year. Find your nearest
development.
From here, your veterinarian, Animates Vetcare clinic at
in consultation with animates.co.nz/vetcare
you, will determine your
feline friend’s long-term
vaccine program. The
recommendations will be
guided by your cat’s lifestyle
Bringing a kitten into your home is an important and exciting milestone.
and environment.
It’s only the first of many as your pet grows into an adult cat. 12 months onwards
Your cat is now considered
an adult! They’ll need to
switch to adult cat food to
Six to eight weeks
better suit their metabolism.
Kittens should have their
They’ll need:
first veterinary health check
• Adult cat food - we suggest
and the commencement of 17 to 26 weeks to choose from our range of
their vaccination program This age is an important Superior Nutrition brands.
between six and eight milestone for desexing your kitten. • New collar and bed, based
weeks of age, which will It is recommended that all pet on their growth.
help protect them from should be desexed between the
disease and illness. Kittens ages of four and six months, as it
are usually fully weaned by has a range of benefits. They will
eight weeks old, which is why also require worming monthly until
they are not available for six months old. Six to 12 months
adoption until after this time.
From month six onwards, your
kitten is in their youth stage, which
can last until they’re 18 months
At this time, a kitten
Newborn old. You should be worming your
will require their second
Kittens at this stage rely kitten routinely every three months
vaccination. This is typically
solely on their mother until from this point onwards.
given between 10-12 weeks
they’re three or four weeks They’ll need:
of age.
old. A kitten at birth will • Flea and worming treatment
weigh around 100 • Dental care essentials
grams and will begin
10 to 12 weeks (see page 19)
Between 10-12 weeks most kittens will
to purr.
go off to their new home! See the Kitten
Checklist on page 10 for all the items
your kitten will need. Keep your kitten
indoors for six weeks after you first get Feel free to chat to your local
Two to six weeks them home. Your kitten will start to come Animates team to find
A kitten’s eyes will start to open and their sense out of their shell and exhibit playful everything your kitten needs at
of smell and hearing will improve. This is when an behaviour. This is the time that they every stage. Head to
intestinal worming regime starts. They require worming require their second booster vaccination. animates.co.nz/articles to find
every fortnight until 12 weeks of age. Their first teeth Find your nearest Animates Vetcare clinic more information on kittens.
start to come in and they begin walking. It is important at animates.co.nz/vetcare.
to start human socialisation from 2 weeks.
6 animates.co.nz 7
1. Remove dangerous 6. Find a good litter 9. A scratching post
Prepare your home obstacles and tray is a must
for the arrival of your Your kitten is a curious little Litter is an essential on the Scratching is a natural
pet who will want to play and kitten checklist and it’s behaviour so you don’t want
new kitten. Getting best that you find a litter
explore. Your job is to make to discourage it. Instead,
your home in order sure that dangerous items, and tray that your kitten is reward them when they
will make sure your such as cords, are out of comfortable with sooner scratch in the right place.
Settling in
kitten has a safe and harm’s way. rather than later, so they can Have a scratching post in
secure environment. start using it. You may need place from day one and make
2. Store chemicals to trial a number of varieties sure your kitten knows that
securely of litter before you find the it’s okay to scratch away on it,
Make sure you store any best one for your kitten. rather than your furniture.
dangerous chemicals such Natural litter types such
as bleach, and household as paper, pine or clay are 10. Pick up a carrier
medications such as recommended. A good kitten carrier is
paracetamol, as their essential for getting your new
curiosity can easily get 7. Be ready for toilet kitten home and taking trips
them into a lot of trouble. accidents to the vet.
Kittens are very clean pets.
3. Organise their bed That said, they’re bound to
Your kitten’s
Kittens spend a lot of time have the odd accident just
sleeping, up to 16 hours per like any other pet, so it’s best first night
day on average. All this rest to be prepared. Have cleaning They may find it hard to
helps with growth and products on hand that are settle in. To help, here are
development. It’s essential pet-friendly, as it’s the best some tips:
that you provide a way to avoid mishaps with •Set up a designated
comfortable bed in a quiet, chemicals. space for their bed –
this may be the laundry.
low traffic area, to snuggle in
•Make sure they can
that’s warm, cosy and safe. 8. Don’t forget their snuggle into blankets.
food • Ensure they have
4. Gather the toys Make sure you are well access to water and
Kittens need lots of toys stocked with food and treats. their litter tray (not next
to play with as they are Initially, keep your kitten on to each other).
extremely active – have a the food they were being fed •Give them a bed to call
variety of toys on hand to prior to adoption. If you want their own.
