LITTERBOX:
When you receive your new Devon from
Kotickee, he is well use to using a litter pan. Our Devon are introduced to a
pan as soon as they begin to eat solid food at about the age of five or six
weeks. They should never have difficulty with a pan in their new home if you
follow a few simply steps.
1.
When they first arrive in their new home, put the pan in a location that they
can easily find. Put them in the pan and let them walk out. Do that a few times.
Remember that kittens are like human babies. When they need to use the pan it
should not have to be a chore for them to find it. Also if your home is large
and they will have access to a large area, you may wish to have a couple of pans
at first, in different areas. They should not have to travel extensively to find
a pan. As they mature and become more comfortable with their new environment,
you can remove all but one and place the one in a less conspicuous location.
2.
An open pan is best at first. Again, make it easy for the new kitten. We use
covered pans with the adults here. It keeps the pan from view and it also helps
to keep the litter inside. A small mat or towel in front of the pan's opening
collects the litter from the cats feet as they leave the pan.
3.
Your new kitten is use to plain clay litter with no additives. The pan is
cleaned daily. If you choose to use something much different, you might start
with the clay and then switch gradually by mixing with the new.
You might consider using one of the many new clumping litters available now. When any liquid touches the clay, it clumps into small balls that are then easily removed with the stool by scooping. Cats usually use their pans twice a day. Most of the odorous offense of a cat's pan comes from the ammonia which forms from the urine's exposure to air after about twenty-four hours. You should have an absolutely clean pan if you dutifully scoop your cat's pan daily and you feed a premium food which produces a firm, dry stool. No one should ever smell a cat litter pan again.
HEALTH
CARE: Your new kitten has come with a
complete set of health records. Most recently he has had an update on
vaccination including rabies if he has been shipped and also a health
certificate stating him to be in good health after a thorough examination. If
your kitten is not yet sixteen weeks, he should receive one more kitten shot at
or shortly after that age. Your kitten or cat comes to you FeLV/FIV negative.
You may wish to discuss with your veterinarian the need for further
vaccinations. A cat that is kept strictly as an indoor companion will be much
less likely to contract disease and parasites than his outdoor counterpart.
Purebred felines mature much more slowly than domestic cats. The Devon Rex is no exception. Kotickee recommends neuter/spay at about the age of eight months. Most cats have reached most of their adult maturity at this age, yet have had little opportunity for complete sexual development. This is also an ideal time to consider declawing if it is deemed necessary after living in your home for several months. Most kittens and many adults will simply require appropriate scratching posts and clipped nails. Removing claws will not be necessary for your house companion. Please consider the declawing alternative shown at http://www.softpaws.com before deciding on this procedure
EXERCISE
AND PLAY: Your new companion has never know the world outside his house
environment. His entire existence is focused on you and his new physical home.
As a total inside companion you will have his undivided attention. He will look
to you to satisfy is every need including play. There are many items available
that will provide adequate exercise and play for the inside feline. There are
also many interaction toys that can offer hours of quality time for you and your
special kitty. Kittens are just like kids, they often enjoy the package as much
as the toy itself. Rotating some of their favorite toys will also retain
interest.
Catnip is a plant and member of the mint family. Most adult cats are attracted to it as it appears to stimulate their feelings into a euphoric high. Fresh catnip is by far the best. Try growing it yourself.
Start of Care