ESSENTIAL equipment

Whether you are taking a trip to your local pet store or shopping online for your new arrival, there’s certain equipment that your kitten must have in his new home.

LITTER TRAYS, LITTER, AND SCOOP

Your kitten’s litter trays (ideally you need two in different locations) should be placed in discreet and quiet places, away from his water and food bowls. Position away from large windows or cat flaps to avoid disturbance, which could prompt toileting issues.

Do not be tempted to buy cheap cat litter, instead opt for a specialist kitten litter, which will be soft on his delicate paws, locking fluid away effectively.

Remember to clean the litter tray regularly, as kittens are very sensitive to smells and he may be put off using it if it’s unclean.

TOYS

Kittens love to play and enjoy practising pouncing and chasing skills, so buy toys such as fishing rod-style toys, teasers, and catnip mice. It’s important to encourage appropriate play with cat toys, rather than with your fingers or toes, or you’ll encourage him to pounce on your hands and feet as he gets older, which will be painful!

SCRATCHING POST

A kitten will instinctively sharpen his claws and mark his territory by scratching, so to save your furniture being shredded, provide a scratching post, which he can scratch to his heart’s content. To encourage him to start using it, try applying a feline pheromone spray on the post, or perhaps a sprinkle of dried catnip.

Some cats and kittens may prefer to sharpen their claws on a horizontal surface as well as, or instead of, an upright scratcher.You can buy both types from good pet shops.

GROOMING TOOLS

It’s important to get your kitten used to being groomed, especially if he is particularly fluffy or has a thick coat. Even if he only has a short coat, he will need grooming, so it’s an important routine to get established. Ask your breeder about your kitten’s coat and for advice on the appropriate tools to buy. Generally, it’s worth investing in a good quality brush for daily grooming, and a comb to get to any mats before they start.

Top tip!

Place your kitten’s scratching post near one of his beds as cats often stretch and scratch after a snooze.

FOOD AND WATER BOWLS

Have low-profile bowls so your little kitten can reach his food with ease. Look for bowls with rubber grips on the base to stop them sliding on polished floors.

Make sure you continue feeding your kitten the food he’s used to — if you switch brands, it is likely to upset his tummy.The breeder or the rescue organisation should be able to advise you which food he has been used to.

Some cats prefer to drink from running water, so consider a pet water fountain, which your kitten will probably find entertaining as well as being a place to drink!

BEDS

Your new kitten will need at least two beds, which needn’t be expensive.

Location is important.As you may not know your kitten’s sleeping preferences yet, make sure he has access to both high and low resting points so he can choose.

THE KITTEN ROOM

Experiencing a new home is daunting for a tiny kitten, having left his mother and siblings and experienced a car journey. With this in mind, it’s best to set aside a dedicated room he can safely live in for a week or two to adjust gradually to his new surroundings. A spare bedroom or safe utility room would be ideal.

The kitten room should include:

● An area for food and a separate area for water.

● At least one litter tray placed as far away as possible from food and water, and in a private, accessible location.

● Somewhere to safely hide.

● Access to a high spot from where your cat can view his surroundings.

● A choice of suitable places to sleep.

● A scratching post.

● A few cat toys, and space in which to play.

TREATS

All owners love to give their cat a treat but when it comes to your kitten tasty snacks are more important than you realise.Treats can be used to help settle your kitten into their new home and help build the bond between you. Reward the behaviour you want to see and teach your kitten valuable life skills such as a recall.The tastier the treat, the greater the incentive for your kitten. Just remember to count any treats you give your kitten in their daily feeding allowance.