If you’re about to be a first time kitten owner, there’s a lot you need to prepare and plan. So, here’s a new cat owner checklist with tips on how to prepare for owning a kitten. Make sure you know what items to buy, what food to feed, and how to make your home safe for a young cat.
Items for a New Cat Owner Checklist
There are lots of items to prepare before you even bring your new kitten home. So, to ensure you’re not forgetting anything, here’s a checklist of must haves for new cat owners:
- Cat food
- Litter boxes
- Litter
- Cat beds
- Food and water bowls
- Scratching post
- Cat Tree
- Treats
- Cat carrier
These items are just the basics for cat care. It’s a good idea to have all the above before you bring a cat home. As your cat settles, you can get other essential supplies, such as a brush and nail trimmer.
Kitten Proof Your Home
Kittens are curious creatures that love to get into areas they’re not supposed to. So, make sure you cat proof your home before adopting a feline companion.
First, start by keeping your kitten in a “safe room.” This should be a confined space that includes all their needs, including beds, litter boxes, toys, food, and water. This will give your new cat a chance to settle and decompress before exploring the entire house. If you have other pets, you can start by introducing them to the kitten through the door to avoid fights.
Keep your kitten in their own room for at least two to three days. Once you’re ready to give them free rein of the house, make sure dangerous items are inaccessible to them. Go room-by-room and restrict access to things you don’t want your kitten to get into, such as food and cleaning supplies. Lock cabinets and shut doors as needed.
Also, pick up any choking hazards that your kitten could view as a toy, such as string and rubber bands. Kittens are extremely inquisitive, so they will explore every inch of the house if you let them.
Setting Up Litter Boxes
In your home, you should have one litter box per cat, plus one extra. If your new kitten is your only pet, you should have two litter boxes (or more if you have a large home).
Make sure the litter boxes you choose are easy for your kitten to get in and out of. If the sides of the litter box are too high, your kitten might urinate outside it because they can’t get in. Put the litter boxes in places that are convenient for your kitten so they don’t have to go out of their way to do their business.
Show your kitten where the litter boxes are when you first bring them home. Keep them out in the open at least until your kitten learns to use them. Kittens can’t hold their bladders as long as adult cats, so they could have an accident if they can’t find a litter box in time.
Luckily, kittens usually learn to use the litter box on their own, but some may have a harder time with it than others. If your kitten is struggling with potty training, start taking them to the litter box right after they eat, drink, or wake up to encourage them to relieve themselves there.
Choosing a Good Diet
Choosing food for your new kitten can be overwhelming since there are so many cat food brands out there. Food made specifically for kittens is best, so that can help you narrow down your search. In general, look for food that’s rich in protein and low in carbohydrates to support your kitten’s growth.
Wet food is preferred over dry food for most cats. The flavour is more appealing, it provides lots of protein, and it’s easier for cats to chew. If you can’t afford to give your kitten wet food only, consider mixing a little wet food with dry food.
Some cats are pickier than others, so if your cat doesn’t like the food you choose, try a different flavor. However, if you drastically change their food, make a gradual transition between the two foods by mixing a little bit of each together. That way, the food is less likely to upset your cat’s tummy.
When serving food, make sure the portions and bowls are kitten-sized. The food packaging can give you a good rule of thumb for portions, but it’s best to ask your vet how much food your kitten needs based on their weight, age, and activity level.
Is Pet Insurance a Good Idea?
Some new kitten owners get pet insurance right away while others choose not to get it at all. It depends on the person’s preferences and financial situation.
Pet insurance is a great idea for cat owners who don’t want to stress about massive vet bills. Some plans cover emergencies so you don’t have to break the bank to save your cat’s life. Other pet insurance plans focus more on annual vet needs, such as vaccines, checkups, and medications.
The monthly fee for pet insurance greatly varies based on the type of plan you choose. So, look at some popular pet insurance companies and their rates to decide which one fits your needs best. If you want to ensure you’ll always be able to afford your pet’s medical needs, pet insurance is usually a good idea.
Make Sure You’re Prepared to be a First Time Kitten Owner
Hopefully, this new cat owner checklist helped give you an idea of what to prepare before adopting a kitten. You’ll need essential supplies like food, litter, and beds, and you’ll need to kitten-proof your home for your new pet’s safety. Plus, you’ll want to consider where the litter boxes will go and what your cat’s diet will be like.
Once you’ve considered all the aspects of cat care, you’re ready to find the perfect kitten to welcome into your home.