The WONDERPETS Essential Guide To New Kittens

Bringing a new kitten home is both a rewarding and challenging experience. You undoubtedly want to be the best pet parent you can be, but like all parenting - there is a lot of preparation to do, followed by the settling in period (and the occasional panic), before it all just feels natural. 

Here are some kitten necessities to have on hand when bringing your kitty home.

Buy Your Kitten Essentials

You'll need a lot of supplies to help you care for your kitten. STock up on the following kitten essentials before bringing them home:

• Kitten food
• Litter box and cat litter
• Cat treats
• Food and water dishes
• Collar and ID tags
• Cat bed
• Cat carrier
• Cat brush and flea comb
• Toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste
• Scratching post and kitten-safe toys

Set Up a Safe Space

A great way to introduce a kitten into your home is to set up a safe space for them away from other pets, furnished with a litter box, food, water dishes, comfortable bedding, and toys. Remember to keep your kitten's food and litter box separate as cat’s hate eating near where they do their business. Doing this can help your kitten get used to all the new smells and objects they’re being exposed to without overwhelming them. 

Feeding

It’s always best to feed your kitten the food their previous guardian provided. If you decide to change their food, do this slowly by mixing a small amount of the new food with the old and gradually increasing it over a week to prevent any digestive issues. 

Adjust your kitten’s feeding schedule by age. For kittens six months or younger, you should feed them three to four times daily. Between six months and nine months you can begin feeding them only twice a day.

Socialising And Training

Litter box training should be a priority when you first bring your kitten home. Your kitten will most likely already know what to do, and your only job will be to show them the box. You may need to remind them where the box is using treats and praise until they’re used to using it. 

Training a kitten is all about establishing and reinforcing boundaries and household rules. Rely on positive reinforcement over punishment, and if they’re misbehaving, you should ignore them or redirect their attention elsewhere, such as with a toy or a scratching post. 

For your kitten to grow into a well-balanced adult, they should be played with and comforted frequently and exposed to as many new sights, sounds, smells, and sensations as possible. While they’re young is the best time to get them used to things such as wearing a collar, riding in the car and tolerating grooming tasks. 

Play And Exercise

Kittens require playtime to get their exercise and to develop. Playing with your kitten will also help them bond with you. Set aside time each day to play with them; this will also ensure your kitten is tuckered out before bedtime.

Sleep

Kittens sleep a lot, in fact, about 16-20 hours a day! For this reason, they must have a comfortable bed to take a nap and sleep on. You might want to keep them in your bedroom, but when they're young, they still should be kept close to their litter box. Plus giving them their own space can help them get comfortable on their own. 

See Your Local Vet

Taking your kitten to the vet is a must the first week they are with you. This is so they can be properly checked over and be given the right vaccinations if needed. 

Your Kitten Essentials Covered

Remember the kitten stage isn't permanent, and your cat will never be this little or adorable again. Enjoy this time with your cat and remember the bond you make with them will endure their entire life.

To get your hands on the best kitten essentials shop WONDERPETS’ range of kitten foods, treats, toys and so much more!