10 things to do
keep yours entertained. to change your kitten’s food, • If your kitten cries
you should transition slowly. overnight, ensure they
5. Prepare your kids Make sure you look for food have all necessities
If you have young children, it’s that’s specially formulated e.g. they are fed and
before bringing
really important to explain for kittens. If you’re not sure warm. Settling in can
that they must be gentle with what’s best consult your local be scary, take the time
to comfort your kitten
the new kitten. Children will Animates store or Animates
and be patient while
want to snuggle and play. At Vetcare clinic. Treats are also
they adjust.
your kitten home.
first, this has to be limited as important, as you can use
• If your kitten is
your kitten needs a lot of rest them to reward your kitten for struggling to settle, you
and may feel overwhelmed. good behaviour. may want to consider
a crate for them to
sleep in.
8 animates.co.nz 9
Your kitten checklist.
Feather Teaser
50cm
Everything you need to prepare for the arrival of your new kitten.
Trouble & Trix
Glamourpuss
The essentials Useful items brush
Settling in
Food – Superior Nutrition for your Bowls – It’s important for your kitten
kitten’s development. If your kitten to have their own bowls away from
isn’t already eating Superior Nutrition other pets for stress free feeding.
food, introduce it to them slowly to Also remember to keep their litter
avoid an upset tummy. tray away from bowls.
Durapet Royal Canin
Trouble & Trix Stainless bowls Wet and dry kitten food
Litter, litter liners, tray and scoop – Cat door – Once your kitten has
Talk to the team in-store for advice settled in over 6 weeks or so, you can Leo wave cat scratcher and saucers
Getting started.
on what litter and tray is best for you train them to use the cat door.
and your kitten.
Brushes and combs – Keeps their
Collar and ID tag – Personalise your skin and coat in good condition and
kitten’s collar with their name and prevents matting.
Animates has everything you need to ensure
your contact details.
Treats – Reward good behaviour. your new family member is settled and happy.
Flea and worming treatments – Emerald Pet
Talk to the team in-store for advice Catnip – Available in spray or dried Dental cat treats
on the best treatment for your kitten. form, this can encourage your cat to
use their scratch post. So phresh
Carrier – Essential for safe travelling Cat litter
with your kitten. Get them used to it Stain and odour remover – For easy
from a young age. clean up of accidents. Aristotray
Litter tray and
Bed – Warm bed so they feel Mix & match scoop
comfortable and safe. Cat toys
Scratch post – Can help save your
furniture and encourages your kitten Kong
to explore and play. Covering all your vet care needs - offering Catnip spray
consultations, vaccinations, wellness change and may not be available at all stores.
Toys – Kittens need toys for chase, programmes and laboratory testing. Products shown are indicative only, subject to
play and to stimulate their minds.
Microchipping –Identifies your kitten
and links to your contact details
Cattery
Red dingo
incase they get lost. Providing a comfortable and safe home Kitten collars with bell
away from home for your kitten. Advantage and quick release
Vaccinations – Book in for the
Flea treatment
vaccinations your kitten will need. Find your nearest clinic and cattery at Talk to your local Animates team
animates.co.nz/vetcare Supplied by
Playmate to find everything your kitten
Pet carrier needs, at every stage.
10 11
The
essentials.
Pet Insurance
As your newest, small family
Settling in
member, your kitten will need a
number of trips to the vet in his/her
first year. Taking out pet insurance
may save you on consultations,
There are plenty of life-admin tasks you can put off for a few surgery and medicines.
months, but the paperwork for your new kitten isn’t one of them.
90%
Of cat owners in New Zealand
don’t have pet insurance*.
Purebred kittens
If welcoming a new purebred kitten
to your family, get to know their Your healthy pet checklist
feline family tree. Breeders should Registered breeders, pet adoption
come with papers that show they’ve centres and rescues will take
been registered with the relevant care of a kitten’s first vet health
breed association or club. Ask the check, vaccination, flea and worm
breeder for the registration and treatments, and microchip before
vet records of your kitten’s parents, they can go home with you.
including certificates showing
they’ve been screened for common Be sure to get a record
hereditary diseases. of the vaccination and parasite
prevention treatments so you know
*Source: Companion Animals in New Zealand 2016,
The New Zealand Companion Animal Council Inc.
when to book
your kitten in
for their next
Microchipping and registration dose. You’ll also
Microchips are a small device about the size of a grain of rice. They are implanted in need copies
the soft scruff of the neck by a veterinarian. They have a unique microchip number for your kitten’s
that when registered, links to your contact details. Microchipping your kitten is highly first cattery
recommended, a microchipped and registered missing pet is three times more likely vacation.
to get home when lost. Register your microchipped pets with the New Zealand
Companion Animal Council, a not-for-profit lost pet database. Supplied by
To find out more information visit animalregister.co.nz
12 animates.co.nz 13
Visit animates.co.nz for more
on feeding your kitten
Kittens develop rapidly, Choosing their food diets are expensive
both physically and Check the range available compared with other brands.
