Kitten Parenting 101

Got A New Kitten? Here’s What You Need

Welcome new pet parent! Now you have a fluffy little baby to love and cuddle with, aka your soft new kitten. As we all know, cats are an excellent pet, especially for those who aren't home much, or just for someone who wants a smaller, more independent pet to love.

Felines are loving, amusing, and ever so soft to cuddle. They get attached to their human parents and eagerly await their return daily. Most of their lifespans average around 16-17 years (for house cats.) This is a pet that requires a long term commitment so be prepared to share your life with these lovelies for at least a decade maybe two.

Ok, so now that you're acquiring your new fur baby let’s go over some things you will need to take care of them those first few days and beyond.

Needed Supplies

1. Food and Water Bowls — Be sure to get the appropriate size bowl for your kitten. You don't want them to have to climb in to eat or drink. Each pet should have their own bowl to prevent squabbles and cross contamination in case one gets ill.

2. Kitten Food — As with any pet food ALWAYS READ THE LIST OF INGREDIENTS. Look for the food with the least amount of by-products and corn and the most natural ingredients. The label will give you feeding amounts and might even offer feeding times.

3. Kitten Treats — These little training helpers are usually smaller and easier to chew than their adult cat counterparts.

4. Cat Carrier — The best way to transport your kitten as they grow to adult size. No one wants an agitated fully clawed fluffer, pouncing around a moving vehicle. This small space of the carrier will help settle your little fur baby and give them some security.

5. Litter Box and Clumping Cat Litter — Very important item. It is essential to start early on litter training your little fluffer. Extra tip sprinkle a little baking soda at the bottom of the pan to help eliminate odors. Scoop daily to prevent any ammonia smell.

6. Cat Bed — A comfy place for Fluffy to rest and sun. Cats tend to like small cozy places. It offers security and warmth. Remember kittens love to sleep. Especially in sunlight or or cozy places.

7. Jingle Collar and ID Tag — Cats need to become accustomed to wearing a collar. It's just as important to them as it is for canine companions. They need identification in case they manage to get away from you by accident.

As far as the jungle part… Kittens are very quick and tiny. That little bell helps you locate them and also prevents them from scaring the bejeebers out of you sneaking up behind you and possibly being stepped on.

8. Scratching Post — This lovely item will not only keep your kitten entertained … But has the bonus feature of saving your furniture, curtains, walls, etc. Kittens need to work those claws and a post helps wear them down, so they don't grow too long.

9. Kitten Toys — Such as a laser pointer, jingle balls, little mice. Make sure they are small enough your kitten can swat, chase them and pick them up but not small enough to choke on.

Remember kittens love to play and practice their hunting skills. If you don't entertain them they will find a way to occupy themselves. Like clawing, curtains, walls, swatting their human family. You see where this is going right?

10. Kitten Shampoo — These are shampoos formulated specifically for your kittens' skin. DO NOT use human shampoo on them it is far too harsh and causes a reaction. This is another one of those things you want your little fluffer to be accustomed to early in life. Be sure to dry them off quickly as a small kitten gets cold easily.

The things listed above are just basic supplies. Some are more important to have than others but all will help in making your new life with your little one more at ease.

There are also many other things you will find to you might want to get for your new kitten. Cat perches and playhouse. Bow tie collars and covered litter boxes but this can all come later. Start with your basics and build from there.

For now, just curl up with your fluffy little bundle of love and bond. Play and cuddle. Remember they grow so fast. Relax and enjoy this time.

For the next step, you have to prepare yourself for as a new pet owner is that first veterinarian visit. Try to schedule it as soon as possible after you acquire your new kitten. Until next time...

Purrs and Sunshine,