It's thrilling to bring home a new kitten, but it may be difficult to make sure they have all they need. To begin a long and happy existence, kittens require a lot. However, with a little planning and our updated kitten checklist to prepare for a kitten, you can ensure that you have everything you need.
Before buying one
The decision to purchase a kitten is significant, and you should consider if you have the time and energy to raise them as a member of your family. If you've made your decision, or are thinking about it, we'll walk you through getting a kitten of your own in the kitten checklist.
Up to eight weeks
Before you bring your kitten home, the person caring for them, wherever they came from, should have done the following:
- arranging for their initial immunizations as kittens.
- began socialization by exposing children to new people and circumstances in a constructive way.
- Litter box training began.
Additionally, you must get your house ready by:
- Give your kitten plenty of room to play, as well as places to hide and relax.
- purchasing necessities for cats, like toys, a litter tray, a scratching post, and climbing equipment.
- putting the litter tray in a convenient, quiet location.
- Learn more about pet insurance and how to get it.
Giving the kitten something comfortable and familiar to cuddle in by stealing a blanket from their first home. To make sure there are no risks, cat-proof your house.
Eight to 12 weeks
Your kitten is in a critical period since their current experiences and knowledge will influence their behavior in the future. Continue your kitten's socialization by providing them with constructive experiences like:
- introducing them to other people and animals: they can interact with children, other people, and other healthy, fully vaccinated dogs and cats.
- acclimating them to being handled by introducing them to their cat carrier gradually, brushing them, picking them up, handling them, and checking their eyes, ears, and other body parts.
Establish a regular schedule and guidelines, such as preventing them from entering particular rooms. Ignore negative behavior and reward positive behavior.
12 weeks onwards
Your kitten will require their second immunization at this time. Ask your veterinarian about worming and schedule a neutering appointment for them in four months. Additionally, don't forget to:
- Play games like hiding their food to provide your kitten cerebral stimulation. Spend a lot of time playing with them every day.
- Try teaching them to come to you when you call, for example.
Because growing and learning are exhausting, you should give your kitten regular breaks and limit the length of training sessions.
Six months onwards
Keep all of your kittens' encounters positive because they are still learning. If you're worried about your kitten's behavior, talk to your veterinarian. You should also inquire about your kitten's evolving nutritional requirements.
Positive experiences from the beginning can help your kitten develop into a self-assured adult cat, which will improve your quality of life together.
Food supplies checklist
Cats cannot be vegetarians; they require a well-balanced, meat-based diet to remain fit and healthy. You must provide them with food appropriate for their age, health, and way of life.
Stick to the same diet
Consult your veterinarian about your kitten's ideal diet, then follow it for new kitten care.
Kittens have extremely delicate digestive systems, thus switching meals might cause upset stomachs (diarrhea and vomiting). Additionally, it is not required to provide kittens a range of flavors and brands because they are content to eat the same food every day.
Here are helpful ways to provide great nutrition for your kitten:
- To make sure it is comprehensive and balanced for kittens, look for a nutritional statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) on the bag or container.
- To assist your kitten become accustomed to varied textures, give them both wet and dry food at an early age. This will help keep your cat from growing up to be a finicky eater.
- To prevent gastric distress, if you must introduce a new meal to your kitten, do so gradually over a period of seven days.
When switching up their diet, think about including a cat probiotic that has been prescribed by their veterinarian. Digestion may be aided with a probiotic. Keep your kitten away from human food.
Give a quiet place to eat
Your kitty may become distracted from their feeding by loud noises. They must believe that their food is safe and secure and that no one else will attempt to eat it. Your kitten's food bowl should be kept in a peaceful, secluded location. This can be achieved by feeding your pets their food separately, preferably in a closed area. This need can also be met by their initial safe-space area.
Keep in mind that kittens would rather have their food and water bowls apart from the litter boxes. Even if the dishes and litter box are kept in the same room, keep them apart.
Setting up the space
It involves creating a secure, enclosed, and kitten-proof space for them to remain in when left alone. The kitten-proof home provides them their own secure area where they may unwind and enables them to move into their new house gradually.
Assemble a cat bed, toys, a litter box with cat litter, food and water dishes, and other necessities for a new kitten.
The space should:
- Remove anything that could be harmful, poisonous, or valuable.
- not have any crevices or corners where a cat could hide and become trapped
- Be simple to maintain.
- be simple to shut with a door.
- Possess adequate ventilation and natural light.
- Be a little quiet.
Note: A kitten prefers to be in a bathroom, laundry room, office, or spare bedroom.
This helps your kitten and resident pets get used to one other's company and shields them from possible illnesses if you have other pets. Your other pets are already fully aware of your kitten's presence, so there's no need to show them yet.
First days at home
Take your new kitten to their assigned room as soon as you get them home, and then let them explore the space at their own leisure. Even a healthy, gregarious, extroverted kitten may need a few days to become used to a new household.
Give your new kitten access to different parts of the house gradually while keeping an eye on them after they have had some quiet time in a designated area. Due to their innate curiosity, kittens will benefit from this gradual access to your house throughout the first few weeks of life.
While the kitten investigates, keep any other pets you may have in a different part of the house. By doing this, there won't be any chance of unpleasant interactions when your kitten smells your resident pets or your pets when they return. We refer to this procedure as "scent-swapping."
What age can you let a kitten out?
Before allowing a kitten to go outside, they should be at least five months old. To help keep your cat secure, be sure to neuter them in addition to vaccination and microchipping them. Additionally, it's a good idea to prepare your garden cat.
We have some excellent tips on how to keep your cat indoors while still looking out for their best interests. We would highly advise against using harnesses or cat leads. Many cats find this restricted and stressful, even if it's popular.
Stay present
Consider your cat to be a toddler who requires continual monitoring to prevent mishaps or entering dangerous circumstances. Because kittens are inherently curious and prone to mischief, it's crucial you keep a close check on them when they're not in their safe haven.
Because kittens can chew and swallow feathers and strings, you should always keep an eye on them as they play with teaser wands.
Every day, check your kitten's toys for holes, tears, loose parts, or strings. If the toy isn't intact, throw it away.
Avoid letting your kitten play with small chewable objects, rubber bands, hair ties, ribbon, string, yarn, and plastic items. Items such as string might make your kitten very sick if they are consumed.
Final Thoughts
A new kitten's arrival is a happy occasion, and getting your house ready makes it easier for your pet to get used to life. Your kitten will develop into a healthy, contented friend for many years to come with the correct love, care, and attention by following a new pet guide.
Are you prepared to locate the ideal feline companion? To adopt pickup-ready kittens that are healthy and from reputable breeders, examine HappyPawsUS.
FAQ
What supplies do kittens need?
A litter box, food and water dishes, toys, a scratching post, and a comfortable bed are all necessities for kittens. Remember to bring a carrier and grooming supplies for secure veterinary visits.
Where should my kitten sleep?
A warm, peaceful, and secure sleeping space is ideal for your kitten, away from drafts and loud noises. A nice area with a blanket or a soft bed makes them feel safe and at ease.
Is it better to adopt two kittens?
It can be advantageous to adopt two cats since they play together and develop social skills. Additionally, having a mate lessens boredom and undesirable habits when you're not at home.