Congratulations, you’re getting a kitten! Before you buy that adorable little bundle of fur home, there are certain things you’ll need to do to prepare for your feline’s arrival. Follow these simple steps to make sure the transition from shelter to home is easy and carefree for everyone.
Kitten-Proof Your House
A little preparation can go a long way. Before you bring your new kitten home, make sure the house is ready to welcome them with open paws. Here are some ways you can prepare:
- Make sure there’s a scratching post and litter box in every room of the house.
- Put away any breakable items, like vases and kids’ toys, and use baby gates to contain your cat in one area of the house while they get used to their new surroundings
- Spend some time filling up all the food and water bowls and make sure everything is properly cleaned before your kitten’s arrival.
Source your kitten from a reputable breeder or rescue shelter
It’s important that you know your kitten’s background to ensure they’re healthy and safe for your home.
If you’re considering a purebred from a breeder, research the breeder to make sure their practices are ethical. Make sure the kittens have been socialized with humans and other animals, and if possible, spend a few hours at the breeder’s facility to get a feel for the environment.
However, if you’re looking for a rescued animal, check out your local shelters first. While these felines have likely experienced trauma before arriving at the shelter, many shelters employ experts who will focus on socializing these cats during their stay.
The Necessities For A New Kitten
The first step is to find a veterinarian. Make sure the vet you visit has experience with cats. The vet will give your kitten a checkup and make sure it is in good health.
Next, you’ll need to get your furry friend a collar and an ID tag. You can buy one or make it. The best type of identification for your cat would be a microchip implanted under its skin. This will allow for permanent identification in case your kitty ever gets lost.
A litter box should also be on your checklist of things to buy or set up before bringing home your new kitten. It’s usually best if the litter box is placed in an easily accessible location, such as near where the food and water bowls are located.
Finally, you’ll want to stock up on some essentials like food and water bowls, litter boxes, treats, and toys! Your kitten should have plenty to explore while they’re waiting for their new home to feel like home.
Bedding Options For Your Kitten
A cat’s sense of smell can be up to 14 times stronger than a human’s, so it’s important to keep that in mind when you’re picking out bedding.
Cats prefer scents that are reminiscent of the outdoors, so using an artificial scent will only make kitty feel uneasy and may lead to adverse behavior.
For this reason, we recommend using natural fibers like wool or cotton for your kitten’s bedding. They not only offer a fresh scent, but they also help control any allergy symptoms from developing.
In addition to making sure that your kitten likes the smell of their bedding, you’ll also want to focus on other factors. For instance, if your cat spends time lounging on your furniture around the house—a space where they might leave fur—you’ll want to add protection from shedding with a pet hair protector or slipcover.
Kitten Food for Your Kittens
One of the first things you’ll want to do is to buy your kitten some food.
Your kitten will need a special type of food, rather than just a can of wet food for adult cats. So before you go shopping, make sure you check the labels on the kitten food and find out what your options are for types of food or what they recommend. Once you’ve picked out a good brand and type of food, be sure to buy it in small bags so that it’s more convenient when you’re feeding your fresh addition to the family!
The next thing you should do is to give that little furball a collar and an ID tag. Why? If your cute kitty ever gets lost, he needs to have proper identification so he can be returned home safely to his family again.
Another important thing is to get them spayed or neutered ASAP. You don’t want any surprises (or kittens) popping up in the future! Spaying and neutering helps control pet overpopulation and reduces health risks for both male and female cats.
Interactive Toys For Your Kitten
Kittens are naturally active and playful. The best way to keep them entertained is with interactive toys, but there are certain things you should look for when shopping for toys for your kitten.
The first thing to look for in an interactive toy is that it’s made of a durable material. Kittens play rough, so you don’t want to buy a toy that’s easily destroyed or can be eaten by your kitten. Next, make sure the toy has some give to it—you don’t want it to be rigid and cause injury if your kitten bites down too hard.
You also want something that moves around or makes noise—even better if the sound is intriguing to your kitten! Interactive toys are important because they help keep your kitty stimulated and entertained without harming them.
Scratching Posts For Your New Kitten
Before you bring your new kitten home, find a scratching post for them to use. Scratching is how cats keep their nails trimmed and filed down. If they don’t have a place to do that, they may start scratching furniture or themselves.
It’s also important to get a scratching post for your new kitten because it will provide them with an outlet for energy and will help prevent any destructive behaviors in the future. They’ll be able to stretch and jump on their own post instead of your couch or curtains, which can save you money in the long run.
If you want something less expensive and more temporary, try buying a cardboard scratcher from your local pet store; these won’t provide the same level of satisfaction as a designated scratching post, but they’re better than nothing!
Litter Box and Litter For Your Kitten
One thing you’ll need to prepare for your new kitten is a litter box and litter. Your kitten will need a place to relieve themselves and it’s up to you to provide that.
It might be tempting to purchase the cheapest litter available, but we recommend doing some research before making a purchase. Litter can come in different forms: clay, crystals, or even pine. You’ll want to get one that provides the best experience for you and your new furry friend.
Many people also worry about whether their cat will enjoy using a litter box. Cats are notoriously picky when it comes to their living environment, so don’t worry if they refuse at first! It might take them a while to adjust but they’ll eventually get used to it.
Arrange for pet insurance
You can never be too careful when it comes to your new pet. That’s why arranging for pet insurance is so important. As you prepare for your new arrival, take some time to research the best pet insurance options for your budget and needs.
Insurance will cover many unexpected veterinary expenses, like emergency care or an orthopedic injury that requires surgery. There are even insurance plans that will pay for non-emergency care if you’re having financial difficulties. If you’re lucky, you’ll never need it! But if the worst should happen with your furry friend, at least you’ll be covered.
Preparing Yourself for Your New Kitten
Now that you’ve decided to bring home a kitten, it’s time to prepare. Familiarize yourself with how to care for a cat. Read a book on cat care, or ask your veterinarian for advice on caring for your new pet.
You’ll also need to make sure your home is ready for the new addition. Make sure there are enough litter boxes and food bowls for your new pet. It’s best not to bathe them too often, but make sure they have a clean bed and fresh water every day.
As you get ready for your new little fur ball, remember these three simple steps:
– Know what you’re getting into
– Prepare yourself and the environment
– Get everything set up before bringing him/her home