Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade):

I have been using Diatomaceous Earth as a supplement for years. I mix one tablespoon a day with my morning smoothies. When I started my cattery I actually started using this on my cats mixing 1/4^th teaspoon in their food daily. Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth has been known for its cleansing properties of the digestive tract along with many other things, including small pest control. But this being said it is not a proven thing I just know I have not had many issues with my digestion since I started using it. Here is a list of things it’s been said to help and used for.

Cleanse Digestive Tract
Support Healthy Digestion
Improve Cholesterol and heart health
Provide the body with trace minerals
Improve Bone Health
Promote Hair Growth
Promote Skin Health
De-Wormer
Kills Parasites and Bugs
Pest Control

Here is an article from Mother Earth News about using it for Pest Control. I actually do this several times a year and it does seem to keep the bugs from coming around. https://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/pest-control/how-to-use-diatomaceous-earth-zw0z1304zkin

FOOD

How to Feed Your Kitten

Slightly cooked proteins is always the better choice for your pets. I suggest the Applaws for at least one meal a day since it has rice in it and it’s important that kittens/cats get some grain in their daily food for overall long-term health. Applaws is not a complete diet so that is why I suggest the other foods … Plus, variety for cats is essential since they can get very picky and decide not to eat something at a minute’s notice. Remember these are just suggestions but since these are what they are use too its best to transition them off if you are planning to use something different. I use a variety at the cattery so that you have a better choice of what works best for you and your kitten.

Kittens till they are around a year old only need around 2 to 4 oz. of food a day (sometimes more if they are high energy and it depends a lot on the nutritional value of the food you are using). As they get older you can add more … but normal is never over 8 oz. for a big cat.

Rule of thumb on best for cats by nutritional value:

A simi raw diet
Freeze dried or Dehydrated
Quality canned food
Quality Dry food

Raw/Simi Raw: I do have recipies for this but it takes a bit of time to prepare so most do not have the time. If you interested let me know. There is also companys that create Raw Diets but I have only tried one and their was a recall so I have stayed clear of the Raw commercially made foods. Way to easy for contamination.

Wet in order of best to least favorites that they like:

Applaws: This is a supplement, and it can be fed daily, and they love it, but a couple times a week would be ok too with regular complete diet food. This is great for some well needed vitamins and minerals needed for Coat, Eyes, Bone, and Digestion. This also provides the needed grain that all cats need. It’s suited for all ages since it’s just a supplement. They love this and will eat it way before their normal food. You might need to look for it at other pet stores if you do not have a Pet Food Express close by. Petco and Chewy carry it also … They do have a kitten formula, but I use the adult formula and the kittens do well with it. Their favorite is Tuna with Shrimp. Their least favorite is Tuna with Seaweed. I give them a ½ can of the bigger cans every night. It also comes in other sizes too. I would suggest the smaller cans if only one kitten. https://www.chewy.com/applaws-tuna-fillet-prawn-canned-cat/dp/50342. I have begun mixing the Chicken Breast flavor with the raw food mentioned above. This gives them a very healthy diet as well as getting the grains they need.
Soulistic Kitten Chicken Breast Formula: I use this Daily… it is a small can so use all in one feeding. This is for kittens only so once your kitten is 8 to 16 months than you can start replacing it with the other mentioned canned foods or whatever your cat likes. I buy this by the case at Petco there are only 12 cans per case. I have also noticed kittens start disliking this around age 6 months so make sure to start transitioning them to a new canned food. My suggestion would be either the raw Viva Raw or the Feline Natural. https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/soulistic-pate-kitten-chicken-breast-formula-in-a-hydrating-puree-wet-cat-food-3-oz-case-of-12-3143285
Earthborn Chicken and Liver: I use this daily mainly for my older cats but it’s their least favorite, it’s good for all stages. I am weaning them away from it but at this moment they all eat it. It comes in many flavors, but this one seems to be my older cat’s favorite. Again, it’s a larger can so 1/2 in morning and then 1/2 at night or adjust to your kitten. I buy this by the case at Chewy.com https://www.chewy.com/earthborn-holistic-chicken-jumble/dp/115847

With the younger kittens I suggest only a teaspoon or two (if they eat it all in 15 minutes than you can give them more) 2 to 4 times a day of any moist foods … at least till they start eating it all or you will waste a lot of food.

Freeze Dried

This is better than any can or dry food for your kitten/cat. You can feed it to them dry or add water. It is the next best way to give your kitten/cat the best food for them. The number one way is to feed them a simi Raw diet but that takes a lot of preparation

and research to make it a complete meal, unless you go with the one mentioned above that has everything already in it. The Fresh is Best is what they are use too and is the best for them. I keep like 5 to 10 pieces out all day in a small bowl for them and fill it when its gone. It stays good for up to 12 hours when not hydrated.

