Kittens are great! They’re fun, cute and have a lot of love to give. But they can also be a lot to manage, which is why it’s imperative that you clue yourself up before getting a kitten.
If you’re already asking “what do I need for a kitten”, you’re doing the right kind of research. James Wellbeloved can help with that, providing a one-stop guide for getting a kitten to ensure you’re fully prepared for your new feline friend’s arrival.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT KITTEN FOR YOU
There are many things you need to consider before getting a kitten. Surprisingly perhaps, breed is not a major concern, as all cats are roughly the same size at each life stage – and breed doesn’t guarantee behaviour. It’s time and energy you need to think about above all else. Very young kittens often require feeding up to four times every day, as well as hours of play per week, so make sure you’re ready for the commitment.
Take into account factors such as your family or any current pets when deciding which kitten is for you too. How they will adjust to the new family member is key to providing a great forever home.
WHAT DO I NEED FOR A KITTEN?
Now that you’re ready to get a kitten, you’ll need to stock up on a few things before bringing them home. These include:
- A clean, comfortable bed
- Litter box and plenty of kitty litter
- Age-appropriate toys
- Brushes and flea combs
- Scratching post
- Food and water bowls
- High-quality kitten food
Making the effort to purchase essential items for your kitten in advance will help when it comes to looking after their general wellbeing. Remember, you can always talk to a vet for recommendations as far as kitten care is concerned.
FEEDING YOUR KITTEN
By the time you bring your kitten home, they will likely be weaned (at least eight weeks old) and used to eating solid foods. Make sure what you feed your kitten is high in calories, protein-rich and easy for them to digest. A mixed diet is preferable as dry food will help with their oral care and wet will help to increase their water intake.
Of course, there are also foods that kittens shouldn’t eat because they’re dangerous, including:
- Raw meat and egg whites
- Onions
- Garlic
- Chocolate
- Avocado
- Nuts
- Grapes – raisins and sultanas too
Ensure your kitten has plenty of suitable food, as well as fresh, clean drinking water. Also, in case you were wondering, do NOT give your kitten cow’s milk; in some, this leads to chronic diarrhoea. Instead, they could be offered specialist “cat milk” that is available in retailers if they enjoy this type of treat.
