A pet crate can serve as a space your fluff ball can call her own. A large kennel set up with furnishings creates a kitty house complete with a bathroom, playroom, kitchen and bedroom. Kenneling a kitten also keeps her out of mischief while you are away at work.
Step 1
Place a large crate in an area of your home without drafts. Fill a small litter box with cat litter and place it in the rear of the crate. Felines prefer seclusion when using a litter box. Small litter boxes have shorter sides so a young kitten can access them easily. A small litter box also leaves ample room for the other items in your kitty kennel.
Step 2
Place a cat bed or pillow in the front of the kennel near the door. This gives the kitten a place to rest with a view outside of the kennel. Add a blanket to the bed or pillow in the winter so she can stay warm in the daytime. Six- to 12-week-old kittens sleep up to 18 hours a day, as cats are nocturnal; thus, a comfortable bed is necessary for a kenneled kitten.
Step 3
Fill a small bowl with dry kitten food and another with fresh water. Place the bowls near the cat bed. Kittens from 6 to 12 weeks old eat four times a day or just snack on the dry kibble throughout the day.
Step 4
Place kitten toys in the kennel between the food and water bowls or in the bed. Small toys that she can grip with her claws provide a lot of entertainment. You can also crumple up newspaper and hang it by a string from the top of the crate to encourage her to sit up and play while gaining balance skills.
References
Resources
Tips
- Crate training a kitten during the day when it is small gives her the comfort of her own area. This will also aid in calming her when she rides in a car to the veterinarian for exams and vaccines.
- Metal or ceramic food and water dishes are heavier than plastic ones and turn over less easily.
Warnings
- Leave the temperature in your home at a comfortable level for your kitten while you are away in the daytime. A kitten that is too cold balls up and places his paws on his face to try to keep warm, notes the Vetinfo website.
Writer Bio
Mary Lougee has been writing for over 10 years. She holds a Bachelor's Degree with a major in Management and a double minor in accounting and computer science. She loves writing about careers for busy families as well as family oriented planning, meals and activities for all ages.