Fresh is Best: https://www.freshisbest.com/natural-pet-food/cat-food-freeze-dried/ This is for all stages and the one I recommend before anything else. I feed a handful (about ½ cup) in the morning and evening. My cats love it dry and will not eat it when hydrated. Both kittens and older cats seem to love this. It comes in four varieties, and all are great but my cats seem to not care for the Beef. It seems expensive but 1 package will last one cat at least 3 to 4 weeks. This is the Best of all over all moist, Dry or dehydrated. They also have treats and the favorite is the Turkey Breast Tenders.

Dry Food

Farmina N&D Prime Lamb and Blueberries Adult Cat Food.:

The kittens love eating the adult one too since I have a cup of it out for my adult cats and kittens all the time.

https://www.chewy.com/farmina-nd-prime-cat-lamb-blueberry/dp/234242. Here is the link to the Farmina site: https://www.farmina.com/us/eshop/cat-food/n&d-prime-feline/149-lamb-&-blueberry-adult.html

My only other recommendation is to feed them 1/4 of a fresh or frozen chicken breast boiled for 5 to 10 minutes at least 1 to 2 times a week. Or a ½ cup of Salad Shrimp. I give them a boiled chicken breast every day for lunchtime, but I would suggest starting where it’s only a few times a week or they won’t eat anything else. This can be a replacement meal for any of the above or in addition too. They love it. You can add chicken innards as well if you can find them fresh. Fresh meats are good for your kittens or cats but make sure to boil them and you can freeze them to last longer. Plus, freezing kills any germs on fresh meats if you freeze it for at least 7 days.

They also love fruits, vegetables, and cheese (cottage Cheese is an excellent source of protein for them) But only in small amounts

I do not hydrate the FRESH IS BEST and I leave out about 10 pellets at a time for 12 hours … I fill it up if he eats it all. So, every 12 hours I place more out so they have it on hand all the time since cats are grazers.

Hope this helps and if you have any questions about feeding your new little one, please let me know and I will help you out :).

TREATS

There is only actually one that my cats and kittens go crazy for.

Inaba Churu puree cat treat … I used to buy this at Chewys but now go directly to the company site. They have other types of treats and I like to try them out. But the puree is like cat crack 🙂 I have not found a cat yet that does not go crazy over it.

I will be sending a pet care kit home with those that I deliver to or that pick up their kittens. Several of the smaller items will be in that kit plus several of the Inaba Churu purees. I cannot send the pet care kit if a kitten/cat is going to be shipped.

Site that rates commercial cat food:

Here is a link to a site that rates many commercial foods by brand and then by each variety that brand makes. It’s an unbiased report on each. They rate it both for ingredients and Nutritional value. If it has more than 8 paws it means that it’s a very good quality food for your cat. I normally search by brand. They list over 2800 products and 150 brands. https://catfooddb.com/

TOYS:

The best thing to say is cats love them … almost all of them but I have found most do not last long so I make it a rule not to pay anymore then 20.00 for a toy and that better be one that is amazing. What I have found is the least expensive ones are the ones they like the best and that includes, free Items like boxes with lids, plastic bottle caps and so on.

They love almost all feather wands, noise makers, cat nip toys and tunnels.

Here are links to a few that almost all of my cats and kittens love. The first one is a really pretty toy/scratch pad/bed/climber all in one, and would look nice in any home .. the price is only 15.98 so well worth it and the cats love it.

Brown Pet Climber

Petstage Tower of tracks
Jackson Galaxy Mojo Maker Air Prey Laser Wand Teaser Cat Toy

Ethical Pet Wide Durable Heavy Gauge Plastic Colorful Springs Cat Toy

Cat Dancer Original Cat Toy

LITTER and Litter Pan

The litter pan should be made of plastic. I do not recommend using an automatic cleaning litter box because this tends to scare cats/kittens, and they end up not using the litter box at all. A hooded litter box can be used but ask to see if the kitten is used to using a hooded box first. If they are not, then you should start with the box without the hood. Many litter boxes have flaps covering the entrance. Like the hood, if the kitten is not used to using a litter box with a flap, the flap should be removed.

