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Category: Kitten

  • 5 Best Kitten Toys to Keep Your Little Explorer Busy

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    If you’ve ever had a kitten, you know one thing for sure — they have endless energy! 😹 Between the zoomies, climbing the curtains, and pouncing on your toes, kittens are little bundles of curiosity and playfulness.

    As a certified veterinary technician with over 20 years of experience, I can tell you that play isn’t just fun — it’s essential. Kittens use playtime to develop coordination, strengthen muscles, and practice their natural hunting instincts.

    The right toys can help keep your kitten entertained, safe, and out of trouble. Here are my five favorite kitten toys to keep those busy paws occupied (and your sanity intact).

    🐾 Petstages Tower of Tracks Cat Toy

    This classic kitten toy is a must-have in every cat household! It features three tiers of spinning balls your kitten can bat and chase around — perfect for independent play.

    Product Available on Amazon

    I love this toy because it stimulates both mind and body. It’s safe, sturdy, and keeps kittens entertained even when you’re not home.

    💡 Vet Tech Tip: Rotate this toy out every week or two so your kitten doesn’t get bored — they’ll think it’s new every time!

    ✅ Great for solo play
    ✅ Encourages physical activity
    ✅ Durable and stable for kittens of all sizes

    Read my blog about it right here.

    🧸 SmartyKat Hot Pursuit Electronic Motion Toy

    If your kitten loves to chase things, this one’s a winner. The SmartyKat Hot Pursuit mimics a hidden prey moving under fabric — the perfect hunting game for curious kittens!

    Product Available on Amazon

    It keeps kittens mentally stimulated and active, helping prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

    💡 Vet Tech Tip: Supervise play sessions with motion toys to ensure your kitten doesn’t chew on any parts.

    ✅ Simulates natural hunting instincts
    ✅ Keeps kittens entertained for long stretches
    ✅ Great for active, curious personalities

    Read my blog about it right here.

    🐭 Classic Fuzzy Mice Cat Toys (with Catnip)

    You can’t go wrong with the classics — fuzzy mice! These little toys encourage stalking, pouncing, and carrying, which mimic real feline hunting behaviors.

    The catnip inside keeps things interesting, and since they’re sold in multipacks, you’ll always have backups when one goes missing under the couch. 😹

    💡 Vet Tech Tip: Keep a few toys in a sealed bag with catnip. Rotate them weekly for extra excitement.

    ✅ Affordable and fun
    ✅ Encourages natural play instincts
    ✅ Perfect size for kittens to bat and carry

    Read my blog about it right here.

    🎯 Catstages Nina Ottosson Kitty Puzzle Toy

    Interactive puzzle toys like this one engage your kitten’s brain while satisfying their natural curiosity. You can hide treats or kibble inside to encourage problem-solving and slow down fast eaters.

    💡 Vet Tech Tip: Start with easy puzzles and increase the difficulty as your kitten grows — it helps build confidence and mental agility.

    ✅ Promotes mental stimulation
    ✅ Great for food-motivated kittens
    ✅ Reduces boredom and destructive play

    Read my blog about it right here.

    🎁 Vibrant Life 24-Piece Variety Pack

    If you’re just starting out or adopting a new kitten, this pack is a lifesaver. It includes balls, mice, crinkle toys, and more — giving you plenty of options for playtime.

    Product Available on Amazon

    Having a variety keeps kittens interested, and you can find which toy type they love most.

    💡 Vet Tech Tip: Store half the pack away and rotate toys weekly. Kittens love “new” toys — even if they’re just ones you’ve hidden for a while!

    ✅ Affordable and fun starter pack
    ✅ Encourages different play styles
    ✅ Great for multi-kitten homes

    Read my blog about it right here.

    🐱 Final Thoughts

    Kittens are naturally playful and curious — and the right toys keep them happy, healthy, and well-behaved.

