Don’t get us wrong, introducing a new kitten is an exciting time for all the family – but it’s a bigger commitment than you might think.
It’s an experience loaded with challenges and rewards, and whether you’re considering getting a kitten, or you’ve already welcomed your feline friend into your home, you no doubt want to be the best pet parent.
In this post, the experts at Pet Shop Online have put together a few top tips to help you become just that – right in time for the arrival of your new fur baby.
Things to think about before getting a kitten
If you’re considering getting a kitten, it’s important to make sure that you’re fully prepared for the responsibility, and that you’ll be able to keep up with their welfare needs.
Think about it in terms of cost – are you in a position to afford everything your kitten needs?
In terms of time – do you have time to spend taking care of your new kitten?
Consider if your home is appropriate and safe for them, asking yourself if they have a secure outdoor space, if they have access to quiet rooms, if any other pets you might have will get along with a kitten, etc.
Finally, make sure you have an idea of which vets you’d register them with – you can pop in for further care advice if you need it.
Kitten-proof your home
This is one of the most important things you need to do before bringing your curious kitty home.
Home adjustments you should consider include:
- Installing a cat flap
- Setting up their bed area
- Setting up food, water, and toilet spaces
- Removing any potential hazards or poisons (or safely storing them away, out of paws' reach).
Prepare supplies for them
Now comes the exciting part: shopping for supplies!
Add the following items to your list:
- Cat bed
- Food and water bowls
- Puzzle feeder
- Litter tray and cat litter
- Plenty of toys
- Scratching posts, mats, boxes, or frames
- Cat furniture (cat trees, etc)
- Roomy but secure carrier for transport (one with a hard shell is best)
- Comb or brush for grooming
- Blankets
One of the most important things to prepare is appropriate food for them to eat.
Here at Pet Shop Online, we stock an impressive selection of kitten food, catering to a vast array of different health and dietary requirements.
For help finding the most suitable food for your kitten, be sure to get in touch with us here at Pet Shop Online.
What to do when you bring them home
Once you’ve brought your kitten home and they’ve started to settle in, it’s a good idea to get them into a routine.
Cats like consistency. If possible, try to feed them at the same time every day – using the same food and litter as the breeder or shelter you adopted them from.
Let them explore at their own pace, and don’t bother them too much – but stay around and let them come to you if they want to.
Once they become more confident, introduce them to more areas indoors and outdoors.
Stock up on care essentials at Pet Shop Online
At Pet Shop Online, we have a wide selection of products to help you welcome your new furry friend home.
From high-quality dry and wet kitten food to tasty treats and healthcare essentials, we have everything you need to keep your pussycat purring.
Being a first-time pet parent is never easy, but we’re always here to help you along the way.
For more information, give us a call on 0161 728 4656 or send us a message at shop@pet-shop-online.co.uk and we’ll get back to you ASAP.
If you’re local, why not visit us at our store in Swinton?
We’re located conveniently just off the A580 (East Lancashire Road) and look forward to meeting you and your fur baby!
Get your directions here.
