Tag: New Owners

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What you need to know about vaccinating your furbaby

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As a new dog or cat owner, the experience can sometimes be scary. How much do you feed them? How frequently do they need to be bathed? What kind of medical needs do they have? These are just some of the questions our pet owners at The Woof Agency have asked themselves when they first got their furbabies.

In order to clear some of your doubts, our team has put together a list of things you need to know when it comes to vaccinating your new puppy or kitten. This ranges from what the vaccines do, what the timeline is like, and what it protects your furkids against.

Are puppy vaccinations necessary?

As you’ve probably gathered, this vaccine is important because it protects your furkids from viruses that they may be susceptible to as a newborn. While it isn’t mandatory for owners to have their pups take the shots, vaccinating them gives you extra peace of mind when you bring them out for walks or an adventure.

How many vaccinations does my puppy/kitten need?

They need a total of 3 doses of the core vaccine, which will be administered 4 weeks apart.

The first dose should be given when they’re between 6-8 weeks old, second dose when they’re 10-12 weeks old, and the last one when they’re 14-16 weeks old. It’s important that you minimise your pets interactions with other animals during this period!

For those who are curious as to why there’s 3 doses, the reason is this: vaccines can wear off! 3 doses that are 4 weeks apart helps your furbabies build sufficient antibodies to stay protected.

What are the vaccinations for?

The core vaccine helps to stimulate the production of antibodies against deadly diseases in your furbabies. In doing so, it prevents them from contracting viruses such as;

DOGS
1 – Canine Parvovirus

What is it
Parvo causes infectious gastrointestinal (GI) illness in puppies and young dogs, and can potentially be fatal for those that aren’t vaccinated.

It spreads via direct contact with a dog that’s infected or through their feces. Dogs that are infected can start to shed the virus four to five days after being exposed, sometimes before they even show any signs of infection. For pups that are diagnosed with parvo, it’s important to quarantine your dog not just for their health, but for the health of other dogs too.

Symptoms & Next Steps
Here are some symptoms that you should take note of if you suspect your pup has Parvo:

1. Severe, bloody diarrhea
2. Lethargy
3. Anorexia
4. Fever
5. Vomiting
6. Weight loss
7. Weakness
8. Depression
9. Dehydration

If your pup experiences any of these, you should head to the vet immediately.

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2 – Canine Distemper

What is it
Canine distemper is a highly contagious virus caused by the paramyxovirus. It’s caused by the paramyxovirus virus. Animals get infected from contact with infected urine, blood, saliva, or respiratory droplets. Of these, transmission usually happens through droplets. It can be spread through coughing and sneezing or contaminated food and water bowls. 

Symptoms & Next Steps

  1. Fever
  2. Nasal discharge
  3.  Eye discharge
  4.  Lethargy
  5. Sneezing
  6.  Coughing
  7. Difficulty breathing
  8. Vomiting
  9. Diarrhea
  10. Loss of appetite
  11. Thickening of nose and foot pads
  12. Pneumonia 
  13.  Skin sores
  14. Pain

Canine distemper can potentially also cause brain inflammation and neurological symptoms, and is often confused with rabies. Neurological symptoms of canine distemper include:

  1. Muscle twitching
  2. Chewing-gum fits
  3. Excessive saliva
  4. Head tilt
  5. Circling
  6. Involuntary eye movements
  7. Paralysis or partial paralysis
  8.  Seizures

If your dog displays any of these symptoms or you suspect that your dog has canine distemper, you should head to your vet immediately.

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3 – Adenovirus (infectious Hepatitis)

What is it
Hepatitis is defined as inflammation of the liver. As a specific disease, infectious canine hepatitis (ICH) is a viral infection caused by a member of the adenovirus family.

In the mild form the dog may merely have a decreased appetite, appear depressed and have a mild fever. Some dogs develop opacity (cloudiness) of one or both corneas of their eyes (so-called blue eye) one to two weeks later. Dogs may have respiratory signs such as eye and nasal discharge and a cough that is indistinguishable from other forms of upper respiratory tract infections or kennel cough (see handout “Kennel Cough or Tracheobronchitisin Dogs”).

Symptoms & Next Steps

Mild Symptoms:
1. Decreased appetite
2. Appear depressed
3. Mild fever
4. In some cases, cloudiness forms in one or both corneas of their eyes (“Blue Eyes”) 1-2 weeks later
5. Eye and nasal discharge
6. Kennel cough

Severe Symptoms:
1. Abdominal pain
2. Vomiting
3. Diarrhea
4. Edema (fluid swelling under the skin) of the head and neck
5. Jaundice

If your pup exhibits any of these symptoms above, it’s important that you bring your dog to the vet immediately as the severe symptoms can be fatal.

