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Does my kitten need a scratching post? - Blue Oasis Pet Hospital

Ideally, yes. Cats naturally have claws and a preference for scratching on horizontal or vertical surfaces. Providing an appropriate scratching post or pad can help them express their normal behaviors without damaging your furniture or carpets.

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Is it okay to punish my kitten? - Blue Oasis Pet Hospital

No, never punish your kitten. Punishment is not necessarily associated with the action they just did, and can create scared, timid, and anxious cats instead of correcting their behavior.

Contributed by Noel Lucas DVM from

How can I get my kitten to calm down? - Blue Oasis Pet Hospital

Kittens are naturally energetic, so they need lots of outlets for their energy. Providing environmental enrichment, toys, laser pointers, fishing rod toys, and vibrating toys can help wear them out and give them stimulation. Hiding their food in different areas, using treat balls, and puzzle toys can also help redirect their energy appropriately.

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Why is my kitten so aggressive? - Blue Oasis Pet Hospital

Aggressive cats are often just more playful and prey-driven, using you or your furniture to redirect their behavior. Many aggressive behaviors just need to be redirected, so talking to your veterinarian about the specific issues can help with early intervention and redirection of problem behaviors.

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My cat cries at night—what should I do? - Blue Oasis Pet Hospital

If your kitten is crying at night, they might be hungry, so ensure they have access to food. If they're eating and still crying, they might be seeking attention and miss you, which could indicate a new behavioral issue.

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Why is my kitten going to the bathroom outside the litter box? - Blue Oasis Pet Hospital

Kittens instinctually use the litter box, so if they're not using it, there could be a few reasons. They might be in too big of a space and have trouble finding it, the sides of the litter box could be too high for them to get in, or they could have a medical issue such as parasites or urinary tract infections causing them to go outside the litter box. It may require a discussion with your veterinarian to determine the exact cause.

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How much biting and scratching is normal kitten behavior? - Blue Oasis Pet Hospital

Normal kittens do play with other kittens, and when they don't have another kitten to play with, they may use you to bite, chew on, and scratch. While this is normal behavior, it often needs to be redirected to a proper toy or scratching post since you are not the appropriate target for their play.

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What is Fading Kitten Syndrome and how can I prevent it? - Blue Oasis Pet Hospital

Fading kitten syndrome occurs when a kitten does not receive enough nutrition, leading to low blood sugar and lethargy. The kitten may not nurse or feed as often as it should, and it may also suffer from internal parasites that cause malnourishment. If left untreated, fading kitten syndrome can be fatal. If you suspect that a kitten is suffering from this condition, seek veterinary assistance immediately.

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How do I know if a kitten I've found is healthy? - Blue Oasis Pet Hospital

Look for signs of general health, such as clear eyes, normal activity levels, and a healthy weight. If the kitten has encrusted eyes, is lethargic, or appears malnourished, it may not be healthy. Consult with a veterinarian to assess the kitten's health and medical condition.

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How do I care for a newborn kitten that’s been found with the mother? - Blue Oasis Pet Hospital

If a mother cat is present, she will take care of her newborn kittens. Your responsibility is to provide a warm, safe environment and proper nutrition for the mother cat. The mother will then take care of her babies.

Contributed by Noel Lucas DVM from
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