New cat owners will have a lot on their plate when introducing their new kitten to their new home, but fear not, here are tips on how to adjust to this new addition to the family.
- Tip #1
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Do as much research as you can before your kitten arrives so you have everything you need. It’s better to be overprepared than underprepared. Months before I received Minnie, my emotional support animal (ESA), I had done a bunch of research. I bought her a bed only to realize that she would rather sleep next to or on top of me.
- tip #2
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With a new kitten, make sure to get them vaccinated to protect them from a wide range of extremely contagious diseases. Even if they are an indoor cat, it is better to have them protected in case they escape.
- tip #3
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Cats don’t drink as much water as dogs, so in order for them to stay hydrated, feed them wet food along with their kibble. You should also buy a water fountain to encourage them to drink water. But be careful not to overhydrate them!
- tip #4
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Playtime!!! A kitten is still young and full of energy, and a great way to stimulate them is to play with them. I bought Minnie a tunnel, cat tower, laser pointer, teaser, and a self-play toy tower for when I am in class. She loves them!
- tip #5
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Every cat is different, so the best thing you can do is be attentive to your cat’s needs, behavior, likes, and dislikes. Their tails do give you a sense of what your cat’s mood is, so it won’t hurt to look more into that.
- tip #6
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Cats do a good job of cleaning most debris from their coat, but they won’t get everything out. How often you bathe them depends on the cat. I bathe Minnie every 4 to 6 weeks because she’s a short hair indoor cat, and she also grooms herself often. The only reason I bathe her before is when she finds her way into something messy or sticky. Gently bathing your cat at an early age helps them form a good relationship with water.
Since baths can stress a cat out, make sure to give them lots of love and treats afterward and, if they want, some alone time to dry themselves off.
- tip #7
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Look into pet insurance, it can help you in the long run.
- tip #8
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Spay/Neuter your cat when they become of age! It prevents unwanted kittens and can reduce the number of cats on the streets.