Top Tips for Taking Care of Your New Kitten
Being able to welcome a new kitten to your home is undoubtedly an exciting time, especially if you’ve never experienced it before. There is a lot to prepare before bringing them home for the first time, of course, and the first few weeks and months of ownership are crucial, presenting a few challenges along the way. So, where do you begin?
Well, below you’ll find a quick guide to some of the essential things you’ll need to do to ensure your new feline friend grows up healthy and happy. From selecting the right items to buy to understanding their nutritional needs and healthcare requirements, it can be a lot to remember even if you have had cats before, so hopefully the following tips can help.
Essential Items
Setting up your home with the things your kitten will need is the first step. After all, you want them to be comfortable and safe, so, start with the basics.
- Litter Tray – Choose a litter box/tray that is easy to access and clean. You might start with a smaller box for a kitten which is easier for them to get in and out of and upgrade as they grow.
- Food and Water Bowls – Purchase separate bowls for food and water and ensure they are a suitable size that is easy for your kitten to use. There are many options such as plastic, stainless steel or ceramic, so it is best to choose those that are durable and easy to clean.
- Kitten Food – Select age-appropriate, high-quality kitten food, which is crucial for their development. Kitten food is richer in essential nutrients compared to adult cat food. If you’re unsure after speaking to either the breeder or rehoming centre, speak to your vet who can advise further.
- Bedding – Provide a warm, comfortable bed placed in a quiet area to encourage sleep and relaxation.
- Scratching Post – This is essential for nail health and to deter them from scratching your furniture. Introducing this early helps establish good habits.
- Toys – Engage your kitten’s hunting instincts with a mix of toys, such as soft mice, balls, and feather wands. Interactive play is not only fun but critical for their physical and cognitive development.
- A Cat Carrier – This will make things much easier when needing to take your kitten to the vet. Choose one that opens at the top for easy access.
Having these items on hand when your kitten arrives helps ease their transition to a new environment, ensuring they feel secure and happy from day one. You may also want to get a cat brush to help with grooming and ensuring your home is prepped for their arrival by kitten-proofing as much as possible (more on this below).
Nutrition & Feeding
Proper nutrition is key for your kitten’s growth and health. When feeding your kitten, choose high-quality commercial food specifically formulated for kittens, as it contains the right balance of essential nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals. It’s important to decide between wet and dry food or a combination of both, based on dietary needs and your vet’s recommendations.
Feed your kitten small, frequent meals, about three to four times a day, until they are six months old when you can cut down to two meals a day as per the Blue Cross. This supports their rapid growth and high energy levels. Always provide fresh, clean water, especially if your kitten will be primarily eating dry food. With cats at any age, try not to give them too many treats to avoid weight gain too, so that they can maintain a healthy weight.
Health Care Considerations
A healthy pet is a happy one, and whilst that may seem obvious, it can be easy to forget that your kitten’s long-term well-being isn’t guaranteed. Like us humans, our health can experience challenges unexpectedly, so being proactive and visiting the vet regularly is essential to check for common health issues and set up a vaccination schedule. Vaccinations protect against various diseases, and as per the RSPCA, they will need two sets of vaccinations, the first at 9 weeks and a second booster at 3 months old, followed by boosters once a year.
Equally important is discussing the timing for spaying or neutering with your vet, which can prevent unwanted behaviours and health issues later on. As per the Blue Cross, this is usually at around 4 months old. Regular treatments for fleas, ticks, and worms are also vital, as kittens are particularly susceptible to these parasites.
Thinking about insurance early on is a good idea too, providing coverage for unexpected medical needs and accidents. When choosing a policy, look for pet insurance with comprehensive coverage that suits your kitten’s potential health needs. Providers such as Petsure can offer lifetime policies with no upper age limit, but it’s best to choose a policy while your kitten is still young and avoid those that exclude pre-existing conditions. Having the right insurance will mean being able to cover out-of-pocket expenses and minimise the strain this can have on your finances over time.
You also want to find a vet who you trust and can build a relationship with – someone who understands your kitten’s needs and provides guidance throughout their early life stages. This will go a long way to providing you with peace of mind whenever you need help.
Socialisation & Training
To help your kitten grow into a well-adjusted and confident adult cat, you’ll need to think about socialising them early on. Start early by gently handling your kitten daily and exposing them to various people, sounds, and controlled environments that will become normal for them. This will help to reduce fear and anxiety in new situations.
For training, focus on positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise to encourage good behaviour. Doing so regularly is the best way for them to get into a good routine and avoid bad habits, such as using their litter tray or introducing them to a scratching post early to prevent them from using furniture or the carpet.
If your kitten does do anything unwanted, it’s best to be calm and redirect their attention. Consistency in socialising and training will ensure your kitten learns quickly and enjoys a happy relationship with you as they grow older.
Safety & Well-being
Ensuring the safety and well-being of your new kitten means creating a safe environment. Kitten-proofing your home is the best way to do so. Secure loose wires, remove small objects that could be swallowed, and restrict access to rooms and areas you don’t want them to be in, such as the kitchen or bathroom. As per the Blue Cross, you’ll also want to ensure there are no small gaps they can get stuck in, all windows are closed and locked, and remove any plants that could be toxic to cats.
Microchipping your kitten is a must, and has been compulsory for cats over the age of 20 weeks since June 2024. It will give you peace of mind should they ever go missing, helping to reunite them with you when found. It’s a simple procedure that can be done during a routine vet visit, so speak to your vet as soon as you can to arrange for this.
The Start of a Wonderful Friendship
Yes, there is a lot to think about before bringing a kitten home for the first time, but you’ll be glad you put the effort in before doing so. The above list will give you plenty to keep in mind, but if you’re unsure of anything or need any further advice, speak to your vet.
With consistent care, nutritious meals and plenty of playtime and socialisation, you can enjoy watching your kitten grow into a confident and healthy cat. Good luck!