by A. Pesarosa

Created on: February 01, 2007   Last Updated: May 09, 2007

It will soon be the time of year for these little balls of fur and purr to begin making appearances in unexpected places. If your trip to the neighborhood swimming pool, grocery store, or any other routine locale somehow produces you a furry new family member, you may want to consider a few small changes to keep your new kitten happy, healthy, and safe.

- Scan your home for dangers to kitty like dangling electrical cords, mini-blind cables, or accessible chemicals. Antifreeze, most chemical or cleaning agents, and certain common house and garden plants are poisonous to cats. Azaleas, Rhodendron, Tobacco, Milkweed, and bulb plants like Lilies and Amaryllis are some to look out for. Lemon juice may work as a safe deterrent.

- Have solid food formulated for kittens and a steady supply of clean, fresh water to ensure your kitten's best nutrition. If mother's milk is unavailable, your 5-week-old (approx. 1 lb) kitten can be weaned and will still flourish without it. Remember to wash food and water dishes regularly to help prevent potentially harmful bacteria growth.

- You can spread newspaper for a small kitten, but you'll eventually need a shallow box or tray with kitty litter or shredded newspaper if you plan to keep your kitten inside.

- If necessary, and it probably will be, gently bathe kitty to rid of fleas. You can buy shampoo specially made for this or use your own, in a pinch. In colder weather, be sure to keep kitty warm until dry. A good monthly flea treatment is a worthy investment for kitty's health, as well as your own comfort. (Most can be found for around $8-10.)

- Your healthy newbie will be playful and active; be sure to have some safe toys on hand to play with. Kittens are not picky players. You can make toys with simple household odds and ends like string attached to easily clawed items, anything non-toxic that will roll on the floor, and any stuffed animals or toys your kitten can repeatedly stalk and pounce on.

- Remember, your new kitten will need lots of rest after defeating your ferocious string-on-a-stick and other assorted prey. A comfy crash pad will keep kitty feeling secure. Be it a cushion, cardboard box, or a cozy nook, kitty will appreciate a space all it's own. Of course, you'll probably find kitty napping anywhere and everywhere.

- Finally, you may want to add a veterinarian to your list of important numbers, as well as bookmark some trusted websites related to kittens and cats, for future reference. At some point, you might also consider having them spayed or neutered to make sure you don't end up with any other unexpected pets.

Whether you purposely plan for a kitten, or fate finds you needing, you can easily make your home a healthy environment for your new kitten to thrive. As with most labors of love, your reward will outweigh any inconveniences as you enjoy the companionship of your newest family member.

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