Here is a list of essentials for a kitten if you are thinking of getting your own little furry friend.
First on the list is kitten food. It should be high in calories, protein-rich and easy to digest. He will eat this until he is twelve months and then start to transition onto adult cat food. Also, be aware of any food that may be toxic for your pet.
You will need cat bowls for the kitten’s food and water. I have read that some cats are fussy as to whether they will eat and drink from plastic ones, ceramic or stainless steel bowls so it may be worth asking the previous owners what they used. The same goes for the water, apparently, some cats prefer to drink from running water so prefer the bowls that have a water fountain. I love these personalised ones from OhLittleBeeDesign.
A litter box and cat litter are definite essentials for a kitten. Kittens that have stayed with their mum until fully weaned, usually know what to do with the litter box from watching her. We have been lucky that this is the case and Sonic is fully trained with the litter box, he just needed showing where it is. There are so many options to choose from with litter boxes from budget trays to higher-budget cat litter houses. The above litter house from Decozzine has an electric active carbon filter. This cabinet is an innovative device that thoroughly filters all the smells of the litter box.
Kittens sleep between 16-20 hours a day so it is important they have a comfortable cat bed.
To bring your kitten home and for visits to the vet etc, you will need a cat carrier.
In 2023, it will become the law that all cats in the UK must be microchipped by five months old. Failing to do so could result in a fine for owners of up to £500. You may still want to get a cat collar and nametag for your kitten though to make it easier for someone to identify and return to you.
Your kitten should stay inside until it is 4 months old and had all their vaccinations. To help socialise him, get exercise and play, you should have a variety of cat toys for him to play with inside.
A cat tree is a great accessory for your kitten as it can provide somewhere to play, scratch, climb, sleep and escape for a little privacy.