Always ensure
What
mentally. You need and select a food marked as Due to their high digestibility
fresh water is
Superior Nutrition to a “kitten” diet. These diets and high calorific density,
available.
support this growth and are specifically formulated to your cat needs a smaller
help strengthen their portion to meet their
Kittens on a
meet the needs of cats less
should I
immune system. nutritional needs. When this
dry food only
than 12 months old. Be aware
fact is taken into diet require
that the quality of the range
Choosing these foods will consideration and a cost per more water.
will vary. In most instances,
feed my
give your kitten the best you will pay more for Superior day is calculated, they
possible start. Nutrition that contains compare favourably,
the best-quality vitamin and especially when the quality
When you first get mineral ingredients. They also of the ingredients and the
kitten?
Feeding
your kitten include DHA, which is benefits are factored in.
You shouldn’t change your important for developing
kitten’s food in the first brain function. These foods
few days in their new contain real meat, such as
Benefits of Superior Nutrition
home. Moving house and chicken, as the first
Deciding what to feed your kitten is an changing families is very ingredient. As a rule, kittens
stressful and can affect should get about 30% of A higher-quality • DHA to enhance brain
important decision. Here’s everything you diet is vitamin-rich, and nervous system
your kitten’s digestive their energy from protein, so
need to know to ensure your kitten has a system. Keeping them on provide a diet that contains a nutritionally dense with development.
healthy and nutritionally balanced diet. the diet they’re used to will quality source of protein. quality proteins, fats • Blend of vitamins
reduce the chance of Check the label and look for and carbohydrates and minerals for
stomach upsets or a balance of real proteins, for healthier cats that optimal health.
diarrhoea. When you are fats and oils, minerals, need less in their bowls •D igestible ingredients
ready to change your vitamins and carbohydrates. (smaller serves) and that help avoid
kitten’s diet, do so over the For advice on what food is leave less in the litter hairballs and lead to
course of seven days, best for your kitten, talk to tray (less waste smaller, firmer and
gradually introducing their your local Animates or to clean up). less-smelly waste.
new food mixed with the Animates Vetcare team. •P romotes skin and
old one. Choose from our range coat health.
of Superior Nutrition • Helps to support the
Wet and dry
brands at Animates or best possible gut
mix-feeding Animates Vetcare, and health.
It’s a great idea to offer both
your kitten will reap the • Support for developing
wet and dry food to ensure
rewards. immune systems.
the best possible nutrition
Did you know? Day 1-2 Day 3-4 These include: • Encourages strong
25% new 50% new and to ensure proper
• Formulated for specific joints and lean
hydration. If you decide to
Protein is an essential breeds, life stages muscles.
feed a mixture, ensure you
part of a cats diet and health conditions. • Wet foods optimise
convert the feeding
to stay healthy, they • Quality ingredients. water intake for cats,
Day 5-6 Day 7 requirements so you don’t
require much more 100% new
• No added artificial which is vital for their
75% new overfeed your pet.
protein than dogs. colours or flavour urinary tract health.
enhancers.
What about the cost?
You may think higher-quality
14 animates.co.nz 15
First steps
It’s recommended to take
You can reduce the risk of zoonotic
your kitten to your local
Animates Vetcare or local
disease by:
vet within a week of
bringing them home. The
veterinarian will perform a
full physical examination
and discuss the best
preventative healthcare Cleaning out litter Disposing of faeces
plan with you, which will trays regularly. in the tray quickly.
include your new kitten’s
vaccination schedule.
Monitor your kitten’s
behaviour around the house
before their first vet visit so
that you can discuss any
behaviour or health Washing your cat’s Isolating unwell cats.
concerns that you may bed often.
have. For tips on a safe trip
Health
to the vet, see page 30.
Vaccinating SOAP
Did you know? your kitten
Scientific studies Your kitten’s vaccination
show that purring has schedule should begin
Washing your
healing powers and is between six and eight hands frequently and Wearing gloves when
therapeutic for cats! weeks of age. Kittens’ cleaning your children’s gardening in case of
immune systems are very hands after playing. contact with faeces.
susceptible to disease,
Best of care.
which is why it is so
important to safeguard and environment. You will susceptible to the
them from potentially fatal receive a vaccination transmission of disease from
diseases. card that helps log cats such as toxoplasmosis,
Vaccination schedule: their vaccinations. due to their vulnerable
• First vaccination immune systems. This is why
A healthy kitten is a happy one, so it’s important to give them the best between 6-8 weeks old Why your cat’s parasite prevention and
start to life. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the vet • Second vaccination health matters general hygiene is so
with your kitten. between 10-12 weeks old to you important and why keeping
• Third booster While it’s not common for your cat healthy keeps your
between 14-16 weeks old humans to catch diseases family healthy. See page 26
Cats need booster from cats, it can happen. for more info.