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CATS
1 – Herpesvirus-1

What is it
Herpesvirus-1 is a highly contagious disease that unvaccinated cats are susceptible to.

Symptoms & Next Steps:
1. Pink eye
2. Eye discharge
3. Fever
4. Exhaustion

If detected, it’s important to bring your cat to the vet immediately.

2 – Pavrovirus

What is it
Pavrovirus for cats is also a highly contagious virus, and is also a viral virus. It is able to infect rapidly dividing cells such as bone marrow cells.

Symptoms & Next Steps:
1. Vomiting
2. Diarrhea
3. Depression

It’s important to bring your cat to the vet immediately if you suspect that they’ve contracted this disease.

3 – Calicivirus

What is it
Calicivirus is a highly contagious virus amongst cats, and is able to cause respiratory and oral diseases in them.

Symptoms & Next Steps:
1. Ulcers on tongue
2. Inflammation of tongue

It’s important to bring your cat to the vet immediately if you suspect that they’ve contracted this disease.

Summary

While it’s not a must, vaccinating your furbabies is a highly recommended practice to engage in when you first get your pet. It keeps them protected against common diseases, and gives you peace of mind when bringing them out to interact with both humans and animals alike.

If you think there are other steps that pet owners can take to keep their furbabies safe, let us know in the comments below!

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Community Stories

5 signs your dog is a happy pup!

Image Credits: https://www.thedailytail.com/signs-your-dog-is-happy/

Keeping your furbaby happy and healthy is every pawrent’s biggest responsibility when it comes to pet ownership, and there’s no better feeling than knowing that your pet is in the pink of health!

With that, here are some signs for you to take note in case you want to know whether they’re jumping for joy! 

Sign 1: They roll on their backs

To garner love and affection from you, happy dogs will roll on their back and expose their belly to you. Not only does this mean that they absolutely adore you, it also means that they trust you enough to make themselves vulnerable in front of you!

Sign 2: They will initiate physical contact

When dogs are happy, they will initiate more physical contact such as coming to you for rubs and pets or pawing at you. This is their way of expressing their happiness and their desire to be with you! 

Sometimes, your dog might not want to be touched. This could be due to a multitude of reasons so be sure to do your research if that ever happens!

Sign 3: Zoomies!

Zoomies are short bursts of energy that dogs just can’t control! If you’re dog is in the pink of health or are extremely happy, you can often see them doing zoomies up and down your hallway, or at the parks when you bring them.

Over time though, your dog will grow out of zoomies, so make sure to capture the moments they do so you can treasure them next time!

Sign 4: LOTS and lots of sleep!

On average, a happy and healthy dog sleeps for around 16 hours a DAY! So if you notice your dog sleeping a lot, don’t worry it’s perfectly normal. If your dog is older or is a senior dog, they could require even more sleep too!

However, if you notice that your dogs sleeping pattern is distorted, or if they’re lethargic or unable to eat after their sleep time, then it might be time to start paying more attention to it. While it might not be severe, taking note of your pups sleep routine helps to make sure you nip any possible problems in the bud.

Sign 5: Soft eyes 

Their eyes will tell! When a dog has eyes that are soft and relaxed, and a body that isn’t tense, it means that they’re in a state of calmness and happiness. They also tend to blink often!

Look out for “whale eyes”, which is when the whites of a dog’s eyes can be seen, or if their body seems tense or on edge. If they show signs of whale eyes or are tense, it means that they could possibly be worried or stressed.

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Community Stories

Essential items when bringing your dog out

Credits: here

Do you have a list of outdoor places that you want to bring your furkid too? If your answer is YES, then this article is for you! Here is a list of outdoor essentials that we believe would be very useful for your adventure.

1. A great leash

Credits: here

If you prefer a leash that is softer and more comfortable for your furkid, be sure to check out @Pawbulous’s cloth-based leash. Indulge in Pawbulous’s wide collection of fabrics and they even offer customization for that extra touch. 

Alternatively, you can opt for biothane leashes for a more sturdy and strong grip on your pet. One of the best parts of having a biothane leash would definitely be the water and stain proof feature. It’s super easy to clean when it’s dirty. All you have to do is take a wet-wipe and wipe it down!

2. Tasty treatos

Credits: here

You guessed it, another essential item when bringing your pup out is some delicious TREATS! This item is a must for when you bring your furbabies out! Not only does it give your pup motivation to go on a walk, but it also helps you get its attention in case they’re distracted by other pups or hoomans.  

