Doggie Daycare Learn More... Country Tails Doggie Daycare - The perfect way to spend the day and play! Socialization and exercise is so important for your dog's well being. We have a certified dog trainer and caring staff to help give your dog  exercise and the social lessons they need.  We have an indoor/outdoor facility with constant supervision. Click here for more information. -Hide- Dog & Puppy Training Learn More... Learn about training and dog behaviour and become the Alpha in your family. New classes starting September 2009.  Click here for more information. -Hide- New Pudgy Pet Program Learn More... Is your pet overweight?  Any extra weight on your pet can affect their health.  We understand it can be very difficult to get your pet to lose weight so why not join this free program? We will work one on one with you and your pet's individual needs.  Achieving a healthy weight can add several quality years to your dog or cat's life. Contact us today! -Hide-	Download PDF File We would like to congratulate you on the acquisition of your new kitten. Owning a cat can be an extremely rewarding experience, but it is also a large responsibility. We hope this handout will give you the information needed to make some good decisions regarding your kitten. First let us say that we are grateful that you have chosen us to help you with your kitten’s health care. If you have questions concerning any subject related to your kitten’s health, please feel free to call our hospital. Our veterinarians and staff will be happy to help you. How should I introduce my kitten to its new environment? As all animals develop there are numerous stimuli (sounds, smells, sights and events) that when unfamiliar can lead to fear and anxiety. Habituation is the process whereby dogs get used to repeated stimuli, and stop reacting to them provided that there are no untoward consequences. How should I introduce my new kitten to my other cat? Most kittens receive a hostile reception from other household pets, especially from another cat. The other cat usually sees no need for a kitten in the household and these feelings are reinforced if it perceives that special favoritism is being shown to the kitten. The existing cat must not feel that it is necessary to compete for food or attention. The new kitten should have its own food bowl and it should not be permitted to eat from the other cat s bowl. Although it is natural to spend time holding and cuddling the kitten, the existing cat will quickly sense that it is being neglected. The new kitten needs lots of love and attention, but the existing cat should not be slighted. In fact, the transition will be smoother if the existing cat is given more attention than normal. The introduction period will usually last one to two weeks and will have one of three possible outcomes: The existing cat will remain hostile to the kitten. Fighting may occasionally occur, especially if both try to eat out of the same bowl at the same time. This is an unlikely occurrence if competition for food and affection are minimized during the first few weeks. The existing cat will only tolerate the kitten. Hostility will cease, but the existing cat will act as if the kitten is not present. This is more likely if the existing cat is very independent, has been an only cat for several years, or if marked competition occurred during the first few weeks. This relationship is likely to be permanent. Bonding will occur between the existing cat and the kitten. They will play together, groom each other, and sleep near each other. This is more likely to occur if competition is minimized and if the existing cat has been lonely for companionship.