Bringing home a new kitten is an exciting experience, but it also requires some preparation. Like any pet, kittens have very particular needs during the crucial period between 8 to 16 weeks of age. There are several essential items that you’ll need to get before the new addition arrives in order to ensure their health and happiness.
Buying a pet means making a lifetime commitment to caring for and raising them. Responsible cat breeders and prospective kitty owners who want to get ready for their newest furry family member will benefit from this list of must-have items for a new kitten:
1. Food and Water Dishes
While feeding your kitten from your hand is possible, having food and water dishes will help them learn to eat on their own. Look for sturdy dishes that won’t tip over easily so that they can’t knock them over and cause a mess.
Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are a good option at home, while collapsible silicone bowls work very well if you have to travel. Most cats will appreciate a shallower bowl than what you would use for a dog, since their snouts are shorter and broader.
2. Age-Appropriate Cat Food
Kittens have special nutritional needs, so it’s important to buy specialised food formulated specifically for them. Look for high-quality cat food that contains all the essential vitamins and minerals kittens need to grow and develop properly. Wet food is generally easier for cats to eat, and can help their digestive system since they get most of their liquid intake through their food.
3. Litter Box
A litter box is an absolute must-have when bringing home a new kitten. Make sure to get one large enough for the size of your cat; kittens like lots of room to move around while they use it! You may also want to consider getting a lid or hooded box with an enclosed top to reduce the amount of mess made by the litter when it gets tracked around the house.
4. Litter
Litter itself is also necessary; kittens naturally bury their waste in it, so you’ll need plenty of it on hand at all times! Clumping litter is composed of a clay that forms clumps when it comes into contact with moisture. The clumps are easy to scoop out and dispose of, making this a popular choice among many cat owners.
Clumping litters also come in a variety of scents and colours, so you can choose one that appeals to both you and your pet. However, some cats may find the clumping action too harsh on their paws or may not like the scent, so keep that in mind when selecting a litter.
5. Toys
Playing is an important part of any kitten’s life, so make sure you stock up on toys before they come home! Look for ones that encourage interactive play such as string toys or wands with feathers attached; these will keep them engaged and entertained while helping to fulfill your cat’s hunting instincts.
Scratching posts are also great investments since they give cats something appropriate to scratch instead of furniture or carpets. Finally, don’t forget about puzzle toys which can provide mental stimulation while rewarding them with treats when they solve them correctly.
6. Grooming Supplies
Keeping up with regular grooming will help keep your kitten healthy and looking their best throughout their life; start getting into good habits early by stocking up on grooming supplies before they come home.This includes brushes (longer bristles are better suited towards cats with long fur) as well as shampoo (make sure it’s specifically formulated for cats), nail clippers, and toothpaste/toothbrush combo kits.
Starting with grooming early on in your cat’s life will help them get used to sitting still while being groomed or handled, which is always easier than a cat that wants to escape!
7. Bed/Crate
Cats love having somewhere cosy where they can curl up when tired or feeling stressed out; choosing a comfy bed or crate will give them just the spot they need! Make sure whatever type you pick is large enough that your cat can stretch out completely without being cramped. You can also look at other types such as window perches which allow cats plenty of space and also some elevation, as well.
8. Collar and ID Tag
Even if you don’t plan on letting your kitty outside unsupervised (which should generally be avoided anyway, having a collar with an ID tag attached is still important in case disaster strikes and they end up lost somewhere far away from home. This way anyone who finds them will know who she belongs to right away. It’s important here not only to get one made from durable materials but also one that fits well, so measure twice before buying once.
9. Cat Carrier
Travelling with cats isn’t always easy, but having a carrier on hand makes things much simpler – plus there’s no worrying about how safe they are either since cats remain contained within the carrier during trips outside of the house. This carrier should be appropriate to the size of your cat. As your cat grows, you’ll likely have to size up several times.
The frequent trips to the vet for vaccinations will see you use this carrier a lot. Make sure whatever style you choose has plenty of ventilation holes as well as comfortable padding inside so your cat feels comfortable during travel.
With these nine items taken care of ahead of time, you’ll be prepared when bringing home your new feline friend—and you can enjoy every moment together knowing you’re set up for success from the very beginning.