Check out @Pawfurry’s treats that comes in convenient packs, which are easy for your pets to consume and are fuss-free. 

Use the code pjxpf20 when you check out to receive 20% off your purchase. 

3. Accessories

Here are some important accessories that you need to bring along for your pet’s adventure. 

Poop Bags 
Poop-bags is a must-have in your bag as it is super important to clean after your furkid to keep the environment clean. One of our favourite poop bags is from @Woofy.Goofy, with its biodegradable feature, it can decompose by itself over the span of 6-12 months. There’s even a cute design on the bag itself! 

Quote Pawjourr10 when you check out with Woofy Goofy today! 

Poopbag Holders
For easy access of the poop bags, a poop bag holder would be necessary. There’s many poop bags out in the market, however we really love Josiemamasews’s water proof poop bag holder. It protects the poop bags and it even has matching scrunchies for the creatives hoomums! 

Check out @Josiemamasew’s mama shop for more! 

Credits: here

Water bottle 
You definitely cant miss this item out of your bag. A waterbottle is definitely an essential for a trip outside as it super important to keep your pet hydrated at all times! Even though, some pet-friendly places are open to provide our furkid with free water bowl, however it is always good to prepare yourself. 

link

If you’re looking for a good water bottle, be sure to check this one out on Shopee! 

Well, that’s all on the list of outdoor essentials that we believe you should bring out on your first trip! We hope that it has been useful and do check out all the local businesses that was featured. Keep your eyes peeled on Pawjourr’s website, for more coupons.

If there’s other essential items that you think we’ve missed out on, feel free to let us know in the comments below!

P.S: We will be releasing new Shopee coupons every month, so stay tuned for that 😉

Photo by Gustavo Fring from Pexels

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Community Stories

Kitten Care: Must-Know Tips for Raising Kittens

kitten
Small red kitten plays with green grass

Article originally published on Petfinder by Jennifer Sellers. Refer to the original article here.

When it comes to raising kittens, the philosophy is pretty similar to that of bringing up children. If you provide proper care and training when they’re young, it increases the odds they’ll grow up to be healthy, well-adjusted adults. So if you recently adopted a kitten, start incorporating this advice as soon as possible.

1) Don’t Treat Your Kitten Like an Adult Cat

Just as a human infant has vastly different needs than a teenager, a kitten will have care requirements distinct from those of a fully matured cat. In addition, you should consider a kitten’s various stages of development when caring for her:

  • Under eight weeks of age. At this early age, a kitten should still be with her mother and litter mates. Because kittens this young are unable to regulate their own temperatures, they rely on one-another’s body heat to survive. In addition, they are still developing vision and leg coordination. If you adopt or foster an orphan kitten in this age group, special care will need to be taken, including bottle-feeding the kitten for every two hours up to four weeks of age and possibly helping your kitten pee and poop. It’s best to consult with a veterinarian for specific instructions and advice.
  • Eight to eleven weeks of age. Kittens are usually weaned by eight weeks and should be eating kitten diet, which needs to be energy dense, rich in protein and highly digestible. Whether choosing dry kibble or wet food, be sure it is formulated for kittens. Other big changes will start occurring during this period as well. As your kitten begins developing complex motor skills she will become a force of nature — running, jumping, playing and exploring. This is a delightful period of kittenhood, but also one that can be dangerous to your kitten if she isn’t appropriately supervised.  Start setting boundaries for your kitten and keep her in a safe, enclosed room while you can supervise her.
  • Two to four months of age. This is a phase of rapid growth for kittens in which they’ll have almost three times more energy than an adult cat. They’ll need three to four individual meals a day during this time. According to Vetstreet.com, these meals should be minimum 30 percent high-quality protein.
  • Four to six months of age. Kittens in this age group are reaching adolescence and, thus, sexual maturity. Talk to a veterinarian about having your kitten spayed or neutered before your kitten reaches this stage to avoid unpleasant habits like territorial spraying and accidental litters. (Learn more about spaying and neutering here.)

2) Reward Good Behavior and Socialize, Socialize, Socialize

The socialization and training your cat receives during kittenhood will affect how well she will likely interact with people and other animals when she’s older. “I remember the first time I fostered kittens and how worried I was about scaring them,” says Jane Harrell. “What I didn’t know was that that was a critical socialization period for them and not exposing them to things made them more nervous as adults. Now when I foster kittens I do everything I can to get them exposed to as much as possible – loud noises, walking on leashes, strangers, you name it! It all helps them become better-adjusted, healthy adult cats.” Just makre sure your kittens have a positive experience out of any socialization exposure you provide them.