vaccinations to ensure
Desexing your kitten These types of diseases
long-term immunity. Your are referred to as zoonotic
It is recommended that kittens be desexed between four to six months of age. Not only are To find your local
veterinarian will recommend diseases. Small children,
there a number of health benefits of having your pet desexed, it also decreases the number Animates Vetcare clinic,
an ongoing plan for pregnant women and their
of unwanted kittens that find themselves homeless or in shelters. The procedure generally visit animates.co.nz/
vaccinating your kitten babies are more
requires a day stay at your local vet and they tend to bounce back quickly. vetcare
based on their lifestyle
16 animates.co.nz 17Common health Kitten dental care.
problems for Just like people’s teeth, cat’s teeth need to be looked after to
ensure they stay in tip-top condition. Here are some pointers for
kittens.
your kitten’s best dental health.
As your kitten starts to settle in soft finger brush, gently rub the
with you, they should start to paste over their teeth. Start slowly
become accustomed to having and work your way up to brushing
As kittens’ immune systems are still developing
their mouth examined. This will their teeth. Brushing every day is
and they’ve just moved homes, it’s really important help you maintain their dental ideal for optimal health.
to watch out for any worrying symptoms. hygiene and make it easier for
the veterinarian to inspect their Don’t forget about
Cats are good at hiding that they’re teeth further down the track. In a their gums
unwell. This makes it difficult to tell cat's lifetime you should expect Your kitten’s gums should look
Health
when your furry friend is exhibiting at least two visits to the vet for pink and healthy, not irritated and
any symptoms that you may need to dental procedures. Once they sore. An important part of looking
be worried about. If your kitten is are comfortable with this, you after your pet’s teeth is to C.E.T. Home
unwell, you may notice a lack of can put a plan in place. massage their gums to stimulate Dental Kit
energy or a change in behaviour. good oral health.
What are the other signs you Look to their diet
shouldn’t ignore? Your kitten’s Superior Nutrition Spotting dental
dry food helps to protect their problems in cats
Symptoms that can teeth from plaque and tartar. If you see your kitten rubbing
indicate your kitten is sick: Over time, a diet of wet foods their mouth with their paws or
• Loss of appetite alone can lead to gingivitis and licking their food rather than
• Lethargy even loose teeth. This is why we chewing, they may have a
• Diarrhoea recommend a mixed diet, as well dental issue. You should also
• Vomiting Did you know? as dental treats that have the watch out for drooling, a
• Sneezing seal of approval. Just be careful sore mouth, sudden
Some common
• Runny eyes and nasal discharge household plants are you’re not overfeeding them. decreased
• Unable to defecate toxic to cats? Find out appetite
• Trouble urinating more at animates. Brush their teeth and
• Fur loss or scaly skin co.nz/articles If brushing your kitten’s teeth, bleeding
you need to use a specific gums.
cat-friendly toothpaste. Using a
chicken or beef flavoured option
If you notice any of the symptoms above or anything out of the ordinary,
speak with your local Animates Vetcare clinic to make an appointment.
will help your kitten see brushing
Seek treatment for your pet before it turns into something more serious. as a reward. First, let them taste
the toothpaste then, using a nice
18 animates.co.nz 21
19Keeping your kitten Training your kitten
to use a cat door
safe from parasites.
Kittens shouldn’t have
complete outdoor freedom
until they are six months
old, fully vaccinated,
desexed and microchipped.
Kittens are susceptible to fleas and worms. The good news is that they If you do cat door training
can be treated and often prevented. earlier than this, be
prepared to lock the door
and keep the kitten inside
Fleas Worms How can I prevent when you’re not around.
While we normally associate Worms are nasty parasites parasites?
Cat door
warmer weather with fleas, that can affect kittens Over-the-counter 1. If your cat door has a
these parasites are present all and some worms can be prevention can be removable flap, take it off
year-round. If you don’t treat transmitted to humans. administered as a tablet, for initial training. If the
your pet with parasite Symptoms that may identify spot-on or spray. These flap isn’t easy to remove,
prevention regularly, they are that your kitten has worms products have unique pin it open with duct tape.
training.
at higher risk of health include weight loss, diarrhoea, benefits with some 2. With your pet on the
problems associated with weakness and an enlarged providing protection from inside and you on the
pesky parasites. The flea stomach. Kittens should be more than one parasite outside, use toys or
lifecycle can be difficult to wormed every two weeks until including fleas and treats to entice the kitten
beat. Flea eggs go from larvae 12 weeks old, then monthly intestinal worms. Some through the hole. Calling
to pupae stage and will stay until six months old, and every brands are safe to use on your kitten’s name will
present in your kitten’s fur and three months following that. kittens from four weeks of help too.
