Things Your New Kitten Will Need

Bringing home a new cat is a task of responsibility and you should be prepared to take up the new responsibility. The transition from shelter home to your house is stressful for kittens and it is important that you take every step necessary to make the transition smooth for your new feline. In this article, we are going to run down a list of supplies that you will need to make your home kitty-friendly. The more prepared you are, the more time there will be a bond with your pet.

First things first, get your hands on a quality carrier to transport your teacup kittens safely and securely. A good carrier provides a sense of security to your kitty which is important as traveling is scary for kittens. Invest in a quality carrier that is well-ventilated and roomy. It is will be useful to line the carrier with a cloth from her shelter or former home so that she has a familiar scent.

Food and Water Bowls

Kittens have the most energy and to support those playful activities they need nutrition. Food and water bowls are essential amenities for these cute cuddly pets. Some breeds like Persian kittens are allergic to plastic so you will have to choose a different material like stainless steel. You will also need to keep plenty of fresh water for your kitten on hand. Cleaning the bowls daily is also important as kittens are very sensitive to smells.

Litter Box

As important as the food bowls, the litter box is an equally important accessory. Grooming a well-behaved cat to include litter training her so that she does not spoil the home. You will need a roomy litter and a scoop or strainer to help you clean the soiled bits from the litter box. Kittens avoid using a messy and smelly litter box at all cost and it is important that you keep it clean at all times.

That being said, do not use strong disinfectants that leave smell as kittens’ sensitive nose will have to suffer. A solution of soap and water is enough to clean the litter box. One a month you can use bleach to disinfect the litter box. Also, keep the litter box outdoors so that there is fresh air.

Caution-Always wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning the litter box. Never let kids clean the litter as it might have intestinal parasites like Toxoplasma that can transfer through the skin. Wear gloves when changing your kitten’s litter. Especially pregnant women should take care as toxoplasmosis can result in serious birth defects. Non-pregnant family members should take charge of the task.

Comfortable Bed

Kittens like to have their own personal space to rest but you should not get disappointed if your kitten ignores the lavish bed you bought for her. Kittens are very picky when it comes choosing a spot to lie down. This is why you should not invest a lot in buying a fancy bed for her. Start with a cardboard bed that is roomy enough and have high sides.

Cut a doorway and line box with soft old cushion material. If you can use an old sweatshirt of yours that would be useful as your scent will encourage your kitten to use the new spot. As we have established already that cats are very particular so you better keep the bedding always clean. Last, choose the quite an isolated spot that is away from the traffic area to make sure your kitty is not disturbed in her sleep.

Scratching Post

It is a common belief that cats use scratching post to sharpen their claws but it only appears so. Cats use scratch posts as an exercising tool to stretch out their muscle full length. It also helps them to clean their dead nail scales. You should get a scratching post right away because it will help your kitten start training early that will help to divert her extra energy constructively.

While buying the scratch post check that it is tall and sturdy enough to let your kitten stretch out full length. As soon as your kitten gets home train her to use the scratch post by playing with her often near it. Your kitten will get the idea of using scratching post quickly and hopefully next time she feels like stretching she will use the scratch post instead of your furniture.

It is a good idea to keep the scratching post and kitten’s bed together so that she uses it first thing when she wakes up.

Grooming Tools

Cleanliness is very important for your kitten’s health and it will also make her more adorable and beautiful. You will need several grooming tools to take care of your kitten’s hygiene that will include flea comb, brush and hair products depending on the length and texture of her coat. Different kittens have different grooming needs like teacup Persian kittens have very bright fur that requires constant combining to keep it from tangling. Consult the vet or groomer to recommend that right grooming tools for your kitten.

Toys

Kittens are just like babies who are naturally curious and always look at things to chase. This is why you need to get them toys that are safe and fun enough to keep them engaged. While buying toys make sure to buy the ones that are made specifically for cats. Such toys do not torn apart or splinter or have the danger of swallowing. Some common toys are a catnip mouse, celluloid rattling ball and a hard rubber mouse. All of these are perfect playing toys. However, take note these items are dangerous to be used as toys for kittens:

  • Wire twist ties
  • Thread Spools
  • Balls of string
  • Balls made from cellophane or aluminium foil
  • Rubber bands
  • Corks

Also, you should not play with your kitten with objects that have sharp points or items that can break like Christmas tree ornaments. Be careful your kitten does not access to small items like buttons, paper clips and beads as they can get swallowed.

This is all you need to know to bring home your new fluffy family member with peace of mind.

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