Puppy and Kitten Care

Puppies usually move in with their new family at the age of a few weeks. During this time, small dogs are in the middle of the socialization phase. They are very curious at first and then very cautious and sometimes anxious. The older they get, the more they test boundaries.

After four months or so, adult teeth start to come in and at six to twelve months, sexual maturity marks the start of puberty – two milestones at which your fur-kid will likely test your patience! Our tips for puppy education will help you prepare for these challenging periods.

In order for your four-legged friend to feel comfortable with you from the start, they will need loving care, exercise and basic training. Robust dog toys, treats and a cosy cuddly bed should all be on your shopping list as well as grooming and dental care accessories.

Key lessons in puppy training include:

• Settling into the new home
• Housebreaking and lead walking
• Establishing boundaries
• Teaching them not to bite
• 'Fetch' and 'Stay' commands
• Short periods on their own

The 6 Stages of Your Kitten's Development:

• Phase 1: The kitten opens its eyes, but still needs its mother's closeness.
• Phase 2: The first few weeks are marked by sleeping, growing and developing milk teeth.
• Phase 3: After a month, kittens begin to walk and eat solid food.
• Phase 4: Up to six months, cats grow steadily and go through the tooth change.
• Phase 5: After about seven months, cats become sexually mature (males a little later).
• Phase 6: After about a year, the growth is complete and your cat is an adult.

In addition to physical growth, kittens go through major character changes in their first year of life. After birth, kittens learn important basics, such as grooming and hunting, from their mother and/or siblings. Once they arrive in your home, you will be responsible for their care, socialisation and development. To help your kitten settle in and cope with new, everyday situations, offer them opportunities to retreat to a quiet room or den. 

Kittens have great demands for their new home. Besides a place to rest and hide, a kitten needs at least the following basic equipment:

• Litter box or litter tray
• Cat litter
• Bowl and/or water fountain
• Tree or scratching post
• Toys
• A comfortable resting spot

A cat-safe household should be free from hazards such as poisonous plants or windows without anti-tilt protection right from the start. On the other hand, what should not be missing in a cat household is patience and understanding.

When practising with the litter box or showing limits, the most important principle of kitten training is: praise instead of scolding - even if that is particularly difficult during the cat's puberty. In addition to education, which is simplified by, for example, clicker training, fun play should not be neglected.