Behaviour
environment (including However always refer to the age and will protect your A cat door gives your cat the freedom to 3. When your kitten
bedding and toys), waiting for leaflet provided with your cat from a range of come and go and is convenient for both successfully steps
the ideal temperature to treatment for recommended parasites. Be sure to check through the hole, reward
you and your cat. Simply find the right
hatch. Maintaining year-round dosage and treatment on the packet though. them with verbal praise,
flea prevention will help to intervals. Ringworm is also a
cat door for your needs, and follow these playtime or a treat (or all
avoid an infestation during concern. It is not a worm, but steps so they can become a pro. three).
peak seasons. a fungus on the skin that can 4. Repeat steps 2 and
be contagious to humans. 3 until your kitten is
confidently going
Flea and worm Types of cat doors cat (or cats). If there are backwards and forwards
The best type of cat door lots of other cats in your through the door.
solutions neighbourhood (potential 5. Put the door flap back in
for you will depend on where
Visit your local Animates
you want to put it and cat burglars), this is the way or remove the duct tape,
store or or Animates
how many cats are in the to go. then repeat steps 2 and
Vetcare clinic, for all
neighbourhood. You’ll find • Magnetic cat doors also 3. If your kitten is hesitant
the flea and worm
a full range of cat doors at only admit your cat, but about pushing against
requirements for your
Animates, as well as experts your pet has to wear a the door flap, push your
kitten.
It's important to who can help you to make a magnetic collar key. hand through to make
Supplied by • Standard cat doors let any the flap swing. Your kitty
use kitten specific good choice.
treatments to • Microchip cat doors only cat through, but they can will soon get the idea.
avoid illness. work for your microchipped be locked in various ways.
20 21Helping your
kitten to use litter.
While kittens take to litter trays fairly intuitively, getting this right is
important. Follow these six steps and your kitten will be using the litter
tray in no time.
1. Find the right litter 3. Find the right spot We recommend following the
tray first up Place the litter tray in a rule of one litter tray per cat,
You should look for a tray quiet spot out of the way of plus one extra. This will help
that’s large enough for your household traffic for privacy. to prevent any unwanted
kitten to move around in The best place is in a corner territorial behaviour and
and one that they can climb of a room, away from their inappropriate urination in the
Finding the
into easily when it’s time to food and water bowl. If you long run.
go. Some kittens like more have other pets, such as
privacy, so make sure it is dogs, or small children, make 6. Reinforce their
sure to place it somewhere good behaviour
Behaviour
placed in an area that is
best litter.
quiet and has low household out of their reach. Kittens do not instinctively
traffic. know how to use their litter tray
4. Control their space and need to be taught how to
2. Choose the best When you bring your new use it. If you want your kitten to
litter for you kitten home, it’s best to quickly learn how to use their
Choosing the right litter allocate your pet a smaller litter tray, you should get in
for your kitten is just as space like the laundry until the habit of physically placing
they get used to their new them inside it when they first
Pine litter Crystal litter
important as the tray itself.
home – this will also help with wake up in the morning, a Pine litters are made These 100% silica crystals highly absorbent, quickest
Cat litter is available in a
toilet training. It will also keep few minutes after eating and from 100% sustainable are non-clumping, to absorb moisture and
variety of materials and each
them close to the litter tray drinking, and after play. Gently wood in the form of long-lasting, lightweight, most economical.
have their pros and cons.
when they need to go and encourage them with your shavings compressed into non-toxic and very Non-clumping litter avoids
Options vary from natural
encourage them to use it. words, rather than raising your pellets. It is compostable, absorbent. This is not mess outside the tray
varieties, such as recycled
voice. biodegradable and made recommended for young while being absorbent and
paper or pine, which are the
5. Keep in mind from sustainable resources. kittens in case it is ingested. economical.
safest options for kittens,
to clay litter, which forms If you are introducing a
new kitten into a home Helpful hint Paper litter Clay litter If you have any questions,
clumps when wet for easy
that already has a resident Made of recycled paper, This variety is available feel free to ask a friendly
removal.
cat, you need to make It’s important to keep it is chemical-free and in both clumping and Animates team member
sure that each of the cats their litter tray clean ultra-absorbent while non-clumping varieties. for advice on choosing the
have their own litter tray.
and ready for them suitable for composting. Clumping clay cat litter is best litter for your cat.
to use.
22 animates.co.nz 25
23Did you know?
Cats have developed Boredom
busters for
around 24 different
vocalisations in order to
communicate with us.
Learning to decode
kitten language
What is my I’m happy
• Tail extended straight up.
• Eyes half closed.
your kitten.
kitten saying? • Pupils narrowed.
• Purring.
• Whiskers naturally
Kittens are playful little things that need
lots of mental stimulation. Make sure you
to the side. offer them lots of toys to beat boredom.
