“I’m getting a new kitten, what do I need to buy?”

After the excitement of finding your new kitten or cat it’s time to get ready for the big day your new friend arrives. You want to be able to spend the time together getting to know each other, not panicking because you realise you have no litter tray and having to spend the day going to the store to stock up on supplies. Getting ready ahead of time gives you the chance to pick and choose carefully from the many options available to you. There is a printable shopping list for your new cat at the bottom of the page for you to grab and go to the shops with.

Essential items for your new cat

Food and Water Bowls

Choose separate food and water bowls for your cat – they don’t like the kind that are joined together as the food can contaminate the water. Choose ceramic bowls or stainless steel over plastic as they are easily cleaned, last a lifetime and don’t absorb odours from food. Make sure you select shallow bowls – its easier for your new kitten and also cats don’t like it if their whiskers brush the sides of a deep bowl. Site the bowls well away from the litter tray. You will also need a supply of food for your new kitten, it is worth checking what food your kitten or new cat is currently eating so that the diet is familiar, if you wish to change them onto a different food from that given by the breeder do it gradually.

 

Litter Tray and Cat Litter

If you are getting a new kitten get an open sided litter tray that will be easy for your new guest to get in and out of, so nice low sides. Choose an unscented good quality litter that is fine textured and can be scooped to encourage your new friend to use the box, and be aware you might need to try several brands of litter before you find just the right type. Also you will want a litter scoop – you don’t want to be going in there with your hands! Disinfectant can be harmful to cats so use hot water and dish soap to clean the litter tray, you might want to have some special cloths for just this job too. Place the litter tray well away from where your kitten will be eating, drinking and sleeping, in a nice quiet corner which affords some privacy, but is still easy for the kitten to get to. If you have space and you find you are having many accidents in the early days you may consider getting two litter trays, some cats prefer to defecate in one and urinate in the other, it may seem a bit of a hassle to have two but its better to clean out two litter trays than have your cat use another area of the house for toileting.

 

Cat Bed

Choosing a bed for your cat can be tricky when there are so many choices. You want one that will allow room to stretch out, while not being too big – cats like to feel cosy. It needs to be easy to get in and out of – especially important if you are buying for a small kitten. Where you put your cat bed is as important as choosing the bed in the first place. Put it in a quiet spot, out of the way but where the cat can still peek out and see what is going on. Think differently – maybe under a table or chair, hidden behind a curtain or even on top of a cupboard or wardrobe. No matter which bed you choose you might find that your cat chooses its own bed – your ironing pile, windowsill or sofa. To encourage your cat to use its new bed try putting some used cats toys and an old t-shirt in the bed so that it smells familiar. Finally make sure it is machine washable so that you can keep it hygienic.

 

Cat Carrier

You will need to buy a cat carrier for transporting your new cat, not just home for the first time but also for vet trips and any other travel they may need to undertake. Make sure the carrier that you buy will accommodate your cat once fully grown. Enclosed plastic cat carriers are the best as they are easy to clean (unlike cardboard or wicker) and will keep messes contained if you are transporting an unwell cat and the carrier gets soiled. Ensure there is plenty of ventilation, and that the door is easy to secure.

 

Collar

One of the first things you will need to do is provide a collar for your cat that has an ID tag. Make sure to stay away from elasticated collars, or collars with buckles that need a person to undo them. Choose a quick release collar, if your cat gets caught or stuck the collar will snap open allowing your cat to get away and hopefully avoid injury.

 

Brush for grooming

 

Brushing your cat once or twice a week will help to prevent mats from forming in the fur and reduce the amount of pet fur you find in your home and help reduce fur balls as well as being an opportunity for bonding. Beginning this ritual when your cat is a kitten may make things go more smoothly. This is more important with long haired breeds than short haired, and the type of brush you choose will also reflect the kind of fur your cat has. A metal comb or rubber mitt type brush are fine for short haired breeds, but long haired breeds will need a wider toothed comb that can get down to the skin and a wire slicker brush.

 

Toys

You will want to get two kinds of toys – solo toys that your cat can safely enjoy playing with by himself, and interactive toys that you use to play together. Solo toys can include jingly balls, furry and feathery ‘mice’ toys that can be batted around and catnip toys. Don’t forget to buy some interactive wand or fishing rod type toys that you dangle and dance around and your cat follows.

 

Hiding places

Don’t forget to include some hiding places for your cat, you can buy cat houses and dens that have multiple entrances and small cosy interiors, or you can use cardboard boxes, or make creative use of space under tables or chairs.

 

Climbing places

Cats were born to climb, providing them with a climbing tree will help cats, especially indoor cats, to satisfy their urges to climb without ruining your curtains or knocking all the ornaments off your mantelpiece! Make sure it has a wide heavy base so that the weight of your cat will not topple the climbing tree over. Also ensure that the perches or stations are sturdy and will take the weight of your cat when it is fully grown.

 

Scratching Post

Providing your cat with a scratching post means that they can satisfy their natural need to scratch and sharpen their claws without destroying the furniture! Choose a sturdy and steady post so your cat can really scratch and stretch at the post without tipping or wobbling it. Consider avoiding carpeted posts as you want to direct your cat away from scratching carpeted areas and they may find it confusing if their scratching post is made of the same material.

 

Printable shopping list for your new kitten:

Food bowl
Water bowl
Kitten or cat food
Litter tray (open, low sides)
Litter scoop
Unscented fine grained litter
Cat bed (machine washable)
Cat carrier
Grooming Brush
Scratching Post
Climbing post
Toys
Collar (Breakaway design, ID tag)
Treats