Kitten Care 101: Bringing Home your New Kitten

So you’ve decided the time is right to welcome in a new furry member of the family? Who doesn’t want a kitten – they are a lot of fun and there is definitely no shortage on cuteness, but they are a big responsibility as well. Some things you’ll want to consider before adopting your net cat; would a mature cat be better suited to your lifestyle or do you have the time and energy needed to raise a kitten? Should you adopt more than one cat to offer them some companionship? Are you willing to commit to being a pet parent for the full length of a cats life? The average lifespan for an indoor cat is around 15 years! So before you decide between adopting a kitten or a more mature cat – make sure you are prepared for the commitment that comes with raising a kitten.

So what do you need to know to make sure you start off on the right paw with your new kitten? Follow along and we will make sure you are set up for success!

Before Adoption

Before you bring home your new kitten, there are some things you will want to get squared away to ensure a smooth transition into your home and family!

Find a vet

One of the most important steps to take first is to get set up with a good veterinarian. It is a really good idea to take your new kitten in for an exam right away. They will be able to check your cat for any health concerns and answer any lingering questions you may have on providing your kitten with the very best care – like selecting the most nutritional food or litter training tips.

Before you bring home your new kitten, you will want to make sure you are well stocked on everything your new friend will need.

• Cat food: do your research or consult your vet to select the perfect food for your kitten
• Cat box & litter: ökocat wood clumping cat litter has you covered with 4 different varieties to meet your needs as a new kitten parent.
  • ökocat super soft is a great litter to start with for new kittens and their tender paws
  • ökocat dust free for kitties with sensitive noses or allergies
• Cat carrier: essential item for safe travel and trips to the vet
• Scratching post: avoid your cat tearing up your furniture by offering them a scratching post or cat tree
• Toys: toys provide your cat with a great way to get out their kitten energy,
  
  form bonds with you, and redirect their uses to play by scratching you or your furniture
• Food & water bowls
• Collar with bell and ID tags: especially important if you plan to let your cat outside, the bell will help warn away any birds in your yard
• Grooming supplies: a brush and nail clippers are essential tools to keep your cat’s fur unmated and their claws trimmed to avoid nasty scratches

Ready your home

One last thing to check of the “To Do List” before you bring your kitten home, is to make sure your space it ready for them! Kittens are wild little creatures. They are curious, feisty, and full of energy and will be sure to keep you on your feet. So take stock of your home, and put away breakables and anything that looks like an accident waiting to happen. Those wiley cats love to munch on those houseplants, but there are many that can be toxic to cats. Luckily ASPCA has created a list of toxic houseplants to help you keep your fur friends safe.  

Welcome Home

It is finally time to welcome your new kitten into their forever home! It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of having a new pet, but remember to go slow. Your kitten will need to time to adjust and feel safe and comfortable in their new home.

The best way to help them with this transition is to set up a designated space for them to get acclimated to before you let them roam freely. This area should be away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the house and full of any essentials they will need to be comfortable – food and water, a comfy bed, and a litter box.

Start by placing their carrier in the room, leaving the door open for them to leave when they feel ready. Patience will be the golden rule here. Give your new friend the time and space they need to get used to their surroundings and their new family – you will all be cuddling and playing together in no time!