While having a chat with your cat may • Kneading a soft surface.
sound far-fetched, it turns out you and your • If their tail starts to quiver,
kitten have a language all of your own. don’t think your cat’s
afraid or anxious, they
are actually telling you
Kittens seem to pack a lot kittens only use their “meow”
of personality into their tiny to talk to their humans. They that they’re extremely
bodies! Cats are most vocal don’t really use their voice content!
when they are kittens. Your to communicate with other
kitten will use a combination cats, except when fighting. I’m angry
Behaviour
of vocalisations and body Your kitten will use their or irritated Play together
language to tell you what’s voice to let you know what • Rapid movement of the There are a number of toys on offer that will let
going on in their world, it’s they need. Look at your tail. you and your kitten play together. Teaser toys on a
just a matter of learning to cat’s body language as a • Ears flat on their head. string and toys on a rope will involve you in the game
interpret them. whole – that way, you won’t and let you have heaps of fun with your kitten. This
• Large dilated pupils.
take what they’re trying to play time will help you bond with your new pet and Scratching post, teaser toy
Cat talk tell you out of context. establish a strong friendship.
I’m feeling and mix & match toys
It’s been established that
defensive
• Hissing or growling.
m e!
• Tail between their legs Solo play Up to scratch
P at (or a ‘bushy’ tail). You’ll want to give your kitten a range of
toys that let them entertain themselves.
Providing your kitten with a scratch post
or scratch toy is a great idea. You can
• Crouched down low
to the ground. Toys should be offered on a rotational basis, encourage your kitten to use their scratch
• Raised fur along their offer your kitten three or so at a time and post by spraying the toy with catnip spray
swap them out on a regularly. This keep toys and/or playing chase using a teaser. It
back and tail.
‘new’ and exciting. Balls, tunnels, and toy is best to buy the largest scratch post
• Prolonged eye contact.
mice are just the start of the huge selection or pad that you can afford as you really
• Cowering or hiding.
of toys on offer at Animates. You can even want your cat to be able to stretch out in
find electronic toys that will keep your kitten a natural scratching position. You want
stimulated for hours. However, not all toys to make sure it has a sturdy base and a
should be left unattended with kittens. variety of surfaces to scratch.
24 animates.co.nz 25A guide to your
It is generally accepted that purring is an emotional
response for cats. A cat’s purr is one of the tools they use to express their
feelings, particularly when they are feeling relaxed and happy. Cats also purr
when they’re distressed, afraid or in pain, and even when giving birth, so it
kitten’s instincts.
could be a self-soothing behaviour rather than exclusively a show of
contentment. It’s probably a means of communication, too. Purring starts when
kittens are just a few days old, leading some to speculate they’re “talking” to
their mother and encouraging her to feed them.
Descended from wild cats, our domesticated Why Scratching is normal
kittens come with their fair share of personality do cats behaviour cats have
quirks – it’s only natural! purr? inherited from their wild
ancestors. You can manage
your cat’s scratching by enriching
their environment with
accessories and toys. When our
Kneading is when a cat
nails get too long we clip them
rhythmically alternates pushing with a nail clipper – a cat can’t do
their paws against a soft surface, that. The feline solution for nails
such as the sofa, a rug or your lap. that are too long is to start
Kneading is one of your kitten’s more peculiar
behaviours that actually serves a number of Why scratching on something, as this
is natural cat behaviour. The act
important purposes for cats. Kneading begins do cats of scratching removes the old
virtually from day one, when a kitten kneads knead? nails and allows the new ones to
Behaviour
their mother’s teats to help stimulate milk emerge. Scratching also allows
production. While behaviour experts aren’t cats to mark their territory with
entirely certain what drives cats to knead the scent glands on their paws. To
beyond kittenhood, it’s widely thought they help protect your furniture, your
instinctively associate massaging a soft cat will need a scratching post.
surface with the cosy comfort of a mother’s Make sure it’s tall enough for them
nurturing. Some adult cats even lick or suckle to stand up on their hind legs with
the surface they’re kneading. The belief is that Why a sturdy base so it won’t fall over,
kneading is both an expression of do cats as they love to reach up and
contentment and a self-soothing mechanism. scratch? stretch while scratching. Ensure
Cats are thought to knead to help themselves it’s covered in a tactile material,
relax and unwind. like carpet or sisal, there are even
options with platforms and
Why do hidey-holes for play. Remember:
cats rub on the more fun you make it, the
Kittens make themselves at home by surfaces? better chance it’ll be used for
scratching, rather than your
marking territory. You may see them rubbing their
couch!
face and body repeatedly against your legs, walls, flooring
and furniture to spread their scent. Rubbing their face and
body against different surfaces can mean they are content in
their environment. If you’re worried about your kitten’s behaviour, visit your
nearest Animates Vetcare clinic or see your local vet.
