With their mischievous ways and cheeky personalities, cats make a great addition to any home. You might have decided to open your home and your heart to a new kitten and provide them with a safe forever home for the rest of their life. However, before you get carried away with the excitement, there are some considerations that you should keep in mind to ensure that your new kitten thrives in your home and grows up to become a healthy and happy adult cat. Here is how to get ready to welcome your new kitten home.
Stock up on supplies
While you don’t have to spend a fortune on expensive toys and cat trees, kittens do require certain pieces of special equipment, and it is always better to stock up as much as you can beforehand to avoid being reminded that you don’t have a litter tray, for example! The basic pet supplies for your kitten include: food and water bowls, litter tray, collar, blanket and bed, and appropriate kitten food. You might also want to buy a few toys and a scratching post, as cats and kittens get bored very easily and can quickly start attacking your furniture if they need to entertain themselves.
Register with a vet
Registering your new kitten with a trusted vet should be one of the first things you should do once they have come home. Your vet will offer you a new kitten examination to ensure that your new feline friend is in the best of health. This will include: administering the core vaccinations for kittens; flea, tick, and heartworm prevention; annual blood work and health screening; and nutritional consultations for kittens. A trusted veterinarian can be an indispensable source of information on kitten care, particularly if you are a first-time kitten owner, providing you with the information you need to ensure that your kitten thrives in your care and grows up to become a healthy and happy adult cat. Visit easyvet.com to find out more about finding the right vet for your kitten.
Arrange your home
You may have to make special allowances in your home to ensure that your new kitten settles in. For example, provide plenty of places for them to hide when things get a bit overwhelming; a cardboard box or space behind a sofa is ideal. You should also provide safe access to a high spot, as cats and kittens love to climb and feel safe when they can survey their surroundings from a height. A sturdy shelf is a good idea.
Brush up on feline behavior
Cats and kittens are sensitive and mysterious creatures with specific needs that need to be met. Their behavior can sometimes be misunderstood, the result being that they are unfairly cast as aloof and unaffectionate. Therefore, it is a good idea to learn about feline behavior to ensure that you are meeting your kitten’s needs and are able to build a strong and affectionate bond with it.