As a new kitten’s parent, it will be up to you to guide her and show her that the world is a wonderful place. Consider trying some of these training and socialization methods:

  • Kittens will generally use litter boxes by instinct, however you can help teach her to use it by placing her in the box after meals and play sessions. Make sure the litter box is always available to your kitten and cleaned frequently
  • Pet her frequently
  • Get her used to weekly combing and grooming. (Learn more about cat grooming)
  • Introduce her to toys
  • Allow her to experience different walking surfaces (carpet, linoleum, etc.)
  • Take her outside on a lead or in her carrier (It can be very dangerous to allow a kitten outside without one.) However, before providing any outdoor exposure be sure your veterinarian has administered the proper vaccines and enough time has passed for your kitten to build immunity.
  • Give her objects to explore, such as boxes and paper bags
  • Play loud music and make noise
  • Have friends over and ask them to play with her and give her treats
  • Provide appropriate scratching alternatives (such as scratching posts) and reward her with toys, praise or treats when she uses them
  • Do not allow her to bite or scratch during play. If she does, redirect her attention to a toy.
  • Expose her to other cats and kittens (as soon as they’re up to date on vaccinations, of course!). There are even kitten socialization classes; do an internet search to see if any are available in your area.
  • Take your kitten on car rides, giving her treats the whole time, and get her used to her carrier. (Check out these tips for getting your cat to like his carrier.)
  • Reward friendly behavior with treats or praise.
  • Do not reprimand bad behavior, instead, ignore her when she displays inappropriate behavior.
  • Challenge your kitten to think by teaching her tricks. (Learn how to teach a cat tricks.)
  • Always be patient

3) Make Preventive Care a Priority

To help ensure your kitty has a lifetime of good health, start early in providing her with preventive care:

  • Schedule an appointment early. No matter what, schedule your kitten’s first vet appointment within a week of getting her. Early and frequent vet visits will help socialize your kitten with the vet and help the vet establish a baseline for your kitten’s health.
  • Ask about intestinal parasites, fleas and heartworm. Have a veterinarian check your kitten for worms and intestinal parasites, and have her de-wormed, if necessary. And while heartworms aren’t as much of a problem for cats as they are for dogs, some kittens may be susceptible, so also ask your vet if he or she recommends a heartworm preventative. The biggest parasitic threat to your kitten, however, is fleas. You can start administering topical flea preventatives when your kitten is around 8 to 12 weeks of age — although some brands are formulated for kittens as young as 4 weeks old.
  • Ask which vaccinations your kitten needs and how often: Preventive care for kittens may include vaccines for feline leukemia, rabies and distemper. These shots are usually first administered when a kitten is around 8 weeks of age, with boosters given every few weeks until she reaches 16 weeks of age. After that, your veterinarian can set her up on an adult vaccination schedule. He or she may also recommend additional vaccinations.

These building blocks will give your kitten the best possible start in life, but don’t forget that she’ll still need plenty of attention and care when she gets older.

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Community Stories

5 Unique things to do with your pet

There’s not a better and cuter companion in life than your furbaby. Doing activities with your doggo can not only strengthen your bond but also promote mental and physical stimulation for your doggo. There’s plenty of activities that you can do with your furbaby, to keep that tail wagging.  

Take a Swim! 

@hoshisheltie

Bring your furbaby on a trip to Singapore’s largest wet park Wag and Wild! If your furkid loves the water, it will definitely be a treat for them to visit Wag and Wild and swim. Join them for a swim in the park, not only can you keep an eye on them but also have fun with them in the pool! 

Information about Wag and Wild 

Playtimes are based on 1-hour slots with a 15 minutes grace period to leave the park and it’s advisable to not feed your furbaby anything 3-4 hours prior to the session to prevent regurgitation. With these regulations in place, do plan your time wisely before heading down to Wag and Wild. Doggos will also need to be rinsed before entering the pool to maintain cleanliness. 

Do take note that you will need to present a valid current annual vaccination or titer test record upon entry. There are allocated areas for the doggos to wash up, however, there are only changing stalls for the hoomans to change into a dry set of clothing.

Here are some useful things to pack into your bag, towels to dry your doggo and yourself, poop bags to clean up, a leash -> the dogs need to be leashed even in the pool, treats for your doggo, and some toys. 

Conquer the waters at Wag and Wild with your furbaby today! ?

Jump onboard a pet cruise

@dogcruisesingapore

The opportunity to explore Singapore’s coastal areas in style is here! Dog Cruise Singapore can help you make it happen! Cruising on Royal Luxury Tall Ship Royal Albatross, is definitely an experience you and your furbaby will never forget! The ship will ship along the coast of Sentosa and enjoy the astonishingly beautiful and unobstructed views of the sea. 

