Bringing home a new kitten is one of the best decisions that you could possibly make. Despite their stand-offish reputation, cats make loyal companions, and they’re low-maintenance to boot.
Before you bring your new feline home, you'll want to prepare for her arrival by kitty-proofing your home and creating spaces for her to eat, sleep, use the litter box, and play. Here are the best strategies for preparing to add a new kitten to your family.
Sleeping Arrangements
Many cats will sleep wherever they’re most comfortable. They can settle down for a snooze on the nearest chair, on top of your pillow, or wherever they find that perfect patch of sun. Cats are known for being pretty independent, so your best option is to make your entire home as safe and comfortable for your new kitten as possible.
This includes kitty-proofing any fragile valuables, like vases or glass fixtures, by putting them in places where they can't be knocked over. It's also a good idea to tie down wires, cords to window blinds, and floor-length curtains that might entangle your new kitten. Make an effort to keep dangerous substances off of counters or tabletops that cats can reach, too.
If find your kitten stakes out a favorite spot to nap, consider placing a cat bed in that spot. In fact, since cats love to sleep in so many different locations, you may consider grabbing more than one cat bed so that your furry companion will always be comfortable. Since you can expect your cat to spend 16 to 18 hours a day sleeping, an extra bed will be well worth the investment.
Collars
Although you can leash-train cats to take them on walks, many prefer to stay indoors and get their exercise through other means. If you decide to give leash-training a try, though, make sure to grab a leash and harness for your new kitten. At the very least, a striking new collar is imperative. Choose something that is both fashionable and safe. A breakaway buckle ensures that your cat will not be harmed if it gets caught up or tangled as it leaps across your home. An abrasion-resistant ribbon keeps your kitten comfy.
Some new cat owners opt to find a collar with a bell, like this one, if you’re concerned about keeping tabs on your new kitty. The bell can also help deter other animals in your home and keep the peace, especially until they get used to each other.
Feeding Spot
Cats need a high-quality diet high in protein with necessary amino acids, fats, and minerals. Kittens need the best food that you can afford to support their rapid growth. Dry kibble can be set out for your cat to return to throughout the day unless you find that it’s prone to overeating. Choose from any of these colorful and classic ceramic food bowls to get ready for mealtimes with your new kitty.
Choose a space to provide constant access to clean water, too. It’s best if you can easily clean up any spills. Since many human ingredients can make cats sick, make sure that you avoid feeding them anything besides cat treats that are specifically designed for them.
Litter Box Accessories
As previously mentioned, cats are pretty low-maintenance. Unlike dogs, you don’t need to take them outside to do their business. Once they’re trained to use the litter box, you simply have to clean it regularly. If you have multiple cats, it’s a good idea to have a box for each. These litter accessories can help to make litter box maintenance a breeze. Equipment like sturdy litter scoops and heavy-duty litter mats make taking care of your cat’s litter box a lot simpler. It’s best to set up the litter box in a place that can be easily cleaned since your cat may track litter outside of the box.
Scratching posts and toys
Cats are inquisitive creatures who love to climb and play, so consider setting aside a space for some cat furniture. Cat towers allow your new kitten to safely explore, nap, exercise, and play. Some cat towers are made of carpet. If you have multiple cats who prefer playing together, you'll need a taller structure for them all to play. Tunnels also make fun, portable play spaces. They are simple to expand and collapse, so you can travel with them, too.
Scratching posts are what you need to prevent your kitten from scratching up your furniture. Unless you elect to have your new kitten declawed, watch out! Place scratching boards or posts in a few accessible areas and let your new kitten go to town on that instead.
This aesthetic Sofa Cat Scratcher serves several purposes. It's made entirely from recycled paper, and your new kitten will love using it to scratch, play, and nap on. It includes a bag of pure catnip to entice your kitty to scratch away.
Your new kitten will also love toys, especially with bells or infused with catnip or silvervine, which are both pretty standard cat attractants. Cats love elaborate interactive toys as well, so grab some of these for your new kitten, too.
Conclusion
Once your cat is used to its new surroundings, expect it to blend in and itself at home pretty quickly. Having safe spots for your new kitten to eat, sleep, scratch, and play will make the transition to this new space go smoothly for you both.
Make any plans to train your kitten to teach it where the food and litter box are. If you want your cat to walk on a leash, look up some leash-training tips before you bring her home as well. You’ll also need to set up a schedule to regularly feed and clean your new kitten’s litterbox.
Upon arrival, take care to calmly introduce your new kitten to family members and other pets in your home. Give the kitten quiet space to settle in and explore. Then enjoy watching your kitten turn into a loyal, devoted feline companion for years to come!
