My pets - Elysian & Ikigai (British shorthair kitties)
My pets - Elysian & Ikigai (British shorthair kitties)

My pets - Elysian & Ikigai (British shorthair kitties)

Date
Aug 27, 2023
Tags
Personal

I’m a cat mom now

Meet Elysian and Ikigai, my two adorable British Shorthair kittens. They joined my world on June 28, 2023. They were born on June 2nd, 2023.
Before getting these cats, I studied about cats for over a month (on YouTube and other blogposts) learning about their body language, food habits, play habits.
Jackson Galaxy and his whole channel, including his show on Animal Planet: My Cat From Hell has been a blessing to get information on cats.
notion image

Why two is better than one

Almost every video I watched on the topic of cats suggested that if you’re thinking of getting a kitten, adopt two instead of one.
That way, they’ll keep each other company when you’re away
Learn from each other, play with each other and if they were born together, they are bonded to each other and shouldn’t be separated

FAQ

What do the kitties do when I’m at work?
→ They’re kittens right now, so Elysian and Ikigai are all about playful escapades, from chasing toys to cozy catnaps.
What do they eat?
→ When I first got them, they were on a dry food diet but within a week, I transitioned them to a wet food diet, because as Jackson Galaxy says
The worst wet food is better than the best dry food
and in another two weeks, I introduced raw chicken into their diet, so that’s what they’re eating now
Cats are obligate carnivores
I worry about them being deficient in vitamins or minerals so I’m considering buying supplements separately for them:
The following is a list of vitamins and minerals cats need in their diet on a daily basis:
  • Taurine
  • Vitamin E
  • Iodine
  • Vitamin B complex
  • Omega 3 fish oil
Foods that cats should NEVER eat
  • Caffeine
  • Chocolate
  • Dairy products
  • Human food - even if they beg for it and try to eat it
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Grapes, raisins
  • Carbohydrates like grains, rice in general
Vaccinations
  1. 6-8 Weeks:
      • FVRCP Vaccine: This combination vaccine protects against three common feline diseases—Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (also known as distemper). These diseases can cause respiratory issues, fever, and even be fatal, especially in young kittens.
  1. 10-12 Weeks:
      • FVRCP Booster: A follow-up dose of the FVRCP vaccine is administered to strengthen their immunity.
  1. 14-16 Weeks:
      • FVRCP Booster: Another booster shot to further enhance their immunity against the core diseases.
      • Rabies Vaccine: Rabies is a serious and deadly disease that can affect both cats and humans. Depending on local regulations and your kitten's lifestyle, a rabies vaccine may be required.
Neutering
Neutering is often recommended between the ages of 4 to 6 month. I see neutering as completely necessary for cats that live with humans to avoid territorial behavior
Benefits:
  • Less likely to develop certain health issues, such as testicular cancer, and have a lower risk of prostate problems
  • Less inclined to roam far from home
  • Less aggressive tendencies