New Kitten Checklist: 5 Essential Tips for New Kitten Owners

New Kitten Checklist: 5 Essential Tips for New Kitten Owners

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Bringing home your kitten is such an exciting time, especially for new kitten owners. But what many people don’t realize is that adjusting to life with your new furry friend can be challenging and overwhelming. Cats each have their own unique personalities, and kittens, with all their playful energy, can be a handful—but in the most adorable way!
A mother cat nursing her litter of kittens.
Luckily, one of the pros to having a kitten is that they can be quite self-sufficient and easy to take care of if you have the right items in your home and a proper care plan set in motion. So, to help you savor this memorable moment and enjoy your stay with your kitten, we are sharing five essential tips for new kitten owners.

1.     Food and Water Bowls

At the top of this list is a food and water bowl. Your cute little kitten will unapologetically choose to eat anywhere, even from your kitchen countertop, if you don’t provide a designated eating area. As we said, cats are pretty independent and will find ways to take care of themselves in your home as they see fit.
Ensuring there is a designated area with quality bowls for food and water will create a routine for your kitten. Thankfully, once your kitten gets used to eating from a specific bowl in a designated area of your home, that’s it- it will continue to venture there for food and water moving forward!

2.     What is the best food to feed my kitten?

Up until they are four weeks old, kittens require kitten milk replacer (KMR), a special formula designed for kittens. However, at 4 weeks and older, it is time to start the weaning process! Oh, what fun! You can opt for dry or wet food, but consulting with your vet is your best option. The brand pawTree has a kitten starter kit that includes delicious dry and wet food, treats, and more- all you need to get your kitten’s diet in order.
A gray and a white kitten eating food out of the same bowl.
Kittens will cry their hearts out if you don’t offer them their daily dose of nutrients, calories, and protein. You should opt for premium kitten food. Proper nutrition is quite necessary for your kitten’s health and growth. It is recommended that you only buy kitten food rich in essential nutrients, such as protein and taurine.

3.     Litter Box and Litter

For the sake of your kitten’s hygiene, a little box with high-quality litter is absolutely necessary. Go for litter boxes that are easy for your little furry friend to access. Additionally, when researching litter, you will find different litter variations, such as the clumping kind or natural wood alternatives.

4.     Comfortable Bed and Hiding Spots

As a new kitten owner, you may notice that your little kitty will sleep quite often, up to 18 hours a day! As such, it’s crucial to create a safe space and a warm bed for your furry friend. Some kittens enjoy having an enclosed bed or covered areas, which mimics a safe den.
Aside from that, don’t forget to purchase a cat carrier and adjustable kitten collars for those outdoor days.

5.     Toys and Scratching Posts

A kitten playing with a toy.
Finally, playtime is necessary for your newfound friend.  So, provide as many playing toys as possible, for instance, a feather wand, or play balls. That should help keep them entertained and engaged. Avoid any small objects that could easily be swallowed, and always supervise your kitty’s playtime.
It is typical for cats, and even little kittens, to want to keep their claws sharp and healthy, so if you love your couch, remember to buy a scratching post! Having a sturdy scratch post or cat tree will prevent your furniture from being their go-to scratching surface.

Bonus Tip: Pet Insurance

Little kittens tend to put themselves in danger with rough and aggressive play just to test their limits and natural instincts. Unfortunately, that also means you might have to pay the vet a visit. That’s why it is essential to immediately consider pet insurance as a new kitten owner. If you have a hard time narrowing down your options, The Swiftest is a pet insurance platform that allows you to compare and customize insurance plans and quotes from several pet insurance carriers at once!

The Swiftest Pet Insurance Advertisement

Conclusion

So, there you have it! With this kitten essentials checklist, you are assured of a smooth transition into your new life with your kitten. Spending quality time with your kitten early on helps build a strong and lasting bond between you both. Even more important is maintaining a care plan that supports your kitty’s health and well-being for years to come.
At Tender Loving Pawz, we’re here to provide care and attention for your kitten’s needs. If you have a busy schedule or need extra help, consider kitten boarding or cat drop-in services. No matter what service you choose, we provide photo and/or video updates, professional care, and companionship at a budget-friendly price.

Are you currently or new kitten owner or plan to be one soon? Let us know in the comments section below, and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter. You’ll continue to receive helpful care tips, recipes, resources, and more!

A cute cat and French Bulldog cuddling on a cozy bed.

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