26 animates.co.nz 27Tech advances How to
to streamline your’s and your
pet’s life. groom
Technology has come a long way! Us humans have enjoyed some pretty
incredible advances and the pet world is no different. Here are some top
tech buys for kittens.
your kitten.
While cats are superb self-groomers, regular
Electronic Microchip cat flaps brushing by you will keep your kitten’s coat
feeders Keep your home secure with a cat door extra shiny and healthy.
Motion-activated that only opens when it registers your
bowls help keep smells pet’s microchip - no stray cats can
locked away and flies sneak inside! A SureFlap Pet Door
off. The Surefeed Connect & Hub takes that a step
Sealed Pet Bowl opens further. The latest technology works with
when it detects your pet using an app that can also be operated Starting slow whether they have long If you do need to wash
motion sensors. This keeps the remotely. Settings can be adjusted to Regular grooming is or shorter hair. For long- your kitten, make sure you
food fresher and prevents wet food from drying out, lock or unlock the pet door anytime. You important for maintaining haired cats, we recommend use a shampoo specially
making it more palatable for your kitten. can also know when your kitten is at your cat’s health. Most cats brushing every day. Short- formulated for cats - not dog
home and monitor long-term activity. love to be brushed, especially haired breeds may benefit shampoo, human shampoo
if this is a habit that’s from being brushed once a or other soaps, as these can
developed from an early age. week. Consistent brushing contain ingredients that can
Make sure your kitten feels stops their hair from be harmful to cats.
comfortable being patted all matting, removes loose
over and is slowly introduced fur and reduces the risk of Your kitten’s nails
to their combs and brushes. irritating hair balls caused Clipping the nails of kittens
Grooming
Keep your first grooming by excessive self-grooming. and cats that go outside
sessions short – only five to For the best results, use a is not recommended as it
ten minutes – then gradually comb first and work it from leaves them unable to climb
increase the time until your front to back within the line trees, get away from danger
pet is used to the routine. of fur. Loose fur can then be or protect themselves.
Using treats while brushing removed with a slicker brush Having a scratch post will
will help your kitten associate or a rubber mitt. help the nails stay in good
brushing with a reward, condition and prevent them
making the process more
Can you give your getting overgrown.
enjoyable for both you and kitten a bath?
We do not recommend to
your kitten.
bath your kitten as it can If you feel unsure, ask your
Grooming basics remove essential oils. It is Animates Vetcare clinic
Grooming your kitten generally, only necessary for advice on clipping
depends on their coat and if your kitten is muddy or your kitten’s nails.
if recommended by a vet.
28 animates.co.nz 31
29Kittens on holidays.
As much as you love your kitten, there will come a time when you
have to go away and leave them behind. There are lots of options
so you can have peace of mind on your trip.
Car safety Use a boarding on hand should they professional pet minder, or
for your kitten.
cattery or vet become ill. Boarding cat-sitter, to either stay with
A boarding cattery is a catteries tend to offer your cat for the duration of
facility that looks after cats larger quarters, as well your holiday, or visit every
when their parents cannot. as extras like enclosed day. The great thing about
There are catteries in all outdoor play areas, having someone care for
major cities and towns, though costs are likely to your cat in your own home is
and many vet clinics, such rise along with the degree that they won’t be stressed
While you may not be planning to Tips for a stress-free
as Animates Vetcare, also of luxury. out by being taken away
take your kitten for lots of road trips, car journey from their usual environment.
offer cat boarding services.
it’s important to make them • Line the carrier with something The main advantage of Use a professional
comfortable to maximise their soft like a towel or bed. boarding your cat with cat-sitter Ask a friend
safety when they are in the car. • Feliway spray the carrier prior to a vet is that there are The next best thing to you If cost is a factor, you could
putting your cat in to alleviate experienced medical staff being at home is hiring a consider asking a trusted
stress. friend, neighbour or family
The first step to your most importantly, safe • Bring some treats to reward good member to mind your cat
kitten’s car safety is during the commute. behaviour. while you’re away. Ideally, ask
their cat carrier. You’ll Your kitten’s carrier • If your cat does not spontaneously someone who is able to stay
need to take your kitten can be seen as a place enter the carrier, calmly place them at your place and maintain
to the vet regularly, so of refuge by them, so into the carrier through the your pet’s normal diet and
you need to ensure your make sure their first opening. routine. If your cat will need
kitten is comfortable introduction to it is as • Secure the carrier on the back seat to go to a different house,
with the experience and anxiety-free as possible. of your car with the seatbelt and check that it’s escape-proof
cover it with a towel. Never place and take lots of home
the carrier on the front seat as the comforts to help them settle
Feliway spray air bags can be dangerous. in, such as familiar toys or a
Travelling
• Drive smoothly, without loud music, crate or cat carrier they can
Feliway uses a special scent
talking to your cat in a soothing retreat to if they’re feeling
that is a replication of the
voice; the calmer you are the less overwhelmed.