    Remember:
    ➡️ Rotate toys to prevent boredom
    ➡️ Supervise play with string or motion toys
    ➡️ Encourage both active and mental play

    With the right mix of safe, engaging toys, your kitten will stay entertained and develop into a confident, well-adjusted cat. 💙

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    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

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    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Vibrant Life 24-Piece Cat Toy Pack — Variety That Keeps Kittens Happy

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    If you’re welcoming a new kitten into your home, the Vibrant Life 24-Piece Cat Toy Pack is a great place to start.

    This value pack includes crinkle balls, mice, feathers, and more — giving your kitten plenty of options for playtime. The variety helps you discover which toys your kitten loves most, and rotating them keeps every day exciting.

    💡 Vet Tech Tip: Offer a few toys at a time, then swap them out weekly. Variety keeps kittens mentally stimulated and less likely to chew on the wrong things!

    Why I Recommend It:
    ✅ Huge variety for a low cost
    ✅ Great for multi-kitten homes
    ✅ Perfect for rotation play

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    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

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    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

  • Catstages Kitty Puzzle — A Smart Way to Keep Kittens Thinking

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    If you want to keep your kitten’s brain as busy as their paws, the Catstages Kitty Puzzle Toy is a must-try.

    This clever toy lets you hide treats or kibble, encouraging your kitten to sniff, paw, and solve their way to the reward. It’s a fun way to prevent boredom and teach problem-solving skills.

    💡 Vet Tech Tip: Use part of your kitten’s regular kibble for puzzle play to avoid overfeeding — it makes mealtime mentally enriching, too!

    Why I Recommend It:
    ✅ Mentally stimulating
    ✅ Great for food-motivated kittens
    ✅ Helps slow down fast eaters

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    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

  • Fuzzy Mice — The Classic Kitten Toy That Never Gets Old

     

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    Sometimes the classics really are the best! Classic Fuzzy Mice are simple, catnip-filled toys that kittens adore.

    These soft little mice are perfect for pouncing, batting, and carrying — all natural feline behaviors. Plus, they’re sold in multipacks, so you can easily replace them when they vanish under the furniture (as they always do). 😹

    💡 Vet Tech Tip: Keep a few toys stored in a sealed bag with extra catnip. Rotate them weekly to keep things exciting for your kitten.

    Why I Recommend Them:
    ✅ Encourages natural hunting instincts
    ✅ Affordable and fun
    ✅ Great for solo play

    ***

    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

  •  SmartyKat Hot Pursuit — A Fun, Interactive Toy for Energetic Kittens

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    Have a kitten that never stops moving? 😹 The SmartyKat Hot Pursuit Electronic Toy is a great way to channel that energy!

    This toy simulates a hidden prey moving under fabric, letting your kitten chase, pounce, and stalk safely. It keeps them busy for long periods — which is great for both their mind and body.

    As a vet tech, I love how this toy taps into a cat’s natural hunting instincts while preventing boredom and destructive behaviors.

    💡 Vet Tech Tip: Use short play sessions (10–15 minutes) to keep your kitten excited without overstimulation. Always supervise when using battery-powered toys.

    Why I Recommend It:
    ✅ Encourages healthy exercise
    ✅ Mentally stimulating
    ✅ Perfect for curious, high-energy kittens

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    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

  • Petstages Tower of Tracks — The Perfect Toy to Keep Kittens Busy

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     If your kitten loves to chase, bat, and pounce, the Petstages Tower of Tracks is a must-have toy!

    This durable, three-tier track features spinning balls that roll endlessly as your kitten bats at them. It’s perfect for solo play, so your kitten can stay entertained while you work, relax, or sleep.

    As a certified vet tech, I love this toy because it’s safe, sturdy, and encourages healthy play. It satisfies your kitten’s hunting instincts while helping develop coordination and focus.

    💡 Vet Tech Tip: Rotate this toy with others every week to keep things new and exciting — kittens love “fresh” play options!

    Why I Recommend It:
    ✅ Great for solo or group play
    ✅ Encourages natural prey drive
    ✅ Durable and stable construction

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    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

  • What Breed Of Cat Should I Get?

