Kitten Starter Kit
Bringing a kitten into your home and your family is a choice that's likely to bring years of joy and friendship for both you and your new furry friend. If you're a first time parent, there are a few basics you'll need to know in order to get your home, and your lifestyle, ready for the new arrival.
Essential Kitten Supplies
Welcoming a new kitten into your home is an exciting new adventure for both of you. However, you'll want to make sure both you and your home are prepared with everything you need for your kitten's first few weeks. Otherwise, you could be facing a number of unexpected visits to the pet supply store.
Food & Water
Without a doubt, these are the most important essentials. If you're not sure what type of food you're supposed to be feeding your kitten, ask your veterinarian. He'll recommend a kitten food that's best formulated for your kitten's age and nutritional needs. Kitten food comes in two different varieties; dry food, which is also called kibble, and wet food that comes from a can.
Both types of food have clear benefits to the kitten. Kibble is necessary for strengthening the kitten's teeth and jaws, and promoting overall dental health. However, wet canned food is full of essential vitamins and minerals, and may also be more appealing to your cat. It is a good idea to feed your cat wet food at mealtime, but leave a small bowl of dry food out for your kitten to explore and approach if he gets hungry.
Food and water bowls that are made out of either stainless steel or ceramic are the best choice for your kitten. Plastic bowls are not only harder to clean and sanitize, they are known to cause acne under the chins of some cats. It's advisable to provide your kitten with multiple bowls, at least until he's formulated healthy, regular eating habits.
Litterboxes
Even though your kitten may not yet be litterbox trained, it's a good idea to get him used to the idea of the litterbox as early as possible. Each cat you have should have his own litterbox, plus an extra located somewhere convenient for emergencies. Of course, each litterbox should also have kitty litter and its own scooper so that the box can be easily maintained.
Kitty litter comes in many varieties, but especially when your kitten is extremely young, avoid any scented litter. Exposing him to fragrances too early in his life can lead to the development of allergies. In addition, kittens seem to like litter that is extremely fine, and clumps around soiled areas. Be sure to remove clumps in a timely fashion, or this may lead to your kitten avoiding his litterbox.
Cat Carriers & Scratching Posts
These are essentials that are sometimes overlooked by first-time pet parents. Scratching and clawing is a normal part of healthy kitten behavior, since it helps them exercise their paws and strengthen their claws. Adding a large post for climbing and a small post for scratching is likely to keep your kitten from climbing and scratching other fun-looking household items.
Even indoor kittens need to go outdoors on occasion, especially when it comes time to take your new kitten for his first vet visit. It's unsafe for both you and your new kitten to travel with him in your arms instead of a cat carrier, particularly if he's never been outside before. If he is scared by a noise or another animal, he can jump out of your arms and run, or scratch and claw at you to indicate he wants to get away. Always put your kitten in a cat carrier when outside the home, even for short trips.
Grooming
Grooming will be an essential part of your job as a pet parent, so it pays to have all the essentials on hand from day one. Hair trimmers, nail trimmers, brushes and combs, wet wipes, and a kitten toothbrush and toothpaste are all things every pet parent should have on hand. Before your kitten arrives, ask your vet for recommendations on what you'll need and how best to approach the grooming of your cat.
Welcoming Your New Friend
Providing your cat with his own bed, toys, and treats are likely to help him feel like part of the family as soon as he comes into your home. When choosing a bed for your new kitten, choose an option that has soft walls and is lined with a soft and comfortable fabric. Toys should not have any small parts that can detach or be chewed off, and it is best if the toy is sturdy and covered with a strong fabric. Avoid toys that have extras like bells, eyes, tails, or ears---at least until your kitten is a little older.
Once you have all your necessary supplies, you're all set to welcome your new friend into your home. Expect him to take a little bit of time to adjust to you and his new surroundings, and if you have other pets, keep them away from the new kitten until 9-10 weeks of age. In time, your kitten will feel safe and secure in his new home, and you won't have to keep such a close eye on him.
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