Felines are easy to care for, but there are a few things you can do to prepare for the arrival of your new kitten that will make your life easier and their's happier.
One of the great things about cats is that they are so self-sufficient and easy to care for. This is one of the things that make them such a popular pet! If you’ve made the decision to bring a new cat or kitten into your life, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your new family member’s arrival.
The first thing to do is baby proof your home. At 8 weeks old, your kitten can get into just about anything. If you are getting an older cat, there’s nothing beyond their reach! Get on your hands and knees and search around for cords or things that might tip over. Put protectors over your outlets, and make sure that chemicals are up safe and cabinet doors are secure. Prepare just like you would for a crawling baby or toddler! If you have breakable items on shelves or countertops, you might have to make a few adjustments.
You'll need food dishes, and there are a wide variety of choices. I prefer stainless steel because of their cleanliness. Kitties also love cat water fountains because it keeps their water fresh. They’re relatively inexpensive and an excellent investment! Cats can be finicky about their water and have issues with dehydration if they aren’t happy with it. Some people recommend only giving your filtered water to cats because they are so sensitive to the smells in water.
A litter box is a necessity if your cat is going to live indoors, and they should. If you are getting a new kitten from a breeder, you will probably have a contract that insists on your cat being an indoor only pet. Litter boxes come in endless styles, and I recommend a simple covered litter box. The self-scooping litter boxes jam frequently, and a plain flat litter box makes too much of a mess. When choosing litters, the scoopables are wonderful, but remember that kittens that are under 6 months old need to stay on the regular clay type. You can put them on scoopable after 6 months.
If you are getting a longhaired cat, grooming supplies are a necessity. You’ll need shampoo, a brush, and nail clippers to start with. Even shorthaired kitties enjoy brushing. You might also look into flea preventatives if you are in an area where these pests are a problem.
Kitties like to have their own little private sleeping areas, but a pet bed isn’t really a necessity. Your cat will probably be sleeping on your pillow at night before you know it! Of course you’ll want some toys, and you'll definitely want a scratching post of some kind. These things and kitty condos can get pretty elaborate these days, but any simple scratching post is just fine!
Go ahead now and look ahead at the calendar in advance to plan a vet visit within 2 or 3 days of when you will be bringing your cat or kitten home. If you have a kitten, she will need her first set of shots and will be checked for parasites and general wellness. If you get an adult cat, a wellness check is also a good idea, and your vet might recommend a booster shot.
Enjoy your new cat or kitten and be sure to share your cat’s rescue story or picture in our discussion area!
If this article was helpful, you might like to read Choosing the Right Cat Breed and Where to Find a New Cat or Kitten. Once your new baby is home, our blog will keep you up to date on all the latest kitty news!
