Here’s a check list:
• Puppy and kitten proof your home.
• Make sure you have suitable bedding, bowls, food and toys.
• If you have young children, discuss some rules with them. It’s important that children understand that little puppies and kittens are fragile and don’t like to be scared by loud noises and voices, or being picked up too much, and that they need plenty of time throughout the day for naps.
• For older children and other adults, you need to have a discussion so everyone knows what the boundaries are – such as if the puppy or kitten is allowed on the couch, or to sleep in the bedrooms. This makes it easier to reinforce the rules, and makes it less confusing for your puppy or kitten to learn. It’s also important that you’ve agreed on a name for your new arrival.
• Have a strategy to keep adult dogs and cats away until the youngsters have settled in.
• Prepare a room for your puppy or kitten – they feel safer in a secure environment which is quiet while they become familiar with the unfamiliar noises and smells of your home. Remove anything that could hurt them, and have some toys for them to play with.
• In their settling-in room, kittens need somewhere where they can hide (maybe a cardboard box, or drape some cloth over a chair so they can hide under it). It’s also a good idea to leave an item or two of your clothing so they can get used to your scent. Give your kitten a new scratching post (make sure that no other cat has used it, as your kitten may be distressed by the smell of another cat). Have water and food bowls on one side of the room, and an open litter box on the other side of the room.
• Make sure your camera and phone are in working order, ready to take hundreds of photos and videos to capture your new arrival as they navigate the first steps in their new life!
Once your pet has settled into their new home, it’s vital to socialise them so that they are confident and comfortable around people, and once they are vaccinated it’s important to get them socialised with other pets. Puppy schools are fabulous to introduce puppies to other dogs, and they will also learn some basic training (as will you).
Other pets
If you have other pets, gradually introduce them to each other in a controlled environment, always under your supervision. Dogs are territorial, so allow them to meet on neutral ground, make sure they all have their own food and water dishes, and share your praise and pats equally.
Food
Don’t skimp on good quality food, and don’t give them adult cat or dog food. If possible, find out what food they have been eating, and have the same type of food for them, as this will help them settle in. Feed them at the same time and in the same place every day, and make sure there is plenty of water available at all times.
Vet essentials
Take your kitten or puppy to the vet as soon as they have settled in. Kittens and puppies must get vaccinated and microchipped. Unless you plan to breed them, they should also be desexed. They also need regular worming. Your vet will be able to help you with all of this.
If you need help
If you need help to raise your puppy or kitten, there are many resources available, from training books to dog and cat organisations, with many people who would love to help you. Please make use of these resources. Also, if you find having a pet or kitten does not work for you, do the right thing and rehouse them with another loving family.
Puppies and kittens grow up way too fast, so make sure you enjoy every moment!