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We feed our kittens a combination of Innova Evo and Flint River Ranch kibble. We
leave a large dish with some in it at all times with lots of fresh water available
nearby. We also use Purina Pro Plan canned food. We feed our kittens 3-4 times
per day depending on their needs. They tend to eat more frequently at first and
then decrease as they get older. This food can be purchased at any local pet store
or over the internet. While it may seem more expensive than the grocery store
brands, it really is not. It is more concentrated, so cats do not eat as much as
they do grocery store brands. The grocery store brands carry less protein with
more grain which is often why cats become obese as they eat more to get the
protein they crave. Also, the litter boxes smell nicer since the stools are firmer.
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We also supplement their diet with raw food chicken livers, hearts and gizzards
which we cut into small chunks as well as Oma's pride varieties. They consider
this a real treat and it is very interesting to watch them as the growl over their
"prey" just like the little carnivores they are! Should you choose to change food,
make sure you do not abruptly switch from one to another. Instead, mix the two
together and gradually switch from one to the other. Otherwise, the kitten’s
digestive system may become upset and diarrhea may result. In fact they may
have some loose stool because of the stress of a new home. If this happens just
take them off their regular food for a few days and give some plain yogurt with
chicken and rice this will get the good bacteria back in the bowels, and things
should clear up. Cats should never be fed table scraps, as this can often lead to
obesity. If you become concerned that a young kitten is not eating properly, try
giving it strained turkey or chicken baby food. Kittens love the taste and will
often eat this when they will eat nothing else. In fact you can use this as a treat.
Joys Hope Cattery will be switching to a primarily raw diet in the near future,
but will continue to use our present foods as well, only on a more limited basis.
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Joys Hope Cattery uses Scoop Away litter unscented. If you wish to change
litter, mix the two brands together and gradually make the transition to the new
brand. While your new kitten is litter box trained, it is important that no bad
habits be formed when the kitten is first introduced into your home. While you
may plan to give your new kitten the run of your entire home, you should first
enclose the kitten in the room where you plan to keep the litter box, or, if this is
not possible, in a small room such as a bathroom. Once the kitten feels
comfortable, you can gradually open the rest of the house to him. This gradual
process will ensure that your kitten does not find himself afraid in a strange part
of your house when it comes time to use the litter box. Cats are, by nature,
fastidious animals. However, if one is too frightened to find the litter box, bad
habits may result.
If you have further questions about the care and feeding of your new kitten,
please ask. We are only too happy to answer your questions.
All kittens that are sold as pets come with a spay/neuter agreement.
Registration papers for "pet" kittens will be provided once proof of spay/neuter
is received from your vet.
We hope that all of our kittens, whether pet, breeder or show, will go to loving
homes that will not allow the kitten to roam outside or be caged, rather than have
the free run of your home which conforms with the way they have been raised so
far. We ask that the kitten not be declawed, but that adequate sisal scratching
posts or cat trees be provided for their use. Please do not surrender your kitten
to an animal shelter, or make other plans to dispose of your kitten without
notifying us at Joys Hope and letting the breeder try to find another suitable
home.
Your kitten has been raised in a household filled with love. It is our hope that this
love will be felt in your family for many years to come. May the joy this kitten has
given our family during its first few months of life be forever yours.
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