Here at Closer Pets, we know just how exciting it feels to bring home your gorgeous new kitten (those cuddles, endless hours of playtime and little meows…). Although it’s a special and exciting time, it can also be daunting for you and your new furry bundle of joy – so, it’s important to prepare in advance to help you get off on the right paw.
On that note, without further ado, here are our top five tips for preparing your home for a new kitten…
1. Make playtime perfection
Buying toys for your new kitty is definitely one of the most fun bits of prep. Gather a selection of interactive toys, such as a fishing rod toy and a ball of yarn – what’s more, a scratching post and toys of the chewing variety will help discourage them from scratching or gnawing on your furniture.
2. Kitten-proof your home
Kittens are bursting with energy and curiosity, and will want to explore every corner of your home. It’s therefore important to be aware of any potential hazards around the house, as everything will be a tempting attraction for your purry pal. Here are some things to look out for:
- Check under the sofa and cabinets for coins and other small items
- Move any fragile ornaments out of harm’s way
- Cover sockets and place electric cables out of reach
- Block off open fireplaces and gaps under cupboards
- Keep cleaning fluids, domestic substances and medicines out of paws’ reach
- Close all toilet lids
- Secure any cords and curtain ties
- Buy a pet-proof lid for your bin
- Make sure your house plants aren’t poisonous to animals (for example, lilies and poinsettias) – if unsure, double-check with your vet.
The list goes on, so we recommend thoroughly checking for potential issues – high and low – as your kitten will want to climb, jump and eat their way around their new surroundings!
3. Make space
Before bringing your kitten home, it’s important to provide them with a designated quiet space to help them settle in. Again, check for any hazards, and fill the room with all your new pet essentials (more on those, shortly…). Going forward, as you let them explore further afield, you may also want to consider using a stair gate to help keep them out of certain rooms.
4. Think about how to introduce them to existing pets
Stair gates are also a handy tool if you already have pets – they’re brilliant for initial face-to-face meetings because your pets can get used to each other’s presence (and scent), before properly ‘meeting’. If you already have a dog in your home, Blue Cross have some brilliant tips for introducing them to your new cat.
5. Get the right kit
As well as stocking up on toys, a visit to your local pet shop might be in order, for all the essential kit you’ll need to welcome your new kitten into your home. You might already have some of these items, but if you’re a first-time fur parent, here’s what you’ll need:
- Cosy bed – We know, we know, cats will happily curl up on your lap or even in their favourite cardboard box, but it’s important they have a bed of their own to snuggle in. After all, all that exploring is tiring work!
- Feeder – We recommend sticking with the type of food your kitten is already used to, to help keep them – and their tummies – settled. Plus an automatic feeder will make sure you never miss a meal (even while you’re away).
- Water fountain – Cats love moving water, as it taps into their animal instincts to drink from streams and rivers. What’s more, pet fountains are more hygienic than a traditional water bowl, as the circulating water can also stop any nasty build-ups in their tracks. Read more about the benefits of water fountains here.
- Litter tray – To be positioned away from their eating area.
- Cat carrier – For bringing your new friend home, and (whisper it) trips to the vets.
- Pet wipes – For those little accidents, and also wiping down litter trays and food bowls.
- Shiny new collar – Don’t forget the ID tag.
- Cat brush or comb – This can help prevent matting, shedding and furballs, plus it might help you to bond with each other too!
- Cat flap – As your kitten grows, you might want to introduce them to the great outdoors. There are lots of options out there, from simple lockable pet doors to smart cat flaps that grant entry using your cat’s microchip.
- A place to hide – For example, a cat igloo.
This might seem like a long list, but don’t fear – we’re with you every step of the way!
Our ‘Get Closer’ Pack includes some of the essentials you’ll need in one handy starter bundle, including a water fountain, pet wipes and an automatic pet feeder, to make sure fresh meals are reliably served. So, while you take care of making your new companion feel at home, we’ll take care of the practical stuff – helping you keep them fed, watered and clean.
