DM4 Pt1-2 New kitten caregiver

Question 1

Why is it important to give advice to prospective kitten caregivers?

Answer 1

Providing advice before, during, or after the acquisition process can prevent problems like failure to bond, misunderstanding behavior, and house soiling.

Question 2

What common problems can arise without proper advice to new kitten caregivers?

Answer 2

Issues like failure to bond with pets or owners, illness, inadequate toilet training, and behavioral problems such as wool eating or aggression.

Question 3

What preventive advice can help breeders of kittens?

Answer 3

Advice on breeding selection (e.g., temperament), nutrition for the queen, proper environment for kitten rearing, and early socialization from 2 weeks.

Question 4

Why is educating prospective kitten caregivers before acquisition important?

Answer 4

It helps them ask the right questions to breeders and make informed decisions about the best kitten choice.

Question 5

What are some important questions to ask breeders before getting a kitten?

Answer 5

Questions include: How do you socialize kittens? Are they litter trained? Is there any history of behavioral or inheritable disease problems?

Question 6

What physical signs indicate a healthy kitten?

Answer 6

Bright eyes, clean ears, shiny coat, clean anus, no pot-belly, alertness, playfulness, and willingness to approach visitors.

Question 7

Why is it important to visit the breeder and the kittens before deciding?

Answer 7

Visiting helps ensure kittens are raised in a suitable environment and allows caregivers to observe their behavior and health firsthand.

Question 8

What are key behavioral signs to look for when choosing a kitten?

Answer 8

Look for kittens that are alert, interactive with their environment, playful with littermates, and keen to approach visitors.

Question 9

What role can veterinary nurses play in educating prospective kitten caregivers?

Answer 9

They can provide advice in consultations or clinics, helping avoid future problems related to behavior, health, and bonding.

Question 10

Why is early socialization important for kittens?

Answer 10

Early socialization from 2 weeks helps kittens become calm and confident in domestic life, reducing future behavioral issues.

Question 11

What are the advantages of buying a kitten?

Answer 11

Known background, choice of pedigree or non-pedigree, emotional bonding from the beginning, and potentially easier introduction to existing pets.

Question 12

What are the disadvantages of buying a kitten?

Answer 12

Expensive time (neutering, vaccinations, microchip), extra care demands (feeding, social needs, training), destructive behavior, inheritable disease, and price.

Question 13

What extra care demands come with buying a kitten?

Answer 13

Small frequent meals, social needs, training, habituation, and socialization.

Question 14

What are the potential disadvantages of specific pedigrees?

Answer 14

Inheritable diseases and specific behavioral traits not related to being a kitten.

Question 15

What advice should be given during the acquisition of a kitten?

Answer 15

Choose a kitten that suits lifestyle/environment, ensure realistic caregiver expectations, address cat-specific needs, and anticipate potential problems.

Question 16

How can new kitten caregivers set their kitten up for success?

Answer 16

Provide a settling-in period, ensure safety and confidence, and properly introduce the kitten to existing pets.

Question 17

Why is choosing the right kitten for lifestyle important?

Answer 17

It ensures the kitten’s needs align with the caregiver’s environment, leading to better long-term success and bonding.

Question 18

What is anticipatory troubleshooting during kitten acquisition?

Answer 18

It’s preparing for potential issues that may arise and having strategies in place to address them, such as introducing the kitten to existing pets.

Question 19

What should be included in Step 1 of kitten-proofing the home?

Answer 19

Block gaps behind appliances, close toilet lids, screen fireplaces, close external doors and windows, and place harmful substances and electric cables out of reach.

Question 20

Why should you remove poisonous plants and small objects when kitten-proofing?

Answer 20

To prevent potential harm or ingestion by the curious kitten.

Question 21

What should you do before bringing a kitten home?

Answer 21

Kitten-proof the home, prepare a single room, purchase essential items, and register with a veterinary practice, ideally a Cat Friendly Clinic.

Question 22

What essential items are needed for a new kitten?

Answer 22

Food and water bowls, litter tray, kitten food, cat carrier, bed, scratching post, grooming equipment, thermal bedding, and safe toys.

Question 23

What are the guidelines for placing a kitten’s resources?

Answer 23

Position the litter tray, food bowl, water bowl, and bed at least 2 meters apart from each other in a secure room.

Question 24

What advice is given for creating house rules for a new kitten?

Answer 24

Set consistent night-time routines, ensure safety, provide positive activities like puzzle feeders, and make the environment predictable for the kitten.

Question 25

Why should kittens have limited access to very young children?

Answer 25

To ensure gentle handling and prevent overwhelming or scaring the kitten during its adjustment period.

Question 26

How should you handle a new kitten in the first few days?

Answer 26

Handle the kitten gently and regularly for short periods, spend quiet time on the floor, and allow the kitten to explore and sleep undisturbed.

Question 27

Why is it important to retain familiar bedding for a kitten when bringing it home?

Answer 27

To provide a sense of familiarity and comfort, reducing stress in the new environment.

Question 28

How should a kitten be introduced to a new home?

Answer 28

Allow the kitten to explore a secure space with familiar bedding, provide 4-6 small meals daily, avoid disturbing it, and spend quiet time with it in the room.