Getting a new kitten or a rescue cat is an exciting, and somewhat daunting time all at once.
We get lots of questions in-store from people who are getting a kitten or adopting a cat about what they will need for their new arrival.
Here is our list of must-haves:
· BED/BLANKET
A nice comfy bed of their own to relax on is always welcome. A blanket will provide extra comfort and warmth. There are some awesome beds out there for cats that provide them with a safe space to get away when they want to and also stimulate them, such as ones you can fix to walls, radiators, or even windows!
· FOOD & WATER BOWLS
When choosing your food and water bowls, make sure you get ones of a suitable size for your cat. Don’t be tempted to overfill the food bowl and end up with a chonky cat.
Ceramic and steel type bowls are more hygienic than the plastic ones as they are easier to clean and don’t scratch away like the plastic ones.
· KITTEN FOOD
Your kitten will come with some food from the breeder that it has been eating. You don’t need to keep them on that food if you choose not to, but do remember that you need to gradually introduce any new food, so you need to ensure you have enough to do this.
Most rescue centres will send some food home with your new cat too. Again, you don't need to keep them on this food if you choose not to but do remember that you need to gradually introduce any new food, so you need to ensure you have enough to do this.
· TOYS
A variety of toys to keep your cat stimulated, encourage play, keep active, and help with training.
Our favourites are:
Sensory toys that have different sounds and textures.
Swatting toys
Balls
Teasers
Puzzles
Scratching post
Cat trees
· GROOMING EQUIPMENT
Most cats will groom themselves, but some need additional brushing from their owners. We will cover this is an additional post at a later date.
· CAT CARRIER
A secure cat carrier, large enough for your cats' needs. Get them used to it so it becomes part of a routine for when you need to put them in it for things like visits to the vet or groomers etc.
· LITTER TRAY/BOX
A suitable litter tray or box and litter for their toilet needs. Ensure that it is located in a suitable place.
Ideal locations have unobstructed views of the whole room and through doors. These areas allow litter box users to see and escape threats and animals that could disrupt their business. These are also areas where cats cannot be trapped or ambushed.
If you have more than one cat, it is recommended that you have a litter box for each cat and an additional “family” box.
· CAT FLAP
If you are allowing your cat to roam outdoors, a cat flap is a great bit of kit. They are a safer alternative to leaving a window or door open and you can even get cat flaps that operate on a chip attached to your cat's collar to prevent other cats entering your house.
The most important thing you need when getting a kitten or cat is patience and love. They will frustrate you, they will scratch your sofas and do something they're not supposed to, but they will give you so much more.
Enjoy your new life long companion.
Auntie Mel
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