Dog Cruise Singapore has done a very good job in keeping your dog safe, by partnering with Sunny Chong Dog Training School to provide pre-screening for the dogs. The ship will also be properly clean before and after every event to ensure that hygiene will be maintained. 

Sail into the sunset with Dog Cruise Singapore! ⛱️

Relax together with Doga

@puppyyoga.sg

Discover your furbaby’s flexibility by doing yoga together! Doesn’t matter if you’re a yoga guru or a stay home person, enjoy some time with your doggo by doing yoga together. This is great not only for bonding with your doggo, but also for your mental and physical health. 

The class at puppy yoga is split into 2 main portions, 35 minutes of yoga and 15 minutes of pure playtime with the dogs. 

Enjoy 1 hour of total happiness and relaxation with your furkid by your side at Puppyyoga. ??‍♀️

Spoiled on your doggo 

@thedoggrocer

Unsure of what to do with your dogoo? Treat them to a shopping spree and allow your pets to pick up what they want to get. Allow your pet to experience retail therapy too, which helps them to relax and have fun. 

Try shopping at physical stores such as PolyPet, Catsmart, and many more. They offer a wide range of items that will surely satisfy your furkid’s needs and wants. ?

Socialize at pet cafes 

@hoshisheltie

Even though pet cafes are hard to come by in Singapore, due to the high difficulty of obtaining a license. Nonetheless, there’s an article on the Top 5 pet-friendly restaurants that you can visit. Cafe hopping helps your doggo to socialize with other doggos in a safe and calm environment. 

The hoomans can enjoy delicious food and rest  while letting the doggos to play and solocise with one another. 

Start café hopping at these cafes first! ?

We hope you have found this article useful for you and your furkid. Look out for more suggestions on Pawjourr.

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Top 3 Pet Cafes in Singapore

Pet cafes are hard to come by in Singapore, there are only a few of them in Singapore. These pet cafes are specialized and made for your furkid’s needs in mind.

Wooftopia 

@hoshi_sheltie

It’s hard to miss Wooftopia, with their incredibly cute CEO: Sushi. With spacious space and Instagram-worthy photo-taking areas, rest assured that your doggos will have plenty of fun. Wooftopia also offers event spaces reservations, for you to plan your fuwpawties!

Wooftopia also has an extensive pet menu available for your doggo, from sweet treats such as Fruity Pancakes to local favourites like Chicken rice. 

One of my favourite things about Wooftopia, would be the spacious space. As a pet owner, I really appreciate that my doggo is able to have space to walk around and interact with other pets. 

Head down to Wooftopia today!

Menage Cafe

@orithespitz

Known for its bright and youthful decorations, Menage Cafe is definitely on the list! With many instagrammable spots such as the iconic swing chair and heartwarming inspiration quotes, it’s the perfect place for petfluencers to shine in front of the camera.  

Of course, not forgetting about their food, Menage Cafe serves affordable and delicious food for both hoomans and furbabies. Similarly, MenageCafe also offers event spaces for pawrents to plan fuwpawties! 

Apart from all these good features, MenageCafe is located near Bishan Park which means you can bring your doggo for a dog run before visiting the cafe! 

Be sure and visit their signature dish: Carbonara at Mengue Cafe 

Sunray Cafe 

@sun_ray_cafe

Established as a multi-award-winning cafe, Sunray Cafe offers excellent customer service and mouthwatering food for both hoomans and doggos at an affordable price. Trying all of their signature dishes such as their hand-made coffee and ice cream is a must! 

They also offer private event spaces for pawrents to plan furpawties and hand-made personalizable birthday cakes for your furbaby. However, the cafe is dimly-lit, hence it would be quite a challenge to get good pictures. 

Sunray Cafe has created a very safe environment for your furbabies, by removing all ingredients that are toxic for pets. 

Indulge in Sunray’s freshly made coffee and food with your furkids.

Please be reminded that your dog must be leashed at all times, due to government regulation.? Do remember to clean after your pet as well, by using the tools provided by the shop. 

?Keep a lookout on Pawjourr website for more suggestion on Pet Cafes.? 

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Community Stories

Why Do Cats Knead?

cat
cute kitty sitting by the window, behind the curtain

Article originally published on dodowell. Refer to the original article here.

The reason is pretty adorable ❤️

So you’re lying there on the couch scrolling through Netflix when your cat saunters over with that adorable purr and you know exactly what’s coming — she’s about to stretch out her front legs and press back and forth into your belly with her paws.

