Everything You Need When Bringing a New Kitten Home
Published by Connor Bainton,
Bringing a new cat or kitten into your home is an exciting happening that can lead to a beautiful and long-lasting friendship. Adopting a cat will also bring about a lot of change for both of you, so make sure you have certain items on hand to help you make the transition as smooth as possible.
Litter
When it comes to litter box training and its everyday use, choosing the correct box and litter for kittens can make all the difference in the world. This is because your cat has their own set of preferences, or sometimes its the case of sensitive paws and kitten-related habits.
Another factor to consider when purchasing a new litter box is accessibility. The edges of an uncovered litter box should be low enough so that your cat can easily get in and out. The key is the ease of entrance, the more difficult it is for your cat to enter the litter box, the less likely they are to do so.
The question of why your cat likes one type of litter over another will remain a mystery for the rest of your life, but what is important is that you offer your cat the type of litter they prefer. Otherwise, they may completely refuse to use the litter box you spend a good amount of money on.
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If you have adopted a cat who has previously lived outside, you will probably need to use sand instead of litter. Once your cat is comfortable using the box you can gradually add litter, and later on, you can entirely replace the sand out. You can buy litter for kittens at pet specialist shops made of recycled paper, softwood, and crystals, all of which make excellent litter solutions.
Another important feature of cat litter is whether or not it clumps. Clumping litter often contains bentonite, which absorbs urine and forms solid lumps, leaving the rest of the litter dry and clean. When it's time to scoop, just remove the solidified urine clumps along with the excrement.
Non-clumping litter simply allows urine to filter through, with additions like baking soda or charcoal absorbing part of the odour. While the urine dries up in the remainder of the litter, you can only scoop up the feces. With the non-clumping kind, the only way to remove urine from the box is to change all of the litter, which is normally done once a week.
Pet Carrier
When selecting means of transportation for your cat you should consider the safety, comfort, cost, and durability of the pet carrier. Choosing the correct carrier for your cat is a valuable investment since a decent carrier gives extra protection for your cat and may help make travel less stressful. Travelling with a cat without a carrier can be hazardous to both you and your cat.
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Cats in carriers should be able to stand, sit, and turn around. A carrier should be around one and a half times the size of your cat. If the carrier is too large, it might be difficult to balance and carry the carrier without your cat sliding from one side to the other. But if you intend to travel for longer, make sure the carrier can hold food and water bowls. If you will be travelling long distances, a bigger cage that can accommodate a litter box and a bed is a good option.
Food and Water Bowls
Purchasing food and water dishes for your cat is more than just selecting the cutest pattern on the market, but choosing the appropriate size and material. Knowing which materials are ideal for your cat's health and your household will make selecting new food and water dishes for your pet cat easier.
Although plastic bowls are a typically durable option, they can have a few drawbacks. For starters, many cats are allergic to plastic, second, plastic nicks and scratches easily, and those tiny fissures serve as a breeding ground for bacteria. Fortunately, plastic is not the only material you can pick when purchasing a new cat dish.
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Stainless steel is perhaps the safest and best-performing material for cat bowls. Stainless steel may be cleaned in the dishwasher but is very simple to clean by hand. Stainless steel is also visually appealing and may complement any form of home décor. This material is incredibly long-lasting and may be used for a lifetime. Just make sure the stainless-steel dish you purchase has a skid-proof bottom; otherwise, the bowl will slide about on the slippery floor while your cat eats.
Cats hate eating and drinking from filthy bowls and plates. Even dry food has enough moisture and fat to form a film on the plate. Try to rinse out dry food dishes on a regular basis and run them through the dishwasher at least once a week. Canned food bowls should be rinsed in the dishwasher on a daily basis.
Bed
Even if you have been told that pet beds are a needless luxury and that the floor or your own bed will do a good job, giving your pet their own bed will be more vital than you know. If you have pets in your house, you are already familiar with the feeling of losing your personal space. As a result, it is critical that you take your time and pick a quality bed for your pet to provide the comfort it requires.
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A great pet bed will have superior support and foams systems that will keep your cat supported and comfy while resting. As a result, you will be able to sleep better knowing that your cat is as suited as you are. As a result, while purchasing a cat bed, be sure to examine its level of comfort.
Cats and dogs are naturally territorial. They also prefer to sleep, snooze, and rest in certain parts of their home. A properly sized pet bed may increase their comfort and provide them with a particular place in the house. As a result, when they want to unwind, they will have a location to call their own.
Scratching Post
While a scratching post may not seem like the first pet item you should buy when bringing your new kitten home, this cat accessory will soon become your saving grace once those sharp claws have been unleashed. In addition to preventing your furniture from being ripped to bits, encouraging cats to utilize scratching posts is beneficial to their physical and emotional well-being.
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While scratching might appear to be an annoying cat habit for you, it is really beneficial to your kitty's claws, helping to keep them in good condition. This is due to the scratching action assisting in the removal of the outer layer of the nail, which may be dead or broken. Scratching is also extremely useful for stress management, so having their own scratching post as soon as they step into your home is a fantastic method to help them acclimate to their fairly new surroundings. The best scratching post for your kitten is one with additional toys hanging from it since this will promote both their playful and hunting sides.