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    One of the most common questions we receive from clients is what breed of cat we recommend they get. However, they should be asking What kind of cat should I get? It is often more beneficial to consider your lifestyle and the temperament of a cat rather than focusing on a specific breed.

    Here are some things that you need to think about before you stop and get the first cute kitten that you see.

    You should consider the size of the cat that you are going to get. 

    Though most cats are between ten and fifteen pounds, there are many females that are much smaller than that! There are also some giant breeds, such as Maine Coons, which can weigh up to 25 pounds.

    You may also want to consider their hair type. 

    Though many domestic cats have short hair, you can find long-haired cats and even ones that are hairless. Don’t forget about all the cats who have coats in between short, long, and hairless.

    Just remember that, if you get a long-haired cat, you will need to spend plenty of time grooming it. A hairless cat may also require some extra attention to maintain its skin’s health.

    As a result, one of the most important factors to consider is how active you want your cat to be. 

    Are you looking for a young kitten that wants to be played with all the time? Do you have the time and energy to play after a long and hard day at work?

    Or is an older cat who is happy to be sitting beside you on the couch at night a better fit? If you are thinking that you don’t want to go through the kitten stage, you may want to look at a shelter for a cat that is a little (or a lot) older. 

    I recently wrote an article about adopting older cats. If you are interested, you can check it out here.

    This also raises the question whether you have sufficient time to spend at home with a cat. There are many cats that would be happy to have the house to themselves, while others need more attention and companionship. Young kittens require even more attention to train them properly.

    If you have frequent guests over, you may want a cat that is as social as you. If you get a cat that runs scared when you have company, it will spend a lot of time hiding. If your cat enjoys greeting everyone and spending time in the same room as him or her, you should be just fine.

    Choosing the right cat for your lifestyle is more important than the breed itself. You need to determine whether a new kitten will fit into your lifestyle. Do you have the time to train a new kitten? And play with him or her all the time to help with the extra energy a kitten has?

    If you are always on the go, you might want to get an older cat who would be happy to be home alone. That way, when you do get home, he or she will be happy to sit beside you on the couch instead of needing all of your attention.

    If you are always having friends over, you don’t want a cat that is going to be scared to come out when you have visitors. That will be way too stressful for him or her (and you)! Take your time, figure out what you really want, and then go find the right (perfect) cat for you and your family.

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    Please note, the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Even though I am a veterinary professional, this blog is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Reasons Cats are Better Than Dogs

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    Although many people seem to own dogs and cats, the truth is that if you asked, most would tell you they prefer one over the other.

    Most people consider themselves either “dog people” or “cat people.” Even if they own multiple critters, they may feel like they love either dogs or cats more.

    I wrote an article recently about why dogs are better than cats. If you haven’t had a chance to read it, you can check it out here.

    Don’t think dogs are for you? Here are some reasons why cats may be a better fit for you.

    Cats will be perfectly happy if they are kept inside all of the time. 

    If you don’t have a backyard or places where you can take a dog on a hike regularly, you may be better off having a cat. He or she doesn’t need to go outside for any reason. In fact, it is often safer for cats to live indoors only. You won’t have to worry about cat fights or your cat getting hit on the road.

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    Though you may think that your cat needs to go outside, the truth is that they are just as happy to curl up in a sunny area of your house. If they are able to look out the window, they can look at the birds flying by, while still staying safe. They also have plenty of room in your home or apartment to exercise. Running up and down the stairs and jumping on and off furniture can keep a cat entertained for hours.

    They also don’t take up a lot of space. 

    Your cat will still be fine if you don’t have a large home or an apartment. You may not be able to have a Great Dane in your home, but your cat will still have plenty of room to run around and play.

    Cats don’t need a lot of things. 

    All your cat needs is a food bowl, a water bowl, and a litter box, and he or she will be happy. A few toys can be nice, but your cat can entertain him or herself without these things.

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    They also don’t need a lot of your time. 

    You may not have enough time for a dog if you are busy working and running around in the evenings. You may not have time to take a dog outside for walks multiple times a day, and your cat may not even notice that you aren’t home!

