Many people get kittens on impulse because their child has been asking for one, or because you’ve seen a cute little kitten who is in need of a new home and simply can’t resist taking it in. But, even if it’s quite a fast decision, it’s important to make sure that you’ve properly prepared and got everything that your new baby cat is going to need for a happy, healthy, and comfortable life. There are a number of things that you will need to get for the arrival of your kitten if you don’t already have them; it’s a good idea to obtain as many of these as possible in advance so it’s easy for your new furry friend to get settled in. We’ve put together a list of the things that you are likely to need for your new kitten.
#1. Food and Water Bowls:
First of all, your cat is going to need something that they can eat and drink out of. Of course, you can simply use ordinary kitchen bowls or plates and there’s no need to invest in anything too expensive or fancy if you don’t want to. Whether you choose to use your own kitchen bowls or buy a specially designed cat feeding station, it’s a good idea to make sure that these are specifically for your kitten so that she knows where she can find food and drink at all times. Make sure that they are suitably sized for your kitten and that the bowls aren’t too deep for her to reach. Bear in mind that some cats can be fussy and don’t like drinking out of plastic, whilst some prefer running water, so you might find yourself changing the feeding station after some time.
#2. Cat Bed and Bedding:
Many cats will end up making their own decisions when it comes to where they would like to sleep, which can often be where you’d least expect – the back of the sofa, the floor, a pile of laundry, or the end of your bed! However, it’s still a good idea to provide your cat with somewhere comfortable and safe to sleep that he can call his own. It doesn’t have to be anything too fancy; most cats will appreciate a cushion with a small blanket on it, or if you want to make sure that she feels protected and safe, a small enclosed bed is a great idea. Cats also like to perch at height, so you might want to consider getting a cat bed that you can attach to your wall – or hang on a radiator so that your kitten is high up and warm at the same time.
#3. Cat Litter Tray and Litter:
Getting a litter tray is essential as even if you plan to allow your cat to go outside, this is not a good idea until they have been fully vaccinated and neutered or spayed. And, even after your cat is safe to explore the outdoors, there may be occasions where they won’t be able to get outside, so it’s always worth having the option of a toilet area for them in the house. Basic litter trays are usually cheap to obtain or if you’re worried about nasty smells and sights, an enclosed litter box might be an ideal option for you, along with giving your cat a bit of extra privacy as she does her business. Litter trays will need to be cleaned out regularly, so make sure that you have a litter scoop and have stocked up on litter tray liners or plastic waste bags for used litter.
#4. A Cat Carrier:
Something to transport your cat in safely is important, particularly for the additional vet visits that you are likely to require to attend during the kitten months. A strong, spacious cat carrier will be necessary for trips to the vet and will also come in handy if you ever move home or if your cat needs to stay with a pet sitter or at a cattery at any point. It’s definitely worth investing in a strong, reliable, and well-designed cat carrier that your kitten can grow into.
#5. Cat Insurance:
Getting set up with an insurance policy before you bring your new kitten home is ideal, as this will ensure that you are covered for anything that could go wrong in the first few weeks of having them as a pet. Most insurance policies will not allow you to make a claim in the first 2-4 weeks of taking out the cover, so the earlier you get set up the better. When buying a kitten, various cat insurance options are worth looking into to ensure that your kitten will be able to access medical care whenever they need it.
#6. Cat Food:
Make sure that you have something ready for your cat to eat – don’t wait until you have a hungry kitten meowing at his bowl! Any good quality cat food will be fine. Check the label to make sure that it has been designed for kittens, as kitten food tends to come with smaller, kitten sized-portions, not to mention the fact that it will also come with the additional nutrients that a growing cat needs to be healthy happy and strong. You can feed your kitten dry or wet food or a combination of the two, and it’s a good idea to have some treats on hand too as offering these to your kitten will help her to get used to being around you, trust you, and develop a bond. Make sure that your kitten always has fresh drinking water available, especially if he is eating dry food.
#7. Scratching Posts and Toys:
Cats will scratch naturally, and the last thing that you want is for your kitten to be using your furniture to sharpen her claws. A good scratching post will be appreciated, along with a range of toys to keep your kitten busy. Interactive toys are a great idea as you can play with your kitten and get them used to being around you.
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