How to Look after a New Kitten
Bringing home a new kitten is great cause for excitement. If you’ve not had a kitten before, you mightn’t know where to start. Here are some tips for your first days with a new kitten.
Kitten-proof your home
It’s time to look at your home with new eyes. That open window should be secured, and cables tucked out of kitty’s reach. Is there anything that will topple onto them or break if they jump onto it? Are there any plastic bags lying around or toxic houseplants?
Be careful with things like open toilet seats or open doors, and check hiding spots such as the washing machine to avoid a disaster.
Set up their supplies
Your kitten will need a litter tray, a bed, some blankets or towels, a food bowl and kitten food, and a water bowl as well. If you have other pets or small children, it’s a smart idea to set your kitten up with a safe area such as a large pet enclosure where they can have their own safe space free of intruders.
A bed for your kitten
Whether you buy a cat bed or turn a basket or box into a cosy sleeping nook with blankets or fluffy towels, your kitten needs to feel comfortable and secure. It’s not a good idea to let your kitten sleep on your bed when they are still little, as this can be unsafe.
Feeding
Kittens eat a lot as they are growing, so top up their bowl with kitten food (feeding guides on pack are good references, telling you how much to feed) and ensure they have fresh water in a separate bowl. Cat milk isn’t necessary but it can make for a nice treat – check with your vet to see if it is suitable for your kitten.
Their litter tray
It’s remarkable how kittens naturally know how to use a litter tray, so this is unlikely to be something you will need to show. Ensure the litter you use is safe for kittens (monitor when using clumping litter if your kitten is less than 3 months old, as they may ingest it) and keep it clean, as they are likely to use the tray a lot!
Don’t place the litter tray too close to their food and water. Cats are hygienic creatures, so let’s help them keep clean.
Playtime
Much of your kitten’s day will be filled with play, so grab some toys and get them to use up some of that energy!