    In fact, you may think that your cat understands personal space! Your cat may be happy to just come to sit beside you when you get home. So, instead of having to take your dog for a walk when you get home, you can take the extra time to relax (and your cat will still be happy).

    Cats are often more affordable than dogs. 

    Unless you try to find a specific breed, such as a Maine Coon, cats are generally less expensive than dogs. In fact, you may be able to find plenty of free kittens in the spring!

    That being said, free kittens aren’t free. They will still require veterinary care, including vaccinations and spaying or neutering. However, these fees are lower for cats than they are for dogs. Cats are also less likely to eat their toys and other things that they shouldn’t, which makes them less likely to get sick (and need emergency veterinary care).

    If you live in an old farmhouse or have a garage, your cats can help keep the rodent population under control. 

    Cats are natural-born hunters, so you are likely to see your cat hunt and pounce on anything that you don’t want running around your home and property.

    Cats are cleaner than dogs. 

    Dogs just love to roll in the mud and other gross things. You may find yourself giving your dog a bath regularly! Cats, on the other hand, love to clean themselves. They are constantly licking and grooming themselves.

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    If you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet, consider getting a cat. Cats are happy being inside all the time. They don’t need constant walks and attention. They are happy to just lie in the sun and may sit beside you when you get home in the evening. In fact, if you find that you are hardly ever home, a cat might be the perfect pet for you!

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    Please note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.

  • The Truth About Free Kittens

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    It is the season for kittens. Everyone around you probably has kittens that they found, and they are trying to find them good homes. While some people feel like they need to charge a rehoming fee (to ensure that they find the right home), others are willing to give them away for free.

    However, it is important that you know, just because your kitten is free, doesn’t mean that it is going to stay that way.

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    You are going to need to take your new kitten to the veterinarian to ensure that he or she is healthy. 

    Kittens need to be seen regularly when they are young. They need multiple rounds of vaccines in order to become properly protected. Even if your kitten is going to stay inside, you are going to need to get your kitten a Rabies shot.

    Then, when they are around six months of age, they should be fixed. This may cost you a few hundred dollars, but it is much healthier for them. It will also keep you from having to deal with any unwanted litter.

    Even if you don’t take your kitten to the veterinarian right away, you are going to have to feed your new kitten. 

    You need to make sure that you feed your new kitten high-quality food. That being said, just because it is expensive doesn’t mean that it is good food. There are many foods out there that are rather expensive that aren’t the best food.

    I don’t want to name names, but our clinic recommends Science Diet and Purina ProPlan. These foods have been around for a long time, and studies show they are reliable.

    Science Diet dry kitten food is a good choice, and it is available on Amazon.

    Product available on Amazon

    Another brand that we recommend is Purina Pro plan. It is a higher quality feed than Purina kitten chow.

    Product available on Amazon

    We also recommend that all cats and kittens eat some canned food to help with their urinary tract. We recommend Friskie’s pate style canned food like the one listed on Amazon below.

    Product available on Amazon

    You also need at least one litter pan and a good quality litter. 

    It is even better if you can provide two litter pans. As you get more cats (and probably will), you want to ensure that you always have at least one more litter box than you have cats. If you have six, you need at least seven or eight pans for all of them to use.

    Plus, most people buy some extras for their new kittens. 

    This may include toys and a bed. Some even buy their kittens outfits and other fun things. Cat trees are also popular things that new kitten owners like to buy.

    Amazon and Chewy have many different cat trees, so that you can find one that will fit into your home, no matter what size you are looking for!

    Product available on Amazon

    Free kittens don’t stay free very long. They need to be seen by a veterinarian rather quickly, in order to get make sure that your kitten is properly vaccinated. Even if you don’t plan on letting your kitten outside, you should ensure he or she gets a Rabies shot as soon as possible. You should also plan on spaying or neutering your new kitten when he or she is six months old.

    Veterinary care isn’t the only cost that you may be dealing with. You are going to want to buy the best food that you can so that your new kitten stays as healthy as possible. You also need to buy litter pans so that he or she has a place to go to the bathroom.

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    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.