New to kitten care? Here’s our guide for ensuring your newest feline family member gets off to a flying start…
Introducing your new kitten to the crew...
If this is your first kitten, but you already have an adult cat in the home, you’ll want these two housemates to get along happily together. For this, it’s worth doing a little groundwork, followed by an “easy does it” introduction process. You can read all about this in our guide to cat and kitten introductions.
New Kitten Equipment Checklist...
Before your new kitten arrives, here’s what should be on your shopping list…
- Bedding. Taking into account the breed type, the bed should be big enough for your kitten to grow into. There should be enough space for the cat to fully stretch out, without having lots of extra space - as this reduces the snugness of the bed. Choose a bed with a low-walled, easy-access entrance so your kitten can get in and out easily. Also, make sure it is machine washable - as this makes it easier to keep the sleeping area clean and free from parasites. Place the bed in a quiet, private area that’s free from draughts and that doesn’t get too hot.
- Food bowls. You’ll need separate bowls for food and water. Always make sure your kitten has an accessible supply of fresh drinking water.
- Grooming. A dual-sided brush with a fine tooth side for tangles and a softer side for brushing can be ideal for many short-haired breeds. A slicker brush is a better choice for longer-haired breeds such as Persians and Maine Coons. You’ll also need nail clippers, toothbrush, cat toothpaste and cat shampoo. You can find out more about grooming and coat care in our cat grooming guide.
- Litter trays, litter and liner. It’s actually worth getting two trays - as many cats prefer to urinate in one tray and defecate in another. Thanks to their natural instinct to “keep it clean”, most kittens catch on to the idea of litter trays quite quickly. For further help on this, read our kitten litter training tips.
- Collar and tag. Get an adjustable collar for your kitten to grow into. Check regularly for sizing; there should be just enough room to fit two fingers between the inside of the collar and kitty’s neck. Even for indoor cats, a tag with your name and address is a good idea in case they escape , go wandering and get lost.
- Scratching post. Something for your kitten to sharpen and strengthen their claws on. A dedicated scratcher is a wise purchase as it makes it less likely that your kitten will rip into your furniture or curtains.
- Perch or climbing tree. They might be too small for these right now but they’ll soon start to become adventurous and want to start climbing.
- Toys. Cat teasers and squeakers provide a fun way to bond with your kitten, while providing them with a body and mind workout.
- Travel crate. Important right from the start; you’ll need one to bring your new kitten home in and for that first visit to the vet.
How to Kitten-Proof Your Home
Here’s how to prepare your home so your new buddy can explore in safety…
- Remove choking hazards. Things like string, thread and cords are especially attractive to kittens as they love to chase and pull on them. The danger arises if your kitten swallows these items, as they can lead to dangerous obstructions of the windpipe or intestinal tract. Make sure everyone in your home knows to keep anything that might be swallowed by a kitten well out of reach!
- Human food. That famous curiosity is often most evident in the kitchen, where, given half a chance, an inquisitive kitty will often try anything that’s going. When kittens help themselves to something they shouldn’t - or things they are not used to, the end result is frequently an upset stomach. Cats are less likely than dogs to eat foods that aren’t good for them, but some kittens may be tempted to try some food (e.g. chocolate, sugary drinks, coffee, onion, grapes and raisins) that may do them more harm than good.. . Best way forward is to keep all human food well out of reach. It’s not just human food that can be poisonous. Other things you might find lying around the house, like ibuprofen and paracetamol are also poisonous for cats. If you think your kitten might have eaten something poisonous, contact your vet right away.
- Electrical safety. There’s a risk of electrocution where a kitten tugs at, tears or tries to bite through electrical wires. As far as you can, make sure wires are out of reach. If that’s not possible, cover all accessible wires in pet-proof protective wrap.
- Garden safety. Cats tend to instinctively ignore those plants that are bad for them – but this isn’t always the case. Before your cat gets out there and starts exploring the garden, it’s worth identifying and keeping your cat away from dangerous plants and other substances. Poisonous plants, snail and slug pellets, rat poison and toad poisoning are just a few outdoor dangers to be aware of. And be aware that lilies are particularly toxic to cats. To help you with the dangers of various plants, PetSci has compiled a handy list of plants that are poisonous to cats.
Feeding Your Kitten
To help your new kitten settle in, getting their diet right is really important. Here are some helpful hints and tips to help feeding your kitten a doddle…
- Kittens and young growing cats have different dietary requirements to adults. Most well-known dog food manufacturers sell ‘kitten’ foods that will give your kitten all the essential nutrients they need for normal growth and bone development.
- Try to feed the same food that your kitten was fed by their breeder. This will avoid any tummy upsets when they get home.
- Kittens have small stomachs, so feeding little and often is the key to a happy tummy. Start by feeding your kitten 3 times a day. When they’re around six months you can reduce this to twice a day. Once they’re fully grown, they can be fed once or twice a day depending on how much exercise they get.
- It’s dangerous to over-feed growing kittens. This can cause severe and permanent damage to their bones and joints. Check the food packaging for feeding guidelines, but if you’re unsure, ask your vet!
- If you’re getting your first kitten, and want more advice on feeding, ask your vet who will be happy to help.
Kitten Vet Check-Ups
Your kitten’s first visit to the vet should be arranged for a few days or so after you bring them home.
The first visit will involve a full physical examination to identify any problems that you might need to keep an eye on. You’ll probably be asked to provide a fresh stool sample to check for parasites; the vaccination history will be looked over - and you’ll be given a schedule for further jabs. Your vet can also microchip your kitten - all cats will soon have to be microchipped by the time they’re 20 weeks.
Beyond the medical essentials, your vet should also give you lots of handy information on things like feeding, dental care, flea and worm treatments, and advice on neutering.
Everypaw Kitten Insurance
If your young cat ever needs patching up after a scrape or if they develop a health problem, you’ll want to get exactly the right treatment quickly, without a fuss - and without an eye-wateringly large vet bill. This is why so many new cat owners opt for cat insurance.
Wait until they develop a medical problem and you can end up being restricted in the type of cover you can get. So getting your cat covered while they are still very young actually makes a lot of sense.
Everypaw's Kitten Insurance comes with 24/7 unlimited access to vets and vet nurses that can help with your pet's health, care, nutrition and behaviour. So you can rest assured your kitty will be well looked after.