What to consider when getting a new kitten or cat.

dark image of kitten looking round a corner

Sometimes the excitement of getting a new kitten or cat can make us all forget some of the crucial elements of cat ownership… We’ve all been there.

I have been caring for cats since I was a young kid. When my family first got Gizmo, she was a young adult. I was also too young to know what was going on. But as I’ve grown, I have looked after and rescued many kittens and have learned a few things here and there.

So, what to do when you finally decide to get a new cat?

Where do I start?

Going into cat or any pet ownership may seem like it’s picking the little guy up, and off you go. But this is far from the truth. Having the right tools ready before you bring your kitten home gives you the best chance of success. It may seem a little daunting as well, but we’re here to help you on your way.

White cat eating on a table with a group of grapes on a plate
Photo by cotton-bro studio via Pexels

What should I feed my cat or kitten?

This is quite a difficult question to answer. Hopefully, the rescue will give you a small amount of food to start with, but this will only last a day or two.

Being obligate carnivores, cats have evolved to require a rich diet of meat to keep their bodies healthy. This is particularly true when it comes to kittens, most manufacturers have kitten ranges with high levels of animal protein. This is because as your kitten grows they’re bones, eyes, and muscle structure need high levels of taurine, which is only found in animal proteins.

Look for brands that have a high importance on the level of protein they put in their food.

My kitten needs to drink

You need to provide fresh water for your little furry friend.

Kittens are small, so it’s best not to provide a deep dish first, which normally wouldn’t be a problem for an older cat. Kittens have small heads and are not very good at working out where to put themselves and are still learning how to fend for themselves.

Don’t get me wrong, kittens aren’t too stupid, but accidents can happen. Having a shallow dish helps your kitten keep hydrated without the risk of dunking their head. If you’re considering a water fountain, which I can’t recommend enough, for a kitten, I would wait a few weeks or until your cat is big enough to use one.

My kitten is going to poop.

Your mini cat is going to need an area for the most natural act.

Having a litter tray is a must, but be prepared, your little kitten may not be used to litter trays yet. Getting multiple trays is always smart, especially if you have a multiple-cat house. When placing the litter tray, the best place is away from food and rest areas; cats are naturally clean animals. Watch how much they groom. I must say having the tray next to food or water will raise their stress levels, which is never good.

The litter I recommend using is clumping litter; this makes cleaning and removing any waste easier. I use Catsan; it’s not clumping but it’s amazing stuff. No smell and is antibacterial, so you can see easily if your kitten is using the tray.

The litter I must beg you not to use is silica-based. It tends to stick to your kitten and be ingested while they groomed, which can lead to issues. Just don’t use it.

YOUR KITTEN WANTS TO PLAY

Now the fun part. Your kitten needs toys! There are hundreds of toys out there. Lasers, chasers, kickers, the list is endless.

Kittens have tons of energy and need to burn this off. Playing with your kitten before they eat improves their appetite and can help if you’re trying to change their diet. There’s no right or wrong with this subject. I would recommend small toys at first. Getting a kicker twice the size of Mittens might be too daunting.

Black and white cat on a cat tree
Photo by Eva Kubíčková:
Photo by Eva Kubíčková via Pexels

Does my cat need a cat scratcher?

Yes, even if they’re an outdoor cat, your cat will need a cat scratcher. Cats naturally love being up high, and this is no exception for your kitten.

Going for a cat tree may be a little excessive and confusing at first, but trust me, stick your kitten on one, and it will go nuts! Cats use scratching as a way to scent mark and sharpen their claws, so providing a few areas for your cat to scratch will reduce stress, allow it to stretch out, and avoid destroying your furniture.

Put a tree next to a window and watch little Toe Beans watch the world go by.

Do I need to get my cat vaccinated?

Yes, you need to get your cat vaccinated.

These jabs are designed to help with cat flu, cat leukaemia, and cat enteritis. Even if you plan on never letting your cat out, you still need to vaccinate your kitten. The risk is high, so don’t run it. Note: your cat will need boosters after a year and will continue to for the rest of its life. Your vet will go over this with you, so don’t panic.

This needs to be done at a vet, so it’s time to contact your local vet and book them in. Have a Google for your local veterinary surgery unless you already have one then job done. When you visit the vet before they do anything, they’ll do a quick check-up. This is a great time to ensure everything is in tip-top shape and in perfect condition.

Does my cat need insurance?

I would if I were you. Anything can happen, and you’ll kick yourself for not getting it.

On your first vet visit, the insurance company won’t cover you and they will want to have the vet report before they start your policy, but getting coverage is essential especially if you plan on letting your cat out.

If you do need to use an insurance company, just bear in mind you’ll likely need to pay upfront, and the company will reimburse you, and you’ll need to pay the excess. Your insurance provider will explain everything relating to your policy.

Should I buy a kitten or go to a rescue?

I will always recommend going for a rescue kitten; they will have been vet-checked and possibly had their jabs (depending on the shelter). If they haven’t, you’ve already prepared to book a vet appointment, so no worries.

If you want to buy your kitten, that’s entirely up to you; just be mindful and look at reviews of who you’re picking up from and visit beforehand, see the mother, and see how they’re kept. Kitten Farms are a real thing, and they are only in it for profit, which equates to a lack of care that can lead to a lot of vet visits.

You don’t want your first time getting a kitten to be stressful. It should be a fun and exciting new addition to your family, so be mindful and research a lot! We have written a blog on this subject.

Conclusion

Congratulations on getting your new kitten! You’re both going to have a lot of fun together. This list is not exclusive, and there are many things I have missed out or forgotten,

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