Bringing home a new pet is always an exciting experience. However, if you are starting off with a new kitten or puppy, it can be a daunting and somewhat nerve-wracking experience. When you bring a new kitty home, there are several supplies you will need to already have on hand. Here is a short little guide to aid you in bringing your new cute kitten home.
First, you will want to begin by shopping. If you don't already own cats, you will need to buy kitten food, water and food dishes, a litter box and litter, a cat carrier, and a pillow or bed for it to sleep in, along with other necessities, such as a scratching post.
First, food and water dishes are essential. Because kittens are small, they usually prefer shallow bowls because they are less overwhelming. Food and water dishes come in plastic, ceramic, and metal. Plastic dishes are the easiest to clean because you can simply place them in the dishwasher. Metal bowls are also easy to clean and they are lightweight. Ceramic dishes look nice, but they heavy, easily broken, and care must be taken when washing them by hand.
Next, a litter box and litter is an absolute must. You can either buy and open or closed litter box. The closed litter box provides your cat with a sense of privacy and it also helps mask the odor of the litter a bit. An open litter box is slightly easier to maintain, and it takes up less space. Either way, most people place the litter box in a bathroom in the laundry room, away from the main traffic areas in the house. There are many different kinds of litter, so you may need to play trial and error with your cat-chances are they have a preference.
Next, your cat will appreciate somewhere to sleep. Though buying a bed is not necessary, cats really seem to enjoy the small space so they can curl up and cuddle in a soft spot. However, if you don't feel up to buying a kitty bed, an old soft pillow or a fluffy folded up blanket will do just fine, as long as it is warm and soft, your cat should be happy.
You will also want to have a cat carrier. Not only do you need to bring your cat home in something, you will want to have a carrier handy for other times you travel and want to take your cat with you. Also, when your kitten is still young and new to your home, you will want to put it in the carrier while you are away from home. You do not want the kitten getting nervous and scratching your furniture or relieving itself on your floor.
Finally, a scratching post is always a good buy. Many cats enjoy scratching and tearing up furniture because it helps trim their claws. However, parents aren't too keen on the idea. If you provide your kitten with a scratching post early on, it will learn that the post is for scratching, and not your furniture. Also, many scratching posts are filled with various chemicals that encourage your kitty to scratch it instead of the couch.
Though bringing a new kitten home can be stressful, if you are well supplied and prepared, it will be a fun learning experience. Good luck bringing your new kitten home!
Article provided by Pet Super Store a site featuring:bark control collars, electric dog fences and dog training collars.
Rescue Links