pheromone cats leave
anxious your cat will be. If possible, Handy tips
naturally when they are
keep windows closed for extra
feeling comfortable in their Ensure your cat has To find your nearest
safety.
environment. This scent is an up-to-date ID Animates Vetcare
• If your cat is reluctant, wrap them
odourless to people and other tag, also check their Cattery visit
gently in a towel that has their
animals and will help to keep microchip details animates.co.nz/vetcare/
scent or Feliway spray on it.
your cat calm during car trips. are up-to-date. vet-services/cattery
30 animates.co.nz 31Kitty
Why do cats
sleep so much?
Cats seem to spend their
entire days sleeping, most
dilemmas.
likely after pouncing on your
chest at the crack of dawn.
The average cat naps for
15 hours a day, with kittens
and older cats sleeping even
longer. So why does your pet
keep such strange hours?
Bringing a kitten into your home is a big step and Cats may not spend a lot of during the day. This is not have a semi water-repellent
you’ll be faced with the odd challenge. Here are some time awake, yet when they strictly true. In fact, the fur, which keeps them warm
kitten-related frequently asked questions. do, they use lots of energy. majority of domestic cats are and dry whilst playing in
Whether they’re stalking a most active at both dusk and the water.
bird, chasing string or using dawn rather than only at
their scratcher, your cat night. Because of this, cats How long do
exerts a lot of energy laze around during the day, cats live?
in short bursts. This means particularly when the sun is Contrary to the popular
they need recovery time. at its hottest, and are most saying, cats don’t have nine
active in the early morning lives. Their lives are getting
Why do cats hunt? and in the early evening longer though. A cat is
Domesticated cats have hours of twilight. It is considered senior at nine
retained their wild hunting recommended that you keep years of age. Thanks to
instincts and it’s impossible your cat inside at night to nutritional and medical
to take them away. When avoid fights. advances, it’s not
your cat brings a mouse or a uncommon for cats to live
bird and presents it to you, Why do cats hate beyond the standard
they are demonstrating their water? lifespan of 12 to 15 years of
natural survival instinct to For an animal so adamant age. Animates Vetcare has
hunt. The best way to curb on being clean, it’s a had feline patients as old as
this behaviour is to stimulate wonder that most cats 21 years of age. By taking
their natural hunting habits. don’t like water. While many good care of your pet’s
By giving them plenty of toys cats explore their water health, you can increase
and indoor play activities, bowls with their paws, and their chances of living to a
such as balls, wands, become curiously bewitched ripe old age. Providing your
automatic interactive toys around dripping faucets cat with a Superior Nutrition
and plenty of opportunities and showers, most don’t diet is important for
for climbing and scratching appreciate being wholly maintaining a healthy
you’ll be keeping them drenched in water. While weight and delivering the
Did you know? entertained, making them there are a few reasons nutrients they need. You
less likely to turn their for this, the main one can help ward off
Cats aren’t just attention elsewhere. comes down to their body life-threatening illnesses
remarkable because of temperature – once wet, with regular trips to your
their quirky personalities Are cats nocturnal? they find it hard to feel warm local Animates Vetcare for
Caring
– each cat’s nose has a
A lot of people believe that again. The exception to this all your pet’s vaccinations,
unique pattern, similar to
a human fingerprint. cats are nocturnal, or active is the Maine Coon! This is one boosters and general
during the night and asleep cat breed who love water and check-ups.
32 animates.co.nz 33We love seeing your kitten
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34 animates.co.nz 35Notes.
20% off kitten wet food 20% off Superior Nutrition dry kitten food
Offer valid from 1 November 2020 until 31 December 2021. Offer valid from 1 November 2020 until 31 December 2021.
Retail sales only. Discount is off full retail price. Cannot be Retail sales only. Discount is off full retail price. Cannot be
used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion. No used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion. No
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animates.co.nz checkout code: KITTENWET
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a cat product only. Retail sales only. Discount is off full retail a cat product only. Retail sales only. Discount is off full retail
price. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or price. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or
promotion. No rain-checks, customer orders or lay-bys. Not promotion. No rain-checks, customer orders or lay-bys. Not
transferrable for cash. One voucher per person. One time transferrable for cash. One voucher per person. One time
use only. Excludes food and flea treatments. Excludes pets, use only. Excludes food and flea treatments. Excludes pets,
services and gift vouchers. Present voucher on redemption. services and gift vouchers. Present voucher on redemption.
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cash. One voucher per person. One time use only. Veterinary
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36 animates.co.nz animates.co.nz 37animates.co.nz
Nutrition | Advice
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