10 Essential Items for Your New Kitten

If you clicked on this article, there's a very high probability that you just adopted a fuzzy bundle of joy. Congratulations! Before you get to the playing and snuggling, there are a few things you need to get at the pet store first. In this article, you will find out what are the top 10 essentials you need to have before you bring your kitten home

This might seem like a no-brainer, but it is something you need to do your research on! Did you know there are several types of cat litter? That's right! Besides traditional clay-based litter that you are familiar with, there are many other kinds. There’s litter made of pine, silica, and even litter made of corn! Take your time looking through different shapes and kinds of litter boxes as well. 

Check out https://www.thesprucepets.com/different-types-of-cat-litter-4688913 for more information on different types of cat litter

Kittens are growing bigger and stronger every day. There are wet and dry foods marked at different price points. Be sure to do your research on ingredients and the nutritional value of foods at your price point. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies need a high level of protein to function. 

This article from Cornell University explains in further detail:https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feeding-your-cat#:~:text=Cats%20are%20obligate%20carnivores%2C%20which,requires%20these%20general%20proportions%20today.

Food and water bowls are essential to your new kitten. Make sure the bowls aren’t too high for them to reach. Young kittens are short! A slightly elevated bowl is good for cats so they don’t hurt their necks bending down to get food. If you want to go all out, keep an eye out for cat water fountains. Some cats enjoy the running water and it invites them to stay hydrated.

Carriers serve a variety of purposes. Like taking your new kitten to the groomers, veterinarian, or taking your cat to a new environment. Keeping them in a carrier will help them feel safe in a secure environment. And it will also save you from having to chase around a little ball of fur everywhere!

Having a collar on your kitten will help you have peace of mind when you’re not home. If an accident happens, his collar and I.D are there to identify him. It is highly recommended that your new kitten use something called a “Break away collar.” These collars have a buckle that will snap off if your kitten gets stuck.

Break away collars can prevent your kitten being stuck or worse: Prevent them from choking on a stuck collar

Along with their vaccines, make sure your new kitten has an active microchip number. Usually, animal shelters provide them free of charge. A microchip is a tiny, electronic chip. It’s the size of a grain of rice and is placed by your kitten’s shoulder blade. It doesn’t hurt them.

 If they get lost, any veterinarian can scan the chip and can contact you to let you know your kitten is safe.

There's one thing to know about kittens: They love to play! They have so much energy in such tiny bodies. You have so many options! Kittens enjoy chasing, running, pouncing, and jumping. Stores sell feather and ribbon wand toys, tiny toy mice, balls, and many other interactive toys. Spend time with your kitten to find out the things they love the best. 

New kittens are always exploring their new environments. They need to learn that their tiny claws are not meant for your couches, beds, carpets and especially not your hands! Cat scratchers give your new kitten a place to stretch their growing claws. 

Cat trees give your new kitten a territory to call their own. They provide a tall place for them to observe everything. A birds eye view! Many cats feel safer the higher they are. Many cat trees have built in cat scratchers, allowing your kitten to mark that tree as their own. Many cats enjoy sleeping in their cat tree instead of a bed!

Cats need to have their nails clipped every one or two weeks. Their claws grow quickly and they get very sharp. Having nail clippers on hand can prevent any nasty scratching accidents 

Here is an article published by the Humane Society on the things you need to know before cutting your cats nails:https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/trimming-cats-claws#:~:text=Take%20a%20paw%20in%20your,sharp%20tip%20and%20no%20more.

Treats are great for training! And sometimes, bribing your kitten to sit still while clipping their nails or giving them medicine! Treats are a fun way to vary your cats diet and give them a reward for good behavior. Make sure to read the serving sizes and not feed them too much! 

Conclusion

Having a new kitten around the house can be a very rewarding and fun experience. Making sure you are prepared for their arrival will help the transition be easier for you and your kitten. It can be an adjustment and you might have to make returns at the pet store, but that’s also part of the experience. They might not like every toy or enjoy the first brand of food they try, but that’s alright! With these items, you and your cat can begin to make many happy memories.