Preparing for Your New Kitten

EXPERTS ADVICE > Cats > Advice / Care > Preparing for Your New Kitten

Adjusting to a new home can be a major transition for your kitten. Preparing for your new kitten is essential to help them settle and stay safe in their new environment. As you prepare for your new kitten’s arrival, there is a lot to do to ensure you have the right supplies and get your home and family ready. Key things to consider are kitten-proofing your home, buying the right kitten supplies, choosing appropriate food, and preparing your family and pets for your new addition. Our blog will teach you some tips on preparing for your new kitten and giving your furry friend the best start in life.

How to Kitten Proof Your Home?

Kittens are curious creatures and love to climb, explore and hide, so it’s important to do some kitten-proofing of your home before you pick up your new family member to ensure it’s safe for them. Here is our checklist to help you prepare:

Remove Serious Hazards—Electrical wires and outlets can be hard to manage as many are at ground level. Kittens and cats are attracted to loose wires and cables. Consider taping the wires to baseboards or the underside of tables and desks. Add covers to plug sockets to avoid any possible hazards.

Poisonous Foods—Many human foods can be toxic to cats or cause digestive issues, including onions, garlic, raw eggs, raw meat, chocolate, grapes, and raisins. Keep these foods out of your kitten’s reach and only feed them the proper kitten food.

Toxic House Plants—Some house plants can be highly toxic to cats; common ones include lilies, aloe vera, amaryllis, cutleaf philodendron, pothos, jade plants, snake plant, sago palm, english ivy, dieffenbachia, kalanchoe, lily of the valley, hyacinth, oleander, yew, tulips, daffodils, chrysanthemum, and poinsettias. Ask your veterinarian for a complete list of toxic house plants for cats. Remove these plants from your home before your new kitten’s arrival.

Dangerous Substances—Ensure medicine, cleaning products, and other toxic substances are stored safely. Some flea treatments for dogs can be dangerous to cats, and antifreeze is lethal. If you have any traps for ants or other pests, dispose of them safely.

Small Objects—Kittens are extremely curious, so put away small items, such as buttons, needles, thread, dental floss, elastic bands, and earplugs. This will prevent your kitten from swallowing any objects it could choke on. You’ll also want to check to be sure any breakable items are out of reach to kittens.

Hiding Places—Kittens tend to hide in places like laundry baskets, tumble dryers and under furniture. Spot the areas where your kitten’s likely to hide and either block them off or be careful as you move around your home to ensure they don’t get trapped. Be aware that chairs or gliders can crush an unwary kitten.

Supplies You’ll Need for Your Kitten:

Be prepared. Have essential supplies on hand before your furry friend arrives if you can. The first few days with a new kitten are the best time for bonding and forming good habits. Here are some of the essentials we recommend you’ll need for your new kitten:

– Food and water bowl

– Carrier

– Bedding

– Collar and ID tags

– Litterbox and litter

– Kitten food

– Grooming equipment – Cat brush and/or flea comb, and nail clippers

– Toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste

– Scratching post and kitten-safe toys

– Cat tree

Choosing the Right Food for Your New Kitten:

Choosing the right food for your kitten is essential. As they grow, they need a precise balance of nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and minerals, at each stage. The first year of a cat’s life sets the pace for their future development, health, and well-being.

At first, give them the same brand of food they’ve been eating from their previous home to avoid issues from a sudden diet change. Start by gradually mixing small amounts of the new food in with the current diet, increasing the amount of the new food each day over seven to ten days. Chat with one of our Experts in-store for more information on getting your furry friend started on the right diet. We are here to help!

Provide your kitten with plenty of clean, fresh water. Change the water each day, and consider investing in a low-cost “cat fountain” which recirculates water and is often more attractive to kittens than a simple bowl.

During your next visit to Feeds’n Needs, ask us about our Free Pet Food Loyalty Program – Yes, FREE! Your pet deserves the best, which is why we have a large variety of quality brands to suit every need throughout your pet’s life. For most of our brands in-store, every 12 bags of pet food purchased, you will receive the 13th FREE. Ask our Experts how to sign up and start saving today because it’s not just your pet who deserves to be treated!

Introducing Your New Kitten to Other Household Pets:

During the initial adjustment period (at least seven to ten days), it is a good idea to confine your new kitten to a small room in your house. This room must be kitten-proofed entirely, as it should be the only room you leave your kitten in unsupervised at first. This gives your kitten a safe space to explore while you gradually introduce it to the rest of your home. This is especially important if you have other pets at home; it’s important to introduce pets in a safe and controlled way. Let pets get used to each other through a baby gate or with the new pet crated. Keep their initial interactions short and supervised.

Now that you have tips on preparing for your new kitten, you’re ready to bring your furry friend home! Visit your local Feeds’n Needs and chat with our Experts. Whether it is training tips, toy recommendations, or choosing the perfect food to suit your pet’s needs, you can count on our team to happily help you every step of the way! Also, be sure to ask us about our New Pet Parent brochure and savings! We are here to help get you and your furry friend off to a great start!

Disclaimer: Product availability and selection may vary by store. Please check your local store for availability.

For more helpful tips and tricks for cat owners, check out other blogs:
Dental Health Tips for Your Cat
Outdoor Safety for Indoor Cats
New Pet Essentials