Bringing your kitten home to live with you for the first time is an exciting moment and it will be a lot more enjoyable if you’re prepared. When you have all the food and equipment you need before your new pet arrives, you can focus on getting to know them, and making sure they are safe and comfortable in their new home.
What does your new kitten need?
You don’t need to go out and spend a fortune, but it is good to have a few basics at home before your kitten arrives.
- Food and water bowls: You’ll need a bowl for food and another one for water. Make sure they are sturdy and hard to tip over like the Catit 2 in 1 Durable Cat Bowl, which also has a removable inner bowl, convenient for cleaning.
- Kitten food: Whether you choose wet or dry food, make sure it’s nutritionally complete and kitten specific. It’s a good idea to get a few different brands at first until you find out what your kitten’s preferences are. Check out our collection for all brands of cat food specifically for kittens.
- A place to sleep: Your kitten will need a safe and cosy bed. Place it in a quiet corner away from foot traffic.
- Cat litter and a tray: If your kitten is going to be an indoor cat, you’ll need to get some litter and a tray. You’ll also need a scoop so you can remove the soiled litter regularly. Put the litter tray in a quiet area, as cats are notoriously private about their business.
- Scratching post: Your kitten will want to scratch as a way to clean their claws and stretch out. A scratching post can help save your furniture and carpets.
- Toys: Kittens need plenty of stimulation through play and while there’s no need to go overboard with toys, a few can help to keep your pet entertained. Check out our range of cat toys and learn more about each of the different types of toys.
- Brushes: Regular grooming will help your kitten’s coat stay healthy, which can be done with the Masterpet GlamourPuss Slicker Brush, suitable for all cat breeds. If you start early and get your kitten used to being brushed while they are still young, it’s going to be much easier to continue the habit when they are older.
- Pet carrier: To bring your kitten home, you’ll need a cat carrier. You’ll also need this to transport your pet to the vet and when moving house. It’s a good idea to pick a sturdy carrier that’s easy to clean.
Once you have everything you need for your kitten, the next step is to make sure your home is safe.
Kitten proofing your home
Just like young toddlers, kittens need a safe environment to explore, without any hazards. Kittens are curious and don’t know what’s safe to eat and what’s not, so make sure you remove any plants that could be toxic as well as elastic bands, hair ties and balls of string that could be a choking hazard. Keep chemicals stored away as they can be a hazard to kittens if ingested, even in small amounts.
Bringing your kitten home and staying calm
If you have young children, you’ll need to explain the need to be gentle to them before your kitten arrives home. Make sure they understand that kittens get tired easily and will need lots of rest. Young kittens can get overwhelmed with too much handling and attention at first, until they settle in.
With a bit of preparation, you can get off to the best start possible and create an environment that is safe and welcoming for your new kitten.
Shop our entire cat range to set up yourself for your new family member.