It’s cute as all heck — even if it does hurt a little.

You’ve probably also seen her doing it time and time again — whether it’s on you, the couch, her blanket or maybe even her furry siblings.

But what exactly is she doing — and why?

The Dodo spoke to Dr. Rachel Barrack, a veterinarian at Animal Acupuncture in New York City, to find out.

Typically called “kneading,” you might have other names for this adorable (and slightly painful) practice — like “making biscuits,” “making bread” or “making muffins” — basically making any sort of delicious and carby treat. The reason they do it is also adorable.

“Kittens knead on their mothers while nursing,” Dr. Barrack said. “Many cats carry this behavior into adulthood and may knead their owners, other furry siblings or bedding.”

But why do kittens knead on their mothers while nursing? It’s pretty genius, actually — kittens are trying to get more milk out, so they massage their mama’s teats in order to help the lactation process along.

That’s why you’ll notice kittens purring while they’re nursing — they’re happy and getting full, which is also why you might find your cat purring while kneading you. 

According to Dr. Barrack, cats are soothed by kneading, and can even enter “a trancelike state.”

Other theories on why cats knead

Similar to the theory about how dogs dig in their beds as a natural denning instinct, it’s believed that cats also might have used kneading in the wild to help soften dirt or pat down leaves for comfy sleeping quarters.

Another theory is that your cat might also be using kneading as just another way to mark you up with her scent (her paws have scent glands) — which technically is also adorbs because it means she loves you and wants everybody to know you’re hers.

“If you do have a cat who kneads their bedding, or better yet you, it’s because they’re feeling very loved and comfortable,” Katie Armour, project coordinator at MSPCA Boston Adoption Center, told The Dodo. “You should absolutely take this as a compliment!”

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Community Stories

What Does Your New Kitten Need?

kitten
Cute litte black kitten with halloween items.

Article originally published on Purina. Refer to the original article here.

When bringing a kitten into your home, it’s best to make sure you’re prepared. That will help create a smooth transition that is less stressful for your new cat. Here is a rundown of supplies you’ll need to prepare in advance. We think you’ll find that when you’re prepared, you’ll have more time left to bond.

When hitting the road, you’ll need to transport your kitten in a carrier. This will keep her safe and provide a sense of security. Travelling can be scary for a kitten, so make sure the carrier is roomy and well-ventilated. Try lining the bottom with a towel from her former home or shelter to comfort her with a familiar scent. And make sure your carrier is secure and easy to clean.

Food and Water Bowls

Your kitten has lots of energy, so select bowls that won’t tip over too easily. Some kittens are allergic to plastic, so opt for a different material like easy-to-clean stainless steel. You’ll want to wash her food and water bowls daily to keep things fresh. Plenty of clean, fresh water on hand is key for a kitten too.

Litter Box

Make sure the box is roomy to prevent scattering litter around the house. You’ll also need to buy cat litter and a scoop or strainer to remove soiled bits. A clean litter box is key because your kitten will avoid using a messy, smelly one. Wash her pan once a week with soap and water. It is best not to use strong disinfectants (containing ammonia); they aren’t necessary and may offend your kitten’s sensitive nose. Use a mild disinfectant such as bleach and water on the litter box about once a month, putting the box outdoors to dry in the fresh air, if possible. Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling.

IMPORTANT: Humans may contract an organism called toxoplasma from cat feces while cleaning out the litter box. Wear gloves while changing your kitten’s litter and always wash your hands afterwards. Pregnant women should be especially cautious and consider asking another family member to clean the litter box. This is because toxoplasmosis can cause severe birth defects. We recommend that a non-pregnant family member clean and change the litter box.

Bed

Most kittens like to have their own place to rest, but don’t be disappointed if she chooses to ignore her new bed. Until you see what your kitten’s preferences are, you may not want to spend a lot of money on a fancy wicker basket or plush bed. Begin with a simple, cardboard “bed.” Get a roomy cardboard box with sides high enough to keep out drafts. Cut out a doorway. Line the box with an old cushion and cover with soft, washable material for warmth. If possible, use an old sweatshirt for a lining. Your scent will be comforting and encourage her to use her new space. Cats are very particular, so make sure the bedding is always clean. Place the bed in a quiet, draft-free corner away from the main traffic in your house. This will be your kitten’s corner.

Scratching Post

Contrary to popular belief, cats do not use a scratching post to sharpen their claws. They use it for exercise (to stretch out to their full length), to clean away dead scales from their nails, and to mark their territory, both visually and with their scent. Get a scratching post right away to help train your kitten early. The scratching post should be sturdy and tall enough to let your kitten stretch out, full length. Train your kitten to use the scratching post as soon as she comes home. Encourage her to use her post by playing with her often, near or around it. She’ll get the idea quickly. Then when she gets the urge to stretch, hopefully she’ll use the post instead of your furniture. Try to place your kitten’s bed and scratching post close together so she learns to use it when she first wakes up and needs a stretch.

