Recently, I had the good fortune of having some in-depth conversations with several cat breeders and people involved with cat rescue groups. I had begun writing a blog about common mistakes we make with new puppies and realized these cat experts were a gold mine of information on mistakes we make when getting a new kitten.  Many of the insights in this article are the result of their years of experience, and I thank them for helping to educate all of us toward becoming better kitten/cat parents.

First Mistake:

Choosing to get a cat because it is an “easy” pet.  An acquaintance told me she wanted a dog but got a cat instead because she could leave it alone when she went away on weekends. I had never met a lonelier or more depressed cat. Often, cats are relegated to the backyard with access to a garage and given little human contact. While cats are not usually as socially engaging as dogs, they need care and appreciate a fair amount of attention on their terms, of course. If your interactions with a pet are going to be slight, perhaps a pet rat, a gerbil, or a fish tank might be a more appropriate match.

Second Mistake:

Having only one kitten in your home. When adopting a kitten, please consider adopting two, thus preventing many behavioral problems arising from a bored and lonely single cat. Lack of bite inhibition, separation anxiety, possible aggression, destructive behaviors, and loud vocalizing are often associated with unhappy single cats. Not only are two kitties double the fun, but they are also healthier and happier as a pair. Many cats do well in pairs, especially littermates, but individual temperament matters.

Third Mistake:

Not planning a slow introduction of your kitten/kittens into their new home. Felines are naturally territorial, so their environment is crucial to them.  As both a predator and prey species, cats instinctively need to know if there are larger predators to fear in a new environment, and they need to feel assured that their own prey needs will be met by mice, birds or a bowl of fresh, raw protein food. Confining new kittens to one small room in your house with food, water, and a comfy bed (but no other animals) for a week or two will make them feel safe and give them confidence to explore larger areas at their own pace. If you have other pets, the transition period will take longer and should be carefully monitored. To be sure that all pets feel secure that their resources are not being threatened, it’s a good idea to feed some extra protein foods during this time.

Fourth Mistake:

Feeding an inappropriate diet to your new kittens. Felines are imprint eaters, which means that if your kitties are not fed a variety of foods, flavors, and textures in the first three months of life, they will not recognize those foods, flavors, or textures later in life as edible. All cats are true carnivores and need to be fed protein-rich diets for them to thrive.

Putting your new kittens on a complete and balanced raw meat-based diet and continuing to use a variety of raw proteins for their lifetime is a nutritionally sound plan. However, in the first three months, you should occasionally add small meals of premium canned cat food and some kibble snacks so that your kittens will recognize these substances as edible. Who knows? Someday, your cat may need to stay in a vet clinic or be rescued by a stranger, and will most likely be fed kibble or canned food. Being adaptable to various foods is an important survival trait.

Fifth Mistake:

Feeding milk to your kitten or cat. There is nothing cuter than watching a tiny kitten lap a bowl of milk. However, after weaning, most kittens gradually lose the ability to digest milk. Lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose, fades, and although many cats still crave milk, it often causes vomiting, diarrhea, gas, and abdominal pain. Not all experts agree with this opinion and feel milk and milk products are fine for cats exhibiting no painful lactose-intolerance symptoms.

Sixth Mistake:

Using incorrectly designed litter boxes and harmful litter. A stainless steel litter box without a cover is the best option for your indoor kittens and cats. Plastic litter boxes get scratched, and these scratches harbor bacteria and hold odors. Instinctively, cats want to look around them for dangers when they are eliminating. It is a vulnerable moment and stressful if they feel blind inside a covered box.

Also, when cats must hunch to defecate in an enclosed box, it causes their bladder to hold urine, which is a primary cause of bladder infections. Inevitably, cats will ingest a certain amount of litter when using their box.

Make sure to use a litter type that is safe, absorbent, and easy to maintain. Plant-based litters such as corn, wheat, tofu, or paper are popular options, but clumping clay litters are also widely used and accepted, depending on household needs and disposal preferences.

There is no single “best” litter box type for all cats, but key factors include cleanliness, size, and whether the cat feels comfortable using it.

Seventh Mistake:

Using inexpensive plastic food and water bowls or ceramic bowls from an unknown country.

Plastic dishes encourage bacteria and molds to form, and cheap ceramic bowls can leach unknown chemicals into food and water. These bowls promote chin acne, and high-sided bowls may also cause whisker fatigue. Stainless steel or USA-made ceramic shallow bowls or plates are a smarter, safer choice.

Eighth Mistake:

Lack of feline enrichment. Kittens are high-powered bundles of energy and curiosity, and if not given approved stimulation…well, your drapes, your slippers, your sofa pillows will be very enticing targets. Far better alternatives are crinkly toys, squeaky toys, wand toys to chase, furry mice to chew and tug, and toys to play with alone or with you. Remember that cats associate height with power and status, so a tall cat tree is a great investment for your little wild ones. Bigger investments might be window perches, elevated cat walks, and catios offering a safe, fully enclosed outdoor experience. Life will be much more interesting for your kittens and cats, and for you, if you thoughtfully engage with them in playful, enriching activities.

Is there anything more fun than having two kittens in your life? On the fun-o-meter scale, kittens rate pretty high! Start them out right, and you’ll have many years to appreciate their feline beauty, enjoy their tender companionship, and be entertained by their endlessly surprising antics.