Cat Tips – Getting Ready For a New Kitten

As part of our commitment to community building, we will be running a series of blog posts to help keep you updated on what’s going on at Aipaws. This will also see regular entries relating to pet care topics for cats and dogs. We hope knowledge sharing will be useful to our community and invite discussion. We will be splitting between everything cats and dogs, our first entry covers what to do when you’re finally ready to bring a new cat home!

Domestic cats have been part of society for centuries and there is a wealth of wisdom to dive into when it comes to preparing the household for a new feline friend. Offering a home to a cat is a wonderful journey and if the necessary provisions are prepared, they will reciprocate as loving companions along the way. One of the most basic preparations for welcoming a new paw friend is getting the household ready and creating a safe and secure environment for them to live in.

Plan Ahead

Know Your Cat

Knowing your cat and its requirements is an important part of preparation. Some cats will have special requirements or health conditions to be mindful of. Finding out about any dietary requirements is also important. For some young kittens this can be a stressful and solitary experience, it would be the first time without their mother and litter mates. Reassurance is key and approaching the cat gently during transit is a perfect time to begin verbal interaction. Soft words of encouragement will be the start of this gradual process.

The Introduction Process

A cat may begin to feel a sense of security while in its carrier and this should be kept on hand during the introduction phase in the new home. Leaving it open when in the new living space will help a cat survey its surroundings and familiarise itself. It will have the option to return to the carrier or cage if it feels it needs to, it’s common for a cat to be hesitant and an ongoing effort to provide loving words of encouragement will go a long way. Giving freedom will help instill confidence and curiosity will often get the better of your new feline companion.

Introduction into a new space such as the living room is a common reaction for most but there should be an order of priority to help your new furball settle in. Showing them the litter tray, places of eating and rest are all priorities when bringing a new cat home. They will quickly adapt and remember these locations over time. Exposure to food and water in particular will be something they would have been familiar with and will be received with gratitude.

Arrival of a new cat in the household is an exciting time that many will approach with enthusiasm. The indescribable burst of joy and cuteness is often hard to contain among adults and children alike. It is at this point where an owner needs to exercise a little care for their new cat as it is still a nervous and stressful period of transition. Getting a cat used to the family is a long term intention that needs to be done in stages. Children may want to be hands on during the first day but energetic handling during the introduction stage can be a little too much for a cat. Introducing people in stages and using the initial introduction space as a place of peace and quiet will help.

The Essentials

• Pet Carrier - Having a pet carrier for transport keeps the cat safe and can help make them feel secure during transportation.

• Food Bowls – A cat’s day cannot be without nourishment, a set of two bowls will help to serve fresh food.

• Water Bowls – Hydration is important and having a water bowl or other serving device will be needed to allow round the clock access. Cats are not often fond of drinking water, regular fresh changes are recommended throughout the day.

• Litter / Tray – Whether it’s a SMART automatic self-cleaning solution or a traditional litter tray, litter training is important and an early start is recommended.

• Cat Bed – Having a warm and comfortable spot for a cat to rest in will contribute to making your new pet friend feel at home. They may not always choose to sleep here...