Inspect your home for any potential hazards such as wires, plastic bags, dustbins, toilets, poisons, and even certain house plants/flowers.
It's best to keep the environment relatively quiet until your kitten adjusts to its new surroundings. Avoid over-handling your kitten, and keep it in a small area until it locates its food and water supply.
Be mindful not to place the food and water bowls next to each other, as some breeds, like Siberians, enjoy playing with water.
To maintain cleanliness, check the litter tray twice a day and remove any solids promptly. If you want to relocate the tray, introduce a second one and remove the original only when the kitten uses the new tray.
When introducing your kitten to other cats, do so carefully, and be patient if older cats are slow to accept the new arrival.
Cats like to look out of windows, so ensure they are closed or fitted with guards.
To exercise their claws, provide scratch posts and climbing frames. If they attempt to climb curtains or scratch furniture, discourage this behaviour with a loud noise and remove them firmly but fairly.
Feeding:
Ensure that fresh water is always available for your cat.
Do not give your cat cow's milk as it is not good for them and can cause digestive issues.
Be cautious with fresh foods in hot weather.
An electric water fountain may encourage cats to drink, but keep in mind that Siberian cats love to play in water.
After the kitten is neutered/spayed, monitor their weight. Siberians take up to 5 years to fully mature and are naturally large cats. Do not let an uninformed vet tell you that your cat is getting fat, as they tend to gain weight in winter due to their breed. If they are allowed to graze, they should not overeat.
Grooming:
Groom your cat at least once a week. Starting this habit as a kitten makes it easier in the long run.
Pay attention to the awkward area between the front and back legs when grooming. A slicker brush and comb with wide teeth are necessary tools.
Cats usually shed their coat in the spring, so it's best to groom them more frequently during this time.
If your cat/kitten has an accident in its fur, dust the area with talcum powder, let it dry, and then brush it away with a slicker brush or comb.
Nail clipping is an option if your cat is scratching excessively. However, be careful not to cut too low and damage the quick, which can be very painful.
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