Our Approach to Raising Kittens: A Guide to Happy, Healthy Cats

At our home, we raise kittens with care and attention, ensuring they grow up well-adjusted and ready for life as adult cats. Here’s how we do it:

Socialization Matters:

We believe in proper socialization for our kittens. From an early age, we introduce them to various situations and establish routines that will benefit them throughout their lives. Whether it’s clipping their claws, vacuuming around them, or giving them baths and blow-dries, we ensure they are comfortable with everyday experiences.

Home Life Adaptation:

Our kittens thrive in a home environment. They receive plenty of love and attention, making them well-adjusted companions. Norwegian Forest Cats, being social creatures, tend to do best when they have feline company. We recommend adopting them in pairs if you don’t already have another feline companion.

Climbers at Heart:

These cats love heights! To satisfy their climbing instincts, we recommend sturdy cat trees. They’ll happily perch on the highest point in the room. They like their feet on solid ground, so they are less likely to enjoy hammocks and other surfaces that move beneath them.

Scratching Surfaces:

To maintain healthy claws and prevent furniture damage, our kittens need good-quality sisal and cardboard scratching surfaces. We do not allow declawing or tendonectomy, as it’s painful and leads to long-term health issues.

Health and Safety:

Before leaving for their new homes, all kittens are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped.

Timing Matters:

Kittens are ready for adoption at 16 weeks. While some families ask for earlier adoption, we’ve found that waiting until this age ensures a smoother transition to their new homes and reduces behavioral issues.

Our Screening Process and Registration:

We care deeply about our kittens’ well-being. When adopting from us, be prepared to answer questions about your experience with cats, your expectations, and why you want a feline companion. We may also request a reference from your veterinarian. Rest assured, our priority is finding the best homes for our precious kittens. For registration, we pay the registration fee to register the kitten with the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and require new owners to submit the pre-paid registration form to CFA after picking up their new kitten.

Feline Enrichment: Strategies Used to Nurture Happy, Social Kittens

Food Puzzles:

A Social Feast for Curious Kittens Food puzzles aren’t just about satisfying hunger; they’re also a fantastic way to engage kittens socially. As they manipulate the puzzle to reveal hidden treats or kibble, they learn problem-solving skills and bond with their human companions. It’s like a delightful treasure hunt that fosters trust and curiosity. Moreover, food puzzles mimic the cat’s natural drive to catch its prey. In the wild, a cat’s survival depends on stalking, pouncing, and capturing its next meal. By using food puzzles, we tap into this primal instinct, providing mental stimulation and satisfaction. As kittens work to extract their rewards, they channel their inner hunters, keeping their minds sharp and their hearts content.

Cat Wheels:

Playtime with a Purpose Introducing cat wheels early on provides more than just physical exercise. Kittens learn coordination, balance, and confidence as they explore the spinning wheel. Plus, when joining in the fun by encouraging them with treats or gentle play, it strengthens the bond with them and create positive associations.

Interactive Toys: Shared Adventures

Kittens thrive on playtime, especially when it involves interactive toys. Wand toys with feathers, laser pointers, and the myriad of balls and mice toys become shared adventures. They engage the kittens, mimic prey movements, and build confidence as the kittens get better at catching their prey! These moments of connection build trust and emotional well-being.

Bird Feeder Outside the Window: Nature’s Theater

We have a bird feeder near a window where the kittens (and cats) can observe the outside world. The fluttering birds become their live theater. As they watch, their curiosity grows, and they feel part of a larger world outside the house.

Remember, every interaction—whether through food puzzles, playful wheels, or bird-watching—shapes the kittens’ emotional landscape. By incorporating these enrichment activities, we’re not only raising well-adjusted cats but also nurturing their happiness and social bonds. Thank you for considering our kittens as part of your family! 🐾

If you are interested in purchasing a kitten or have questions, please contact us via email.

To see our currently available kittens, click here.