Thinking of inviting a kitten into your home? Needing some advice on what you’ll need to ensure your kitten grows into a happy cat? Pet Insurance Australia investigates all things catty.
Being the proud pet parents of an adorable Kitten is a wonderful experience. However, before you invite the pitter-patter of tiny pads there are some things to consider.
One or Two?
Many cat professionals, breeders and vets alike, now suggest that a two-kitten home is better than one. Having another kitten to play constantly play with can alleviate some common problems, particularly in indoor cats such as;
- Night-time feet attacks (OUCH)
- Boredom
- Can prevent older cat behavioural problems
- Great socialisation
- Allows the cats to cope with stress and change easily
- Helps alleviate stress during vet visits
Will your kitten need a playmate? If you answer yes to one or more of the following you may need to reconsider getting two kittens instead of one.
- Are you away from home a lot –work/socializing?
- Will you keep the kitten out of your room at night?
- Do you live in a quiet home (no children)?
- Do you live in a small space/unit/apartment?
- Will you be keeping the kitten indoors?
“You have to remember for the solo kitten, you are away for eight hours a day and then you get home and lock them in the bathroom all night, so you can sleep, and then you go out and do your shopping and everything else,” Cat Expert Dr Kim Kendall says “It’s basically solitary confinement.”
Getting Ready
It’s time to now get ready for your new forever friend. Once you have chosen what kitten/cat you would like it’s a good idea to get your home prepared.
For new kittens you may need to have a good look at what plants you have around the home. Lilies are highly toxic to cats and many curious kittens have gotten into trouble by taking a few nibbles on the leaves of these house plants. This doesn’t mean you need to throw your lilies out, just get a little creative. Consider putting them inside decorative cages or in places your cat is not allowed or cannot access.
At this time; it’s also good to examine whether or not your cat/s will be indoor or outdoor dwellers and take the steps to ensure their happiness and safety with some basic research.
Other items your new kitten will need;
- A special quiet place that is out of the way of traffic, noise and other pets that they can retreat too for some peace and quiet.
- A quiet area for their litter tray
- Food bowls and water bowls
- Litter – stick with the same litter the breeder is using to prevent problems and gradually change if you wish.
- Suitable sized litter box
- Grooming equipment
- Food
- Scratching post
- Toys
- Bedding
- Collar
- Travel crate
When your kitten comes home have a nice quiet area for them. This will allow your kitten/s to adjust to your home. A bathroom or laundry works well. Keep them cosy with a heat pack or wheat bag. Once your kitten/s are happy in this area gradually increase their access to the remainder of the home. You will find they will run back to this ‘safe’ zone when they are anxious. Also keep their litter in this area. If you wish to move the litter box wait a few weeks, then move it gradually to Prevent Problems.
It’s important to go slowly to prevent problems. Each kitten is different. Some will happily explore while others may be timid and need extra time to adjust to their new living situation. Remember that they’ve probably come from a pile of littermates and an attentive mum, so will be a little weary at first at their new life.
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