So you've got yourself a new kitten, congratulations as kittens are the best but they can be hard work. That's why we've put together this list of all the things you are going to need as a first-time cat parent to help get you up and running.
Before we do start, there are a few things you should think about before bringing your new kitten home.
Now onto our checklist:
It's important for kittens to eat a specialist kitten food. They are formulated to meet the nutritional needs of kittens and are much higher in protein and calcium which helps strong bones and muscles grow. If you do feed your new pet adult cat food they may not get enough nutrients.
You can find a wide variety of brands at pet stores or online; just make sure you're buying something appropriate for young cats.
Your cats going to need somewhere to eat and drink from. Food and water bowls should be easy to clean, fill up, carry around and store away when not in use and of course they should be easy for your kitten to empty.
It's also important that your kitten has access to fresh water at all times during the day, even if they don’t seem interested in drinking it right away.
A carrier is a great way to transport your kitten when needed. Your going to need one that will be both comfortable for the kitten and easy for you to carry around. They need enought room to be able to turn around and stand up. The door should also have a secure latch so that it won't pop open while you're carrying your little one around.
Your kitten will need their own litter box to do their “business” in. The box should be large enough for the kitten to turn around in and should have a low front so that they can easily get in and out of it. The back of the box should be high enough so that your new baby cat doesn't climb out while he's using it!
A scratching post is a must for every kitten. It keeps their claws sharp, helps them stretch and exercise, marks their territory and potentially saves your furniture.
For kittens that are still young, you'll want to make sure the scratching post is tall enough so they can get on top of it but not so tall that they can jump off of it (as this could cause injury). As your cat gets older you will need to replace their scratching post with one that's a little taller.
By grooming your cat from a young age they will get used to being groomed and it’ll be easier to do when they are an adult cat. To help groom your kitten you will need:
Who doesn't love their bed? It'll be the same for your kitten, they love sleeping and where better then a warn, comfy bed. There are some important things to consider when choosing the right bedding.
Toys are a great way to keep your kitten entertained and happy. They can also help with training, as well as keeping your cat physically fit by encouraging them to play and exercise.
There are many types of toys available including balls with bells inside them (that make a noise when they bounce), stuffed animals with crinkly fabric or feathers on the end that cats love to pounce on and bat around, catnip filled mice made out of fabric, so many option. Or alternatively if you have some time on your hands and want something a little more DIY than buying pre-made items off the shelf (or if you don't have access to any local shops) your kitten will be more than happy with string to chase or a box to climb all over. Maybe cut a few holes into it and that’ll keep them content for ages.
We hope this checklist has helped you to get started on the right foot with your new kitten. A lot of work goes into raising a cat and we want to make sure that you know what you're getting into before you bring home that adorable little furball.
There are loads of options online for all of the above items as well as your local pet shops, some even at your supermarket (its worth checking out Amazon). Spend a little time thinking about which items your going to need and your cat will appreciate it.
And remember if you do want to insure your new Kitten why not check out Kitten Insurance
