Preparing for your first cat/kitten
How to prepare for your new furbaby
When getting a cat or a kitten you need to make sure you are fully prepared. Introducing a pet into your home and family is a big thing. This creature is going to rely on you for basic things but will also give you so much in return. I have four cats, a two year old tabby called Bella, two one year old brothers Logan, grey and white, and Miles, black and white. And my newest addition is almost 6 months old Evie, she is a black and white kitty too. All of them have different personalities but all needed the same basic things when we got them. Below I have a checklist to help you when you are planning on getting a furry addition.
Beds
When buying a bed just go for simple, the dome beds work for some cats but not all. My two boys used to sleep on top of it whereas my new kitten loved to sleep inside it. My advice is go for a simple open bed, you don't want to spend too much money on a bed as they will probably end up growing out of it and sleeping all over the house.
Food
For kittens you want to have gravy or jelly based kitten foods as well as a good brand of dry food. I personally found that the best kitten wet food was the Sainsbury's or Tesco's own brand as well as Whiskers. They are not only fairly priced but also good for them. For kitten dry food I went with James Wellbegood and Go cat. They are both good brands and are known for being the best type of food for growing kitties.
For cats wet food I found the best brand was gravy Sheba or James Wellbegood wet food. They seemed to be easier for adult cats to eat. And dry food is again James Wellbegood or Go cat.
However, every cat is different. Sometimes it takes a few tries to find what food they like but personally I find that gravy food is easier and more appealing to them.
Bowls
Don't buy metal bowls, it freaks them out as they can see their reflection and think its another cat trying to steal their food. Ceramic bowls are the best, plastic are ok but they are light so the cats can think they are a toy sometimes. A good suggest is to have a ceramic bowl for wet food and have dispensers for their dry food and water. Here are a couple of good ones:
Litter and litter boxes
When choosing litter it can be hard to know which ones are the best to pick. All litters are different, and as I have said all cats are different. There is clay, sand, wood chips and so on. The type of litter you choose can be based on what kind of litter box you buy. When they are kittens you want a smaller box that is easier for them to get in and out of. Most super markets have them ( I will attach some links), but as they get older I would suggest a box with a high back or a corner box. I have found the best litter to be the Sainsburys own brand of clay clumping or the ultra clumping. I found that it absorbed the smell a lot better than most, but you will still need some deodorising powder. Pets at home do some good brands too. Links below.
Scratching pole
Every cat needs one and trust me if you don't have one they will scratch your furniture. It helps to sharpen their claws and deters them from scratching your furniture. It gives them a sort of comfort as when they are doing it they are spreading their scent onto it. A good suggestion is to get a cat tower that has multiple ones on it as they can stretch and climb.
Toys
Plenty of toys are needed to keep your little friend occupied. Cats love to hunt and play. It keeps them fit and healthy but is also a good way to make them sleep through the night and not wake you up at 6am. I have found that animal looking toys and ones with feathers are the best. Lasers of course will always be the best and you can even get automatic ones. Just be warned the cats will also love the boxes they come in but also will destroy them so you will have to replace them eventually. My kitten loves to drown her mice in her water bowl and bring them to me like trophies. Catnip toys are good too, but not all cats react to it the same.
Extra tips
- When you have all this you also will need to look into things like vets and insurance. You want to choose a vet that is reliable and has good views. Try to get insurance before you take them for their first jabs. You can sometimes claim back and most vets even have temporary insurance or discounted ones.
- When they go for their first jabs don't be worried if they sleep for most of the day. They will be feeling sorry for themselves.
- Play with them lots as it burns energy and is bonding time
- Cuddles will always be on their terms so don't feel discouraged if they go from sleeping on you to sleeping somewhere else in the house. When they are small they see you as there mum to protect them, they can be clingy but they are in a new environment away from their mother and siblings. Be patient.
- Clip their claws regularly. Whether you do it yourself or get the vet to, it will protect you from nasty scratches.
- They scratch beds and sofas the sometimes as it smells like you.
- They don't need wet food to live. They can live off just dry or just wet. I feed mine wet food in the morning and let them munch on dry food throughout the day and night.
- Brush them often, it reduces hair but get a good pet hoover.
All cats are different so some of this may not apply but it is a good basis to go off when you are planning to get a cat/kitten. As long as you shower them with love and care for them, they will give you love in return.
(My furbabies)
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