"Bringing home a new kitten, what supplies do I need?"
To make the transition and acclimation period an easier, less stressful on for your new kitten, it is back to the same saying, those who fail to plan, plan to fail. It is recommended that you purchase these items in advance of bringing your new kitten home.
Food - It is best to keep your new kitten on the same kind of food he/she is accustom to eating as well as feeding times and frequencies. A change in diet can cause digestive upsets which can result in vomiting and/or diarrhea. It is recommended that you do not change the diet of a new kitten. In the event you choose to change the diet of your new kitten, do it slowly over time, give your new kitten time to acclimate to his/her surroundings and get settled. Diet change is not recommended for at least one to six months.
Litter Box - Whether you choose to use a covered or uncovered litter box there are things to consider. A covered litter box prevents litter from being distributed throughout the room due to a kitten who is a vigorous digger. A covered litter box gives the kitten the privacy to do their business without an audience. Bear in mind, kittens are like children, when the urge to go hits them, they gotta go! One litter box per floor is recommended for homes of multi-levels. Show your new kitten where the litter boxes are, put your new kitten in the litter box.
Cat Litter - It is best not to make any immediate changes for your new kitten, cat litter is no exception. Whether you choose to use the standard clay litter of the clumpable/scoopable litter is up to you, the better question is, "will my kitten use the litter box if I change litter?"
Toys - Toys are a great way to entertain your new kitten. Toys for kittens should be thought of as toys for babies. If a toy has moving parts, strings or parts that will come off easily, it may not be safe for your new baby kitten. Toys with strings are a hazard, shoe strings, tinsel, lace, ribbon, yarn and thread are not safe. Items that can be easily swallowed invite trouble and a trip to the emergency room for surgical removal.
Kitty condos - Just like humans, cats and kittens desire to have a place to call their own. A kitty condo is a great place for your kitty to escape from the household chaos for a quick cat nap. Giving a kitten a place to call their own is also a great way to help a child set boundaries as to when not to bother the kitty.
Scratching posts or trees - Many cat owners misunderstand scratching behavior. Owners often ask "how do I keep my cat from scratching? The best answer is not to stop them from scratching, but rather re-direct it. Cats scratch for three main reasons. Physical things happen when a cat scratches, form exercise and stretching to conditioning the claws, but most importantly, cats are marking their territory.
Cat Carrier - When selecting of a cat carrier, bear in mind your kitten is going to grow. A cat carrier can be a plain plastic (hard sided) or a soft sided carrier. The thing you want to remember is to allow enough room for your kitten to sit upright, stand upright and turn around.
Grooming tools - Grooming tools can be as basic as a metal tooth comb and a pair of cat nail clippers to as extensive as a professional groomers dryer, thinning shears and professional shaver. Talk with the breeder of your kitten to see what he or she recommends using for your new kitten.
