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Mark your calendars! July 10 is National Kitten Day, and what better way to celebrate than to bring a new little ball of fun into your home? Whether you've never owned a cat before or you're proud to be considered the neighborhood cat lady, it's important to know that bringing home a kitten is often much different than adopting a cat that's already in its adult years. Use this guide to help you make the adoption process easy on you, your new kitten, and the entire family.
Look in the Right Places
It can be tempting to find someone who is offering free kittens on Craigslist or in a Facebook group, but often these kittens haven't yet been to the vet and may be sick or have fleas. Unless you have the time and funds to invest in to caring for a sickly kitten, it's a good idea to do your research before adoption day. You have a wide variety of options when it comes to how you adopt a kitten. If you'd like to be sure that you're getting a rescue, you can check out local animal shelters or rescue groups. However, keep in mind that kittens often go quickly. To avoid disappointment, it might be best to check with these facilities often to ensure they have kittens before you visit.
If you want a specific type of kitten, such as a Siamese or a Maine Coon, you may want to consider checking out a breeder or a breed-specific rescue. Searching Google or reading cat magazines will help to connect you with breeders or breed rescues. Of course, you can still find a kitten on Facebook or in forums, but be sure to ask about its health and such before committing to taking one.
Prepare To Bring Your Kitten Home
Before you bring a new kitten into your home, it is important to ensure your space will be safe for it. Remember, despite their small size, kittens are able to climb high and get themselves into all kinds of precarious situations. Take the time to view every room of your home from a kitten's eye level. Look for nooks, crannies, and other areas that your new pet may decide to try to hide. Block off vents, tie up the cords on your window blinds, and move the cords to your electronics to ensure that your kitten doesn't accidentally hurt himself. If you can't move all of your cords, purchase a bitter spray that will help to keep your new kitten from chewing on stuff.
Purchase Your New Kitten's Supplies
If you are 100% sure about getting a kitten, it's a good idea to purchase the supplies you'll need first. Start with the basics. Look for a high-quality kitten food that includes a named source of protein (avoid anything that simply says "meat") as well as healthy fillers such as sweet potato or green peas. Avoid cat foods that have grains, as many cats are allergic to them. Keep in mind that your kitten will need treats, too, especially if you want to train it. Of course, you'll want something cute to serve his meals in, so be sure to grab food and water dishes.
The other most obvious supplies you'll need for your new kitten are a litter box and high-quality cat litter. Consider how much work you'll want to put into caring for the litter box. If you don't mind scooping often, a basic one will be more affordable and sufficient. However, if you want to hide the box and want one that cleans itself, you'll need to pay a little more. Look for litter box enclosures that can double as furniture if you want something truly unique. Choose a high-end, clumping litter for the best results. Keep in mind, though, that many cats are finicky about litter, so you may need to try several options before finding one that your kitten likes.
Now that you have food and litter out of the way, it's time to think about your kitten's playtime. You'll need a wide variety of cat toys to help your new kitten stay enriched, entertained, and happy. From basic toys on strings and catnip toys to interactive toys that will keep your cat entertained even when you aren't home, you'll have a wide variety of options to choose from. Of course, you can't forget the cat tree. Kittens love to climb and scratch. Having a designated area for yours to do so will help to keep him (and your furniture) safe.
Don't forget to consider some of the less obvious supplies as well, such as a collar and ID tag, dental care products, ear care products, grooming tools, and even cute clothes for your cat.
Introduce Your Kitten To Your Household
After you've chosen your kitten, prepared your home, and purchased all of your supplies, it's time to introduce your new pet to your home. During the first week, it is a good idea to limit your kitten to one or two rooms, such as the bathroom and a bedroom, until it is used to the new sights, sounds, and smells. This is especially true if you have small children or other pets who will want to get to know the new family member and may not understand boundaries. Spend time introducing kids and animals a bit at a time and always keep dogs on a leash during initial introductions, especially if they've never been around cats.
Bringing a new kitten into your home is a big responsibility. Plan ahead and take your time to ensure you find the right fit for your family.