Collar, Harness, & Leash

A cat harness or leash can be a great training tool for your kitten, though they’re not a must. If you’re already thinking along these lines, a harness is probably best, as kittens often dislike the feeling of a leash. However, make sure your kitten always wears a collar made of lightweight material and an identification tag. Have her wear one early on, to get her used to the sensation.

Grooming Tools

Grooming helps keep your kitten healthy and beautiful. You’ll need both a flea comb and a brush, though the type of brush you use depends on the texture and length of your kitten’s coat. Ask your veterinarian or groomer to recommend one that’s right for you.

Toys

A kitten is naturally curious and needs toys that are safe and fun to play with. Choose toys made especially for cats—ones that cannot be splintered, torn apart or swallowed.  A celluloid ball that rattles, a catnip mouse or a hard rubber mouse is perfect. To avoid accidents, some cat toys should be used only when you are playing with your kitten.

Toys don’t need to be store bought. Use your imagination. Some great play-things include:

  • Table tennis ball
  • Empty wooden thread spool
  • Unshelled walnut
  • Balled-up waxed paper
  • Cardboard toilet paper tube
  • Empty shoe box

Some items you may be tempted to give your kitten could be harmful. Keep the following away from your kitten:

  • Balls of string
  • Spools of thread
  • Rubber bands
  • Balls of aluminum foil or cellophane
  • Corks
  • Wire twist ties

Also avoid anything with hard sharp points that can break off. Be wary of toys (or items that a kitten may see as a toy) that can break, such as Christmas tree ornaments for example. Be careful not to give her anything small enough to swallow, like buttons, beads or paper clips. Keep your kitten away from children’s toys made of soft rubber, fur, wool, sponge or polyurethane. If your kitten swallows even a small particle, it could cause digestive problems. Avoid all toys with squeakers that could be swallowed.

We hope this list helped prepare you to make your home a happy place for your cat.

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Community Stories

7 Tips on Feeding A Kitten You Should Know

kitten
kitten is very beautiful. gray kitten

Article originally published on Purina. Refer to the original article here.

Kittens are adorable, but they can also be a handful. They quickly hide, chase after a piece of fuzz, and answer nature’s call without giving the slightest warning. In fact, if there’s a kitten in your home, she’s probably far too busy playing with your shoelace to notice the way you care for her health, safety and happiness. Nutrition is an important part of that care, which is why we’ve put together these tips on feeding a kitten.

First, a quick note about newborn kittens: Newborns get all of their nutrition from nursing or, if separated from their mother, from a kitten milk replacer. They may require other special care as well. Your veterinarian can provide the best information about how to care for kittens this young.

The tips below are for feeding kittens that are ready to transition from nursing to dry or wet kitten food.

1. Don’t immediately switch from a liquid diet to a solid diet. Once your kitten is three to four weeks old, try setting out moistened kitten food for them to nibble. The prep is easy: Just combine one part warm – not hot – water and three parts dry or canned kitten food. It should look like oatmeal. Over the next week or two, gradually decrease the amount of water and increase the amount of food each day to help with the transition to dry food.
 

2. Find a food that’s 100% complete and balanced for kittens. Kittens need special nutrition and lots of it. They’re constantly growing and playing, which means they require two to three times more protein, fat and other nutrients compared to adult cats. Check the bag to make sure you’re giving your kitten a food that provides 100% complete and balanced nutrition for kittens. If you have any questions, ask your veterinarian.
 

3. Give your kitten a chance to get used to the food.At first, she may play with it or even step in the food dish. If so, remember: 1) she’s a kitten, so everything is a toy; and 2) her concept of food is still very fluid at this point. (See what we did there?) At any rate, be patient, keep a moist cloth handy to clean up, and make sure your kitten stays warm and dry.
 

4. Keep an eye on the food dish. Switch out the food multiple times per day when serving wet food or moistened dry food. Even kittens with huge appetites turn their little noses up at food left out for more than a few hours. Frequent switch-outs also lower the risk of contamination.
 

5. The water bowl is just as important. Water isn’t food, but it’s crucial to these tips on feeding a kitten. Your kitten’s body mass is 70 to 80 percent water. The water in wet food and moistened dry food helps keep her hydrated, but there’s no substitute for access to plenty of clean water at all times, refilled at least once a day.
 

