Adopting a new kitten is one of the most exciting experiences for any cat lover. All kitty cats have their one-of-a-kind personality, unique characteristics, and sometimes-even health considerations. This post is about what you need for a new kitten and how to prepare your home.
Different considerations for different ages and types are essential for the new cat owner to be aware of. Preparing your home for a new cat will help the transition be smooth and fun.
When adopting a kitten (or two), making your home ‘kitten ready’ can help the feline. Preparing for a kitten can also ensure the entire family has a wonderful time!
Prepare for Your New Kitten
Before bringing home a new kitten, researching local veterinarians.
Find one you are comfortable with and trust. The veterinarian should be able to communicate and understand the needs of the kitten.
The veterinarian will start the kitten’s vaccination series during the thorough exam.
Your new cat vet will also recommend feeding, microchipping, parasite control, socialization, and spaying/neutering.
If the kitten gets sick, the veterinarian can also provide care.
It is recommended to have a go-to emergency clinic number stored in the phone in case of after-hour emergencies.
Many emergency clinics are open 24 hours, but if there is not one near, find one that can work with the schedule.
Things You Need for a Kitten
Getting organized can be one of the best ways to prepare for a new kitten.
Lists, lists and more lists can help you not only get organized, but stay organized.
Start a kitten to-do list with the kitty supplies on one side and the action items you will need to take. You will want all the essentials on your kitty supply list like kitten food, cat scratcher, toys, and litter.
If your home is already blessed with a cat(s) be sure to buy enough litter boxes to add to your growing feline family.
The rule of thumb for litter boxes is to have at least one more litter box than you have cats.
On your kitty action list you will want to include, ‘organize cords’, ‘secure cabinets’ and of course ‘remove all breakables from shelves’.
Kittens are high energy and easily excitable. What is obvious to us to be a delicate piece of art could be a swatting playground for your kitten!
Simply putting together a list will also help you feel more prepared and give you the confidence to feel comfortable welcoming the little fur ball into your safe and fun environment.
Welcome to the wonderful world of kitten ownership! Preparing for a new kitten is an exciting time, but it can also be a bit daunting. To make your transition as seamless as possible, here are some tips for getting your home ready to welcome your new family member.
Safety first
Make sure your home is kitten-proofed by covering electrical outlets and keeping cords and other hazardous items out of reach. Place any poisonous plants or chemicals in a secure area where your kitten can’t access them.
Gather supplies
You will need to purchase a few essential items such as litter, food, toys, and a set of nail clippers. Check with your vet for the best food and litter for your new kitty.
Set up a cat room
Designate a small baby kitten room or area for your kitten to call their own. Include items such as cat scratchers, posts, and a condo to give them plenty of places to explore and play. Make sure the room has plenty of windows for natural light and lots of soft bedding for snuggling.
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Build relationships
Bonding with your new kitten is important. Spend time with them every day, talking to them, petting them, and playing with them.
Monitor
Monitor your kitten’s movements and behavior to ensure they are adjusting well to their new home. If you notice any signs of stress or illness, contact your vet right away.
By following these steps, you can create an environment that will make your new kitten feel safe and secure.
Enjoy your new furry companion!
RELEVANT: The Second Life Cycle of a Cat: Adolescent (6-12 months)
Cat Bed and Nest
There is no doubt, kittens are high-strung balls of fire, but they also need and cherish their catnaps, even as babies. Can you believe they sleep up to 18 hours a day! That is a lot of sleeping! Making your kitten little nests to curl up and snooze safely will give them the chance to get the much needed rest they will have to take. Putting cozy blankets out for them to snuggle on is a great way to get them sleepy but in eye shot so you can adore your kitten even while she is in dreamland.
RELATED: Why Does My Kitten Make Biscuits?
Dharma Dog Karma Cat has some of the most snuggly catnap nests you can find! Not only are they made of wool so your kitten will be especially comfortable, these nests are gorgeous. Accenting your home with nap nests this stunning will make you and your new kitten purr!
The nests are perfect for kittens too because they are machine washable. If your kitten has an accident in her nest, no worries, toss it in the washer and re-mold it when you take it out. The nests are also made of lanolin oil that is ideal for kittens to knead because it reminds them of their mother’s fur.
Having napping space for your kitten is key to your cat’s overall well being.
Kitten Safety Pack
There are many ways your kitten could find himself in the line of danger. Kittens are curious and can get into dangerous situations, which unfortunately can lead to injuries.
Hopefully nothing will happen, but being prepared will not only give you peace of mind, you’ll be ready to jump into action if your kitten needs help right away.
Putting together a safety pack will be a real blessing in times of trouble.
Be sure to include a carrier and a safe haven for your kitten to spend time in comfortably in the event you need to perhaps evacuate from your home.
If you find yourself in a hotel or even in your car for an extended time due to a natural disaster or home fire, you will want to have a safe space for you kitten.
The Kritter Kommunity Pet Lodge is an ideal safe haven for your pet because it pops open in seconds. In addition, the Pet Lodge has pockets for you to keep your kitten’s supplies. A shoulder strap makes it easy to carry and the
Pet Lodge even comes with anchors for the ground if you will be outside; the anchors will add some more stability.
The Pet Lodge is great for traveling long distances if you go by plane because the clear side pouch can hold your contact information so you can check it if you are getting on a flight.
In addition to a pet pen, you will want to have a few packets of food, cans of food and a few toys to keep your kitten as comfortable as possible while she is displaced from her regular environment.
The emergency pack should also act as a first aid kit for your new kitten so be sure to have the following in a special baggy even a clear large Ziploc baggy would be great!
• Gauze Tape and Roll
• Bandages
• Tweezers and Scissors (Clippers)
• Antiseptic Wipes
• Emergency Blanket
• Small Flash Light
• Disposable Gloves
• Ice Pack
Be sure to print out a list of contact names you may need if your kitten is injured or displaced such as your veterinarian, cat sitter and an emergency contact. Keep one copy of the contact list handy (perhaps on your fridge) and keep one copy in your kit.
Concluding Purrs
When it comes to toys for your kitten, it’s essential to be mindful of the materials they are made of. Opt for delicate items that lack any hard points that could break off.
Christmas tree ornaments, buttons, beads, paper clips, and any other item small enough to be swallowed should be avoided. Kittens eating these items could lead to serious digestive issues.
Furthermore, avoid children’s toys made of soft rubber, fur, wool, sponge, or polyurethane.
Squeakers are also a no-go as they are easily swallowable. Keep your furry friend safe by following these tips!
If you take these steps prior to picking up your new kitten, you will have so much more mental and emotional peace to enjoy the little ball of furry fire now and as she grows up!
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