Tips on raising kittens and puppies
By James Strogoff, DVM



Here are some tips on raising your kittens properly:

• Try to make your home as safe for your kittens as you can. Keep your cat off balconies and decks. Securely store poisonous materials away from curious felines — and this includes plants like amaryllis, azalea, buckeye, castor bean, clematis, corn plant, cyclamen, daffodil, daphne, dumb cane, foxglove, holly, iris, ivy, lilies, mistletoe, morning glory, narcissus, oleander, philodendron, poinsettia, precatory bean, rhododendron, rubber plant, weeping fig and yews.

• Avoid exposure to plastic bags, as kittens may get caught up in them and suffocate

• Electrical cords should be tacked to baseboards; cats may chew on them. Buttons, needles, pins and thread are especially dangerous.

• For proper socialization, kittens must be introduced to many new people — including children, other cats and dogs — over a period of time. Children must treat small pets gently. Most dogs and cats will get along, but this may take some time. Supervision is very important to avoid scuffles.

• To discourage aggressiveness, never allow your kitten to play roughly. Gently push him away, or give him a toy to play with. Leave him alone for a few minutes and return after he has calmed down, and use a firm “No.”

• Kittens need kitten food for their first year, preferably dry food.

• Don’t feed them bones as these can cause intestinal obstructions. Dog food will make your cat sick, while milk may cause diarrhea. Try not to change foods often, and if you do, do so gradually over a seven-to-10 day period.

• At seven weeks, it is a good time to get your kitten an initial physical, vaccinations, parasite checks and dewormings.

Puppies

• Puppies will nurse approximately five weeks before they are weaned to solid food.

• After six to eight weeks, it’s time for a comprehensive physical, vaccinations and de-worming for the puppies.

• Puppies should eat puppy food for their first nine to 12 months of life.

• Make your home as safe for your puppies as you can. Keep your puppies indoors, away from open doors, windows and balconies. Securely store away anything toxic or poisonous, and keep electrical cords as hidden as possible. Avoid exposure to sewing supplies and plastic bags.

• Crate training gives the puppies a place to sleep, feel safe and rest, and also aids in housebreaking.

• You should take your puppies out frequently. If you catch them going to the bathroom in the house, interrupt them in the process by gently picking them up, saying “No,” taking them out, letting them finish, and praising them. Do not just discipline them and take them outside, as they will associate going outside with being disciplined. Encourage them to go outside by using phrases such as “potty time,” or “hurry.” Praise them when they successfully relieve themselves outside.

• Introduce your puppy to its new home, family members, visitors and other pets gradually.

• Consult with your veterinarian about behavior training, preventative medicine such as dental care, bathing, brushing, nail care, spaying and neutering.

James Strogoff D.V.M. owns and operates ABC Veterinary Hospital. He can be reached at 564.1464.