I actually get the jumbo disposable litter boxes from Chewy.com https://www.chewy.com/natures-miracle-disposable-cat-litter/dp/47596 and … 2 for around 10.00 and place them in the plastic litter boxes this is the litter box that works well with the disposable litter boxes From Chewy.com https://www.chewy.com/frisco-high-sided-cat-litter-box/dp/168285

… then every week I throw the disposable litter box out. But for the average person with one or two cats it should last for 2 weeks or better.

THIS IS THE Litter I USE

Sustainably Yours it is made from Corn. I have been using this for several years now and it’s the one that almost all cats/kittens like. I like it a lot as well, The fine grain tracks bad so make sure to have a good mat outside of the litter box. I have gone to the mixed grain and its not as bad with tracking

The link is

https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/sustainably-yours-multi-cat-from-corn-and-cassava-natural-litter-13-lbs-3221378

I Have Used THIS in the Past : Naturally Fresh here is the link to it https://www.chewy.com/naturally-fresh-unscented-clumping/dp/171576 Its made from Walnuts.

For the Baby kittens I use a Pine Pellet that I get from Tractor Supply Company … Its actually Horse bedding but is the same pine pellets they use for cat litter but much cheaper … A 40lb bag is only 7.99. Some families have continued to use this even for their older cats… and I would too except my Male will not use it due to his sensitive paws.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/tractor-supply-pine-pellet-stall-bedding-40-lb-2181006

I no longer use the crystals but wanted to list it anyways

You can buy it on Amazon for around 20.00 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0030HO67I/ref=sns_myd_detail_page and I use to use 8 bags a month but I have 4 litter boxes. I cleaned it daily and with kittens I cleanedit twice daily. It lasts for about 2 weeks per bag. So, 2 bags should last one cat a month. It’s called Ultra Pet Ultra Cat litter… I use to use the Micro Crystals since they are very fine and easy on the paws. It does get everywhere so make sure to have a mat under the litter box. I also found another one that is only around 12.00 at chewy.com

https://www.chewy.com/frisco-micro-crystal-unscented-non/dp/258629

Here is a great mat for the litter box

https://www.chewy.com/iprimio-cat-litter-trapper-ez-clean/dp/134596

Additionally, each week, the litter pan should be sanitized with bleach cleaner (such as Comet or Clorox Cleanup) or better yet is to steam clean it if you have a steam cleaner …. Steam cleaners kill germs and parasites much better than any product and for some parasites it is the only thing that will kill them, plus it only is hot water so not harmful to your kitten at all.

TREATS

There is only actually one that my cats and kittens go crazy for.
Inaba Churu puree cat treat … I use to buy this at Chewys but now go directly to the company site. They have other types of treats and I like to try them out. But the puree is like cat crack 🙂 I have not found a cat yet that does not go crazy over it. Inaba website

I will be sending a pet care kit home with those that I deliver to or that pick up their kittens. Several of the smaller items will be in that kit plus several of the Inaba Churu purees. I can not send the pet care kit if a kitten/cat is going to be shipped.

Recommended Books

Here are a few books for those of you that are new to owning a cat/kitten(actually great information even for those of us that have had cats for years). These I have read to make sure they would help new owners who are bringing in a new cat/kitten into their home to make it easier for both the new owners and cat/kitten.

How to Be Owned by A Cat

Think Like a Cat: How to Raise a Well-Adjusted Cat–Not a Sour Puss

If you have any other questions about feeding or caring for your kitten I am always here for you. Please contact me and I will help you any way I can. There are no dumb questions and I would love to hear from you.

Recommended Website

This website is one of the best for any thing you might want to know about caring for a cat to knowing more about a breed. I really love their advice on feeding your cat .. I still have not implemented in my daily program but it makes so much sense. Everything I have read on this site seems very good solid advice.

International Cat Care

FLEA and Pest Control

I use Revelution Plus Topical … You need a prescription for this from your vet. You can buy it at Chewy.com and much cheaper doing it that way than buying from your vet. The great thing about this flea control medicine is that it covers heart worms and a few other worms plus ear mites.

Another Item worth mentioning :

I have had many new owners asking what to do since little kittens have sharp little claws and love to claw at things but mainly they love to jump up on you with there little claws out 🙂 or sit and kneed you when they are happy. And this hurts and tends to leave marks. They really are not trying to hurt you but just wanting your attention and show you love. I do not believe in DeClawing a kitten/cat since it is very cruel and is like cutting off one of your fingers. So they do have a product called Purrdy Paws .. another one I believe is called soft paws. They come in various sizes and colors :). They can be found at chewy.com. as well as many other places. I actually used these years ago on a cat I had that loved to kneed you every time she was on your lap … they worked great. I actually took her to the vet and had them put them on her and also trim her nails for me. Hope this helps.