What to buy


Setting up home

When your cat arrives make sure your house is quiet, calm and safe. Remove any possible hazards and ensure everything you need – feeding bowls, accessories, bedding and so on – are in place. Decide in advance where your kitten will eat and sleep – your new baby needs peace and quiet for both, especially in the early days. An out of the way corner is ideal.

If the atmosphere is noisy or disturbed, your kitten could grow into a nervous and fearful adult. The best approach is to move gently without shouting, and to avoid passing the kitten round for everyone to cuddle. Gain your kitten’s trust by keeping her safe.

Your home could be dangerous for a young kitten so check to ensure that potential hazards are kept out of access before your kitten arrives. The list to the right is a useful guide but is not exhaustive so please speak to your vet for further advice on keeping your kitten safe at home

Potential hazards

  • Plastic bags and foam
  • Oven Hobs
  • Balconies
  • Irons
  • Electric wires and sockets
  • Pesticides and weed killers
  • Medicines
  • Small items such as elastic bands and drawing pins
  • Washing machines and tumble dryers
  • Dustbins and toilets (always keep the lid on and the toilet seat down)
  • Some plants can be harmful for cats, avoid Holly, Lillies, Mistletoe, Wisteria, Rhododendron, Ivy and Sweat pea
  • Sewing materials
  • Antifreeze

What to buy for your new kitten

When you get your kitten home, show them where things are kept, starting with the litter tray, then the basket which will become a place of refuge for peace and safety, and finally her toys and accessories.

 Food :
As a general rule of thumb, we like to suggest buying what goes on their skin and in their mouth from a licensed veterinarian if possible. We feed our kittens medical development formula in canned and dry form. This brand is sold at any vet clinic across Canada and in some USA clinics.

 

Basket:

Choose one with comfortable bedding where the kitten will feel safe (although don’t be surprised if your kitten chooses to sleep elsewhere, like your bed).

 

Litter tray: 

This should be a container with a scoop to remove droppings. Non covered tray is best.

 

Two dishes:

Use a small one for cat and a bigger one for fresh water. Water should be available for your cat at all times. Ensure dishes are a minimum of 50 cm apart from one another and from bedding and litter trays. Use the n+1 rule for water bowls and litter trays. (ie, if you have 2 cats 2+1=3 litter trays/water bowl, 3 cats=4 etc).

 

Scratching post:

A scratching post can help avoid damage to other furniture in your home.

 

Toys:

Can be bought from the pet shop or home made.

 

Cat tree:

As kittens love to climb up high (it is the dominant position) a cat tree can help save your cat from vaulting on your furniture and at the same time as to satisfy their need for exercise.