MAINTENANCE ADVICE

NUTRITION

When, and how much?

The kittens are separated from their mother when they are 6-8 weeks old. Until then they drink milk, but when they are separated, we can give them solid food. The conversion mustn't happen suddenly! If the kittens have consumed solid food before the separation, the conversion will be easier. It is not recommended to give (cow)milk after the separation, because it may cause swelling or diarrhea. The kittens can get food 5 times a day until their 3rd month of age; 3 times until they are 6 months old and 2 times a day after. Don't let the cat reach its food all day, what the cat doesn't eat for 15 minutes, it can be put away. The amount of food should depend on the condition and needs of the cat. The cat should always have water. In case of being sick, they cat drink warm bitter tea too, and soups may also be given.

What?

Manufactured or self-cooked food can both be given for the cat. If you cook for the cat, the meal should be protein and some side-dish. When the cat is young, pregnant or sick, the amount of protein should be 50%. For adult cats, 30% protein is enough. Protein should be mostly heat treated (and not raw!!!) meat: chicken, beef, rabbit, lamb, etc., or dairies: cheese, sour cream, cream, cottage-cheese, etc. As side-dish rice, pasta, cooked potatoes, cooked vegetables can be served. The food should not be spicy.

What not?

The earliest age of giving bone-in meat for the cats is when they are 3-4 months old. Don't give sharp bones that the cat might swallow. Kittens often swallow things they are playing with and it might be dangerous, because it may cause gut disclosure.

Going out

We shouldn't let the kitten out or let it play with other cats, until it gets the suitable vaccinations. Neutering is recommended for disease prevention.

Other things to do

Antivermination and disinfestion is crucial for every carnivore animal. The fur of every long-haired animal should be combed, and sometimes fur-loosening products should be given to the cat, because it swallows some amounts of fur while cleaning itself. Those products help emptying the fur from their stomach Healthy cats clean themselves a lot, bathing is not necessary. Cats need a clean litter tray. If possible, a scratching wood is good for the cat, to let it scratch, so its nails don't grow over. Else, the nails should be cut every 2 months.