Bringing a new kitten into your home is exciting. However, it is also a lot of work. At The Cat Practice in Oak Park, IL, our team can advise you on how take care of a kitten and make sure it stays healthy. There are several things you should do before bringing a kitten home.
Kitten-Proof Your Home
Kittens are curious and love to climb and explore. The first step to preparing for a new kitten is to kitten-proof your home as much as possible. Be sure the kitten has a safe place to freely explore without getting locked in cabinets or trapped in unsafe places. Consider adding child locks on cabinets and keeping bedroom doors closed.
Prepare a room or area for your kitten to stay when you’re not home to help prevent accidents and unwanted scratching. The area should be complete with food, water, and a clean litter box.
Basic Kitten Care Supplies
- Kitten Food: Kittens have special dietary needs. Choose a high-quality kitten food formulated specifically for kittens and feed according to the package directions.
- Food and Water Dishes: Choose food and water dishes that are shallow but won’t easily tip over.
- Cat Litter and Box: Start with a small cat box and gradually increase its size as your kitten grows. Avoid cat litters with strong chemicals.
- Scratching Post: A safe place for your kitten to scratch is necessary and helps avoid scratched up furniture.
- Toys: Kitten toys are essential for your cat’s brain development and stimulation. Try a variety of small toys to find out what your kitten likes best.
- Nail Clippers and Brush: Choose a soft brush to brush your kitten daily and cat nail clippers to trim sharp claws.
- Cat Carrier: A comfortable cat carrier based on your kitten’s expected full-grown size will make trips to our veterinarian much easier.
Visit Our Veterinarian
After you’ve prepared your home and obtained your supplies, it’s important to schedule a checkup with our vet. At The Cat Practice in Oak Park, IL, we will make sure your new pet is healthy and happy with a wellness exam and essential vaccinations. We’re also here to help answer all of your kitten care questions. Call us today to schedule an appointment.