Litterbox
The Litter Maid self-scooping litterboxes come highly recommended by me if you have the financial means to purchase one. However, our new kittens have no problem using a standard litterbox as well.
Litter Box Training Tips:
Although your kitten will be completely litter trained here before going home with you, the first few days in a new house might be overwhelming for them because of the unfamiliar environment. Put the litterbox in a calm, out-of-the-way spot, but make sure it’s not in the same room as the food and water bowls. They have a natural aversion to defecating close to the source of their nourishment. As soon as you go back to your house, but the young cat in its litter box so that it will always know precisely where to look for it. During the first few days, it is a good idea to remember to pick up the kitten on a regular basis and deposit him or her in the litterbox.
If it seems that the kitten is about to fall out of the box, take him up and carefully replace him within the container. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
It is recommended that you have at least one litterbox available for each of your cats.
When they are young, you should always have a litterbox close by.
It is essential to maintain a high level of cleanliness in the litterbox at all times.
Before you introduce your new kitten into your house, make sure that any carpets that have previously been used by animals that have gone to the bathroom on them have been meticulously cleaned. A kitten will mistake any location in which it may detect the odor of pee for a litterbox. The kitty can see and smell it even if you can’t see or smell it. You may check the carpet with a black-light to see if there are any stains or spots that need to be cleaned. Once you’ve located the problem regions, the steps to cleaning them are as follows: Link.
Scoopable Litter
The brand Tidy Cats is the one that we use.
Water Dispenser
While the electric types of water dispensers are popular, our family has stuck with the traditional gravity-fed one over the years.
Food Dishes
Buy food dishes that are made of thick ceramic so that your cat won’t be able to knock them over and create a mess with them.
Feeding Tips:
You should feed your kittens at least four times a day, or you may keep fresh food available for them all day long. Adult felines may get food and water twice daily. Always make sure there is enough clean water available, and under no circumstances should you alter (or add to) the food that the kitten is eating for the first three weeks after you bring him home.
Kittens are not little versions of adult cats and should not be given food intended for mature felines. In order for them to develop normally, they need the specific nutrients that are included in kitten food. Our kittens also adore canned food.
Do not feed your cat milk! The vast majority of kittens are unable to adequately digest it, and as a result, they will get diarrhea.
Scratching Posts
Scratching Posts Are Absolutely Necessary! Declawing is not something that we advocate. There is a dizzying array of options available to pick from. Start with at least one or two simple sisal poles; you’ll always have the option to upgrade to a more elaborate cat tree in the future.
Scratching is a behavior that comes naturally to kittens. They do this to keep their claws in good shape, which also provides an excellent exercise for their legs. As soon as you bring your new kitten into the house, begin constructing a solid post out of sisal. Show your cat how to scratch on it, and if you notice her scratching your furniture, take her up and put her at the post so she may scratch there instead of your furniture. You may make the scratching post more appealing to your cat by rubbing it with catnip or spraying it with a product that contains catnip.
Bedding
When it comes to bedding, I am often asked what sort of bed should be purchased for the new cat. To tell you the truth, kittens are content to sleep anywhere they can. You’ll be shocked to see how your kitten will be boisterously playing, and then simply fall right there on the floor asleep in the middle of it. They will often select their own preferred place to sleep, which may or may not be on the same bed as the owner. Invest in a cat hammock that can be hung in your window if you truly want to do something kind for your feline friend. It is certain to become a well-liked place for snoozing.
Toys
Kittens will play with nearly anything you put in front of them. Watch how they go absolutely crazy when you toss a ball of crumpled-up paper on the ground in front of them. They will also like playing hide and seek if you put a paper bag on the floor for them to use as a hiding place. But because we all like shopping for our animals, I thought I’d share some of the things that our cat enjoys the most. You may also train them to play fetch with crinkle balls or jingle balls, which are similar but sound different. Wands that have feathers or glitter affixed to the end of them. Anything that has catnip inserted inside of it. Mice with fur made of rabbit. You are the fisherman, Kitty, with your fishing poles. Oh, and I must not forget about those spherical floor scratchers with a ball to chase around the perimeter. Those are important to mention as well. You may even stuff them with catnip if you want. The enjoyment lasted for hours!
Socializing and Playing Tips:
We highly suggest that when you initially bring your kittens home, you keep them confined to a small area such as a bathroom or spare bedroom until they get used to the unfamiliar sights, sounds, people, and other animals that live in your home. If you do so, it will make it easier for the kittens to acclimatize to living in your house.
The first few weeks of a kitten’s existence are the most crucial in terms of socialization and the formation of bonds with other animals. Take your kittens in your arms often and chat to them as you stroke and love them. Kittens that are treated in the correct manner will associate these joyful moments with you and will be your buddy for the rest of their lives.
Always handle kittens with care, and never allow them to bite your hands or ankles. Kittens naturally engage in rough play, which may include biting, but if you let them, they may begin to see you as a toy rather than a person. If your kitty behaves in this manner, tell it NO! And go away. Instead, you could play with toys with the kittens so they may have some fun.
Food
We feed our cats Iams canned food twice a day in addition to the Iams kitten food (which comes in a purple bag) during the first year of their lives. The “hairball” method works well for grownups.
Carrier
If your kitten is going to be sent, you will get one of them for free; however, if you are going to pick up your cat in person, you will need to purchase one. You are going to need one in order to take your kitten in for checks at the veterinarian, and they are useful items to have on any journey.
Grooming Supplies
Slicker brushes are our go-to choice since they are so effective at detangling the hair and removing dense undercoats. As your kitten gets older, you may want to think about purchasing a comb and thinning shears as well in order to maintain the best possible condition of your cat’s coat.
Grooming Tips:
Grooming is a big responsibility when you own a Persian cat. Persians and Himalayans must be groomed every day. Be sure to brush kitty everywhere- especially underneath. Run your fingers through the coat, if you feel a tangle, carefully loosen it with your fingertips, then brush out. Brushing against the grain will stimulate growth and improve shine. If the kitty is not brushed thoroughly and often, he can get matted. Brushing your kitty often promotes less shedding and fewer hairballs as well. Gently clean the face and around the eyes with a soft cloth once or twice a day to keep it from getting stained.
It is necessary to give your kitten a bath from time to time. If you keep them very clean they will grow up to really dislike being dirty and will groom themselves better. They will also get used to being washed in the tub and won’t fight you about it when they get older. Anyway, the trick is to have everything ready- run the bath about 4 inches, have towels within reach, use baby shampoo or special shampoo for cats and have the lid open so you can pour it on with one hand, then bring him in and get him all wet and shampoo, a sprayer is great to rinse or a dip a cup in the bath. Be very careful not to get water in kitty ears.
Be sure to thoroughly dry the kitty after each bath! To dry, use one towel and dry him off as well as possible, then wrap him up in a dry towel and blow dry set on low. It helps to set the blow dryer on a chair so it blows down on him and that way you have two free hands. Brush the fur up as he dries. Be careful that the blow dryer is not too hot- if it is comfortable on your hands it’s Ok for the kitty. It is helpful to clip some of the hair around the backend- helps him to keep himself clean back there.
Nail Clippers
It is normal for your cat to maintain its nails in condition by using the scratching post. Nail clippers may also be purchased separately. If you decide to cut them yourself, be sure to use extreme caution. It is in your best interest to have someone walk you through the process the first time.
Pet Insurance
You may want to consider getting insurance for your new kitten in light of the escalating costs associated with providing care for pets.