6. Feed undiluted wet or dry kitten food from 7 weeks old through your kitten’s first year.Once your kitten reaches eight or nine months, she’ll begin to look like a full-grown adult cat. Do not be deceived. Kittens continue to develop throughout their first year, so it’s important to continue feeding kitten food for a full 12 months before graduating to adult cat food.
 

7. Look out for signs of illness, including loss of appetite. Healthy kittens love to eat, so if you notice your kitten acting unresponsive and/or showing no interest in her food, call your veterinarian right away. The first several weeks of a kitten’s life can test her immune system, and there is a higher risk of illness. Be sure to let your veterinarian know, especially if your kitten suddenly stops eating.
 

With these tips on feeding a kitten, you can help your little bundle of joy get all of the nutrition she needs to play and thrive. Just one last tip: Try to enjoy every last adorable moment while it lasts. Before you know it, your kitten will be an amazing cat.

After a full year, it’s time for your kitten to transition again – this time to adult cat food. 

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Brand Highlights Community Stories

Top 5 pet-friendly restaurant to visit

Pet-Friendly restaurants are hard to come by in Singapore due to the high difficulty of obtaining the Pets Allowed license. However, check these 5 pet-friendly restaurants, which strive through all the small inconveniences to provide pawrents a place to enjoy with our furbabies. 

Five & 2

@fiveand2.co

It’s always a great time to be at Five & 2, bustling with many furkids, hoomans, and friendly staff, there are always many people around the area. With a huge variety of cuisines available, including Italian, Thai, Korean and Local food. Their menu is never boring, it will surely guarantee you a slurp-worthy feast. 

What I love most about Five & 2 is their strategic location, it is located right next to Punggol Park, where you can take your furbabies on a leisure walk before or after your meals. Five & 2 also provide plastic water bowls ? for your furbaby. It is truly a wonderland for all furbabies and pawrents.

Attention to all Easties! Head down to Five & 2 at Punggol Park for a relaxing time with your furbaby.

Wildseed 

@wildseedsg Look at all these pet influencers shining in front of the camera! 

Housed in a colonial bungalow and surrounded by lush greenery, Wildseed cafe is the perfect place for you and your furbaby to relax on a weekend. With a spacious seating arrangement, there’s plenty of space for the doggos to walk around. One of the highlights of Wildseed, would be the exquisite decorations. The outlet at Alkaff Mansion, excelled in its floral decoration, presenting a peaceful and fairytale life- scene. 

It is pet-friendly and is filled with big spaces of greenery which is very useful for pawrents to bring their furbabies on walkies. If you have extra time to spare, do give Wildseed a visit this weekend!

Looking for an opportunity for your furkid to shine? Check out Wildseed Cafe today!

Lola Cafe 

@sammythespitz

Looking for a homely place to hang out with your friends and furbabies? Lola cafe is the place to go! Lola cafe identifies itself as a backyard cafe, that focuses on having a causal environment and serving food that is made from the heart. The menu is one of the best, with many signature dishes, you will surely have a slurp-worthy feast! 

#Protip1 – it would be good to call in for a reservation before heading down to the cafe, as there is limited outdoor seating. ? We hope this tip helps you to ensure your seat at the Lola Cafe.  

Be sure to check their signature dish: Honey Paprika Crisp Wings when you visit Lola Cafe! 

Cafe De Nicole’s Flower

Known for their incredible floral decorations, and all-day breakfast menu, you’re in for a treat for both your eyes and your taste buds. The service crew can be seen picking fresh flowers from the florist section, to decorate the plate. Be rest assured, that your plate of dessert is freshly made and served!?

Cafe De Nicole Flower allows your pets indoors so that you can enjoy the breath-taking view with your furbaby.

Be sure to visit Cafe De Nicole’s Flower over the weekend with your furbaby.

Kontiki

@kontiki.sg

Tired of garden-themed cafes? Try Kontiki for a refreshing change of scene. Kontiki is located near Marina Bay, where one can view not only the spectacular Kalling river but also Marina Bay City skyline.

They serve American cuisine, made perfect for a comforting gathering with your family and friends. Apart from the jaw-dropping scenery at Kontiki, the best part of Kontiki would be the pet-friendly feature. 

There’s plenty of space outdoors for the doggos to walk around. Rest assured that your furbaby will be protected from the scorning sun, as every outdoor table is attached with an umbrella. 

Looking for a scenic sea view ? ? Be sure to check out Kontiki!

That’s all for the list, we hope that you have found this article useful for you and your furkid. If you need more suggestions, do visit Pawjourr for more pet-friendly restaurants!