It’s an exciting time when you’re adding a new addition to the family so here is a checklist so that you are prepared when bringing your new little ‘bundle of joy’ home! Tip: We advise the kitten(s) to be at least 8 weeks old before bringing home because they learn most of the important cat… Read more »
It’s an exciting time when you’re adding a new addition to the family so here is a checklist so that you are prepared when bringing your new little ‘bundle of joy’ home!
Tip: We advise the kitten(s) to be at least 8 weeks old before bringing home because they learn most of the important cat behaviours from their mum and siblings between 6-8 weeks of age (you can find out more about the development of your kitten here).
Items you will need to help your kitten settle in:
- Litter tray and litter (you may need to use a similar one to what the kitten is used to and then gradually change over if preferred slowly)
- Bedding and a hiding place
- Scratching posts (kitten ones are fine to start for the height but be aware they will need a taller one when they get bigger)
- Food (kitten/weaning diets)
- Separate food and water bowls (ceramic is a favourite or puzzle feeders!)
- A suitable carrier
- Grooming tools (The furminator is a top favourite but for tiny kittens you may want to start with a gentle comb/soft brush to get him/her used to the handling and technique before using a more effective tool!)
- A cat collar with tag (personal choice) can be good initially so they are used to them in case they do ever need to wear one and in case they do manage to escape before neutering or microchipping is done. Make sure the collar has a safety release!
- A pet safe cleaning product (for those smelly areas!). Buy anigene or odourkiller (highly effective cat safe disinfectants) from us and then get future refills for £1!
- A high spot, that preferably has a hiding spot too, so they can see all around…Cat trees are fantastic and to help with climbing kittens!
- TOYS!! And plenty of them. Think about them being kitten safe as we see and hear of many kittens getting into trouble from swallowing small objects, children’s toys, and hair bands. Have a variety of toys and check they are strong and secure – cat tunnels can be great fun, especially if you are taking on 2 mischievous kittens!
Tip: Do not use your hands as toys. This may be fun at first but this encourages the behaviour to continue onto adulthood and can be very painful as they grow up.
Other considerations may be:
- Pet insurance (we offer kittens 5 weeks free with Agria- a popular pet only insurance)
- Nail clippers for those sharp claws
- Parasite treatments (make sure you ask your vet as these will greatly depend on the size and weight of the kitten)
- Booking the vaccinations if not already started
- Feliway- a plug in diffuser that helps the kitten settle -this may be most appropriate where you are bringing a kitten/s back to your home if you already have a [resident] cat.
Tip: If possible it is a great idea to take a blanket to the breeders home when the kitten is young and placing it where the mum and kittens sleep (cats love fleece blankets!), leave it there and then take it back with you when you collect the kitten(s) and bring it home so it has a familiar smell to help with settling in. Even if the blanket is only with them a few days to a week before you collect him/her, it will help.
Feel free to ask if you would like more advice/information to help you and your kitten/s get off to a great start.
And of course, good luck with the new kitten(s)….Enjoy!
