Caring For A New Kitten – How, What And Why?

Are you about to share your life with a feline friend? Pet Problems Solved and Petbarn have what you need in this guide for caring for a new kitten – how what and why?

Caring For A New Kitten – How, What And Why?

It’s often said that a dog is a man’s best friend, but when it comes to kittens, the feline cuteness factor is unsurpassable.

Some people opt for getting a feline furball because they think taking care of a kitten is easier and requires less time-consuming responsibility than taking care of a puppy. And while cats are notably more independent than dogs, kittens are just as demanding as the youngsters of every other species.

Here’s what you need to consider when it comes to kitten care – physical and mental health care, nutrition, kitty furniture and your own furniture (yes, cats tend to ruin more than just the sofa) and your home environment. And by the latter one, I mean the people residing in your home, the spaciousness of your home and the noisiness of your neighbourhood.

Physical healthcare of your kitten

Kittens are just as fragile, helpless and prone to self-injury as human babies are. Their bones, joints and immune systems are underdeveloped. Even though they don’t need to go outside, that doesn’t mean they can’t get affected by internal or external parasites. Moreover, their curiosity will make them do some pretty crazy things, which could lead to possible injury.

Apart from taking care of vaccinations, and possible immune system supplements, you’ll also need to kitty-proof your home for the sake of your kitten (and for the sake of your personal belongings!). Fragile things left on display, cluttered high spots and dust under the bed/sofa are an absolute no-no for kitten owners.

Mental healthcare of your kitten

Most cats don’t get easily accustomed to new surroundings – that includes their new home and their new owners. In addition to that, kittens may find it difficult to adjust to being without their siblings. A cat’s senses are more heightened than a human’s senses. Kittens can easily get overwhelmed by new sights, smells, noises, people and overall surroundings.

Make sure your new kitten has a comfortable and soothing home that provides safety above all. But let’s not forget about fun too – all kittens need some sort of entertainment! Which brings us to the next essential step.

Cat Furniture

Kitty furniture is of crucial importance for your kitten. Why? For starters, your furball will need something that’s only theirs. That means your house guests/friends/relatives mustn’t touch it or roam around it. Small apartments can be challenging when you need to find a corner for your pet’s things, but every kitten needs their own area. Here are some of the essentials, which that area must offer:

Food and water bowls – make sure they aren’t right next to each other as many cats refuse to drink from a source located right next to their food bowl
Cat bed – even though cats tend to sleep everywhere and have the most puzzling hiding places, your kitten might need a special cat bed to help it become more comfortable in its new home
Toys – opt for interactive toys that keep your pet occupied and well-exercised
Cat tree or condo – if your place is big enough, investing in a cat tree will do miracles for your pet’s mental and physical health
Cage or carrier – these are useful not only for vet trips
Grooming supplies – de-shedding tools, brushes, nail clippers
Pet camera – this is optional but helps with clingy kittens that are left home alone
Scratching posts – absolutely indispensable!

Types of cat scratching posts and how to get your cat to use them

You can never have enough scratching posts or pads when it comes to kittens. Trust me, you need them! Cats not only exercise and stretch their muscles when they scratch, but they also groom their nails and they scent-mark their territory. Unless you want to have every single piece of furniture and clothing in your home ruined, invest in some catnip sprays and several scratching surfaces.

Cat Food

Unlike many other mammals, cats thrive mainly on meat. This means real meat, not by-products. They require taurine and proteins found in raw, freeze-dried or cooked meat, but they also benefit from fibre and vitamins found in veggies and fruits.

Kittens need to be fed with special kitten food during the first year of their life.

They might require high or low-calorie intake depending on their breed, activity levels and health condition.. High-quality kitten food doesn’t come cheap, but it’s packed with every nutrient essential for your pet’s well-being.

Cat Litter

You’ll probably ask why I didn’t include a litter tray in the kitty furniture section. It’s only because there’s so much more to the litter than first-time kitten owners might think.

Apart from choosing a suitable litter tray (shape, size, material), you also have to think about the actual litter. Whether you choose crystals, flushable granules, pellets or other types of litter, that’s up to you and your kitten’s preferences. Some people opt for potty-training their cats (yes, that’s indeed possible), whereas others even take their cats out for a walk on a leash. It might sound unnatural, but it’s a thing.

Last, but not least, if you can really afford it, you can also opt for an automatic self-cleaning litter box. These things are seriously a life-saving gadget when you’re getting home after the longest day at the office and the last thing on your mind is cleaning up your kitten’s messy waste.

Does caring for a new kitten sound like a hassle? It actually isn’t, because the most important things kittens need are love and devotion; and they’ll be sure to return it.