Cats are by nature fiercely independent, stubborn and, from time to time, a bit rude. But then, that’s why we love them. What we don’t love so much is their tendency to shred the furniture, deliver us “gifts” of garden prey and throw a wobbly if we try to get them into their carrier. We asked Claire Bessant, chief executive of International Cat Care, to answer your burning questions and explain how to make sure your kitten grows up to be a cool (affectionate, even) cat.
How can I prevent my kitten turning into a furniture-destroying machine?
When they scratch up your new carpets or designer wallpaper, cats aren’t telling you they hate you – they’re simply sharpening their claws and marking their territory, and unfortunately they don’t really care what they use to do it. The answer is to provide your kitten with a scratch post and get them used to it as soon as possible.
“Choose something your kitten is going to like – a sturdy post with both horizontal and vertical scratching pads that’s tall enough for her to stretch as she scratches,” Bessant says. Kittens may not start scratching until five or six months, but when they do they’re more likely to use a post they’re familiar with. “You can also gently press her paws on to it to leave her scent behind,” Bessant suggests.
Hopefully, by the time her inner predator kicks in, she’ll choose to use her post rather than your sofa as a feline emery board.
My kitten keeps nipping my hands. It’s cute, but also … ouch.
When they’re little, it’s very tempting to let your kitten dangle off your fingers like a tiny monkey, or nibble your toes for fun. But little teeth soon grow into big ones, so it’s best to nip bad habits in the bud.
“Use toys instead of your hands or feet, so you’re not the focus of play,” Bessant advises. “A wand with a string and a toy on the end will do – it also means children can play safely with your kitten. If they get excitable and start nipping, try to distract them, or set them down and walk away so they learn it’s not a way of getting attention.”
When the cat carrier comes out, my kitten goes crazy. How do I get them to the vet?
You’d probably be a bit nervous if one of your family came at you with a cage and a fake smile too. The key to getting your kitten into the carrier without all the drama is to familiarise them with it well in advance.
“If it only comes out of the loft for a trip to the cattery or the vet, of course your kitten will be nervous around their carrier,” Bessant says. “Don’t hide it away – keep it somewhere they can get used to it, and where they can transfer their scent on to it. You can even feed them and play with them in it so they are totally used to getting inside.”
I’m not looking forward to the day they bring me my first dead mouse. How do I dissuade them?
Although each cat’s hunting habits will vary – some simply can’t be bothered – if they like to chase birds and mice, there’s not much you can do to dissuade them.
“Cats are hunters by nature, so it can be quite difficult to get them to stop,” Bessant says. “You can try taking the prey from them and moving it outside, and you might also satisfy their urge to work for their food by using a puzzle feeder. But basically, if you want a cat that doesn’t hunt, get a rabbit.”
My kitten is so sweet. How do I stop them maturing into what is basically a moody teenager, but forever?
Cats love a bit of me-time. They’re solitary rather than pack animals, and are designed to be self-sufficient from six months old – which is why they can seem so completely uninterested in being showered with love and hugs.
“Cats can be sociable, but unlike dogs, they don’t have to be,” Bessant explains. “Lots of cats don’t like kisses and cuddles because you’re removing their way of escape. All you can do is give them affection they can walk away from, and provide them with things they like – such as a warm spot when it’s cold outside. Then be grateful when they choose to join in.”
So why does my cat sit on my laptop – and how can I curb their enthusiasm?
“It’s warm, and if they sit there they’ve got your full attention,” Bessant says. “Provide them with a different warm spot and some treats, and you might persuade them to sit somewhere else instead.” Although, probably not …
You might not be able to control where they sit, but you can control what they eat – and young cats need food tailored to them. Royal Canin cat food provides nutritionally complete, age- and breed-specific diets for optimum feline health
