Bringing a New Kitten Home

Bringing a kitten home can be a very exciting time for the whole family! For your new kitten it will mean a very big change so it is best to be prepared so that he or she can settle comfortably into their new home. Making some plans ahead of time will make the transition easier for everyone.

Essential items
There are some essential items to have ready for your new kitten. A good sturdy cat carrier will be required for travel and it is best to buy one with a top opening as this will make it easier to get your cat in and out.

Litter trays are essential; again it is best to start using the litter used by the breeder so it will be familiar to the kitten. Scratching posts are also necessary items and they will help prevent the kitten from clawing furniture. Cats like to stretch to their full height to scratch, so it may be best to invest in a large scratching post that your kitten can continue to use as they grow. Although cats will sleep almost anywhere it is nice to have a comfortable bed for your kitten. Igloo type covered beds are best as they will make the kitten feel warm, cosy and safe. Grooming brushes are essential for long haired cats, soft rubber grooming brushes are best to get kittens used to being brushed.

Feeding
You should have separate food and water bowls and place them in different areas in your home as cats do not like to drink where they eat. It is best to continue the diet that has been fed by the breeder so find out what this is ahead of time. This should be a specific kitten food, adult cat food and home menus do not provide a nutritionally balanced diet. If you wish to change the type of food you should do so gradually over 1-2 weeks.

Prepare your home
Cats are naturally inquisitive creatures and like to investigate everything, this can sometimes get them into trouble! Some household objects will become unintended toys for kittens, cords on window blinds for example can be fun to play with but kittens can easily become entangled and cause themselves harm. Keep the floor clear of bits of plastic, string, rubber bands and other such objects as these can be dangerous if swallowed. Beware of leaving windows open, keep toilet seats down and close the bathroom door if you run a bath. Cats like to find warm, dark places to sleep so make sure the doors to washing machines and tumble dryers are kept closed and always check before you switch them on.

Some household plants and flowers, such as lilies, are very poisonous to cats so remove these before bringing your kitten home.

The kitten’s arrival
When you first bring a new kitten home you should keep them confined in one room with a bed, food and water bowls and a litter tray. Let them become comfortable in this room for a couple of days before introducing them to the rest of the house. This room can then also act as a ‘safe room’ that the kitten can hide in if they feel frightened at any time.

Play time with your kitten can be fun for you both. Fishing rod toys are great for kittens but make sure they are sturdy enough that feathers and other attachments can’t be pulled off. Another great kitten toy is a simple plastic drinking straw – drag it across the floor and watch your kitten pounce! They are also good for teething, just tie one in a knot – kittens like to chew them as they make a great crunchy noise.

Don’t forget to make an appointment to have a thorough health check for your new kitten and also to discuss matters such as vaccination, worming, flea treatment and neutering – contact us for more details.

Enjoy your new arrival! Cats make great companions and it has even been shown that owning a cat can be beneficial to your health.