What your cat NEEDS:
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be sure to size appropriately for your cat
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rule of thumb is 1 box per cat + 1 (2 cats = 3 boxes)
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Litter
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Paper or
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Wood Pellet bedding from Tractor Supply, it's super inexpensive!
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(non-clumping is best for young kittens)
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hard plastic is best, be sure they have room to move around and that the carrier closes securely
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Cat food (dry kibble)
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Cat food (wet food)
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Water bowl
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glass or stainless steel recommended as plastic can cause some problems for cats
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Soft, warm, safe place to sleep
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Safe space to hide until comfortable (even a cardboard box on it's side)
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Safe place to scratch cardboard or post -- tall is good if they like to stretch
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Grooming Tools
What they'd probably like to have:
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For an endless supply of fresh, running water encourages cats to drink more
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Automatic food dispenser or Dual
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Nice if they're alone during the day
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Automatic litter box, here are some favorites:
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This will be a favorite napping place, so look for soft and plush
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For those cold winter days, these only heat when an animal sits in it and amazing for older cats
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Cat Condo, so many options
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Scratchers
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Toys
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BEST toys ever, bouncy tails!
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Cats like to play and exercise is good!
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Collars
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Must be breakaway, but prefer no collar at all
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Allow for 2 fingers between the collar and cat
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We are an Amazon Affiliate, and our rescue does earn money from purchases through these links!
We have listed our cat's favorite items for this list!
Tips for Cat Owners:
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Kitten proof, just like you would with a new baby or toddler
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Remove hazards like wires (things they could chew on or get tangled up in)
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Make sure toys are safe, and nothing too high for them to fall from -- cats are daredevils by nature and young kittens lack the dexterity & grace that older cats tend to have
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Confine to a small room at first, making sure they have a safe hiding space where you can see them without moving furniture etc to ensure they are safe) and where they can easily find a litterbox -- gradually give them more freedom as they grow and become more confident
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Use non-clumping litter as kittens do sometimes want to eat clumping clay litter; this can cause a life threatening bowel obstruction
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Feed kitten food (both wet and dry kibble) through their first year of life
Bringing young kittens home has its own challenges, here are some tips:
Introducing a new cat into your home.
Check out these sites and tips for helpful information:
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Helping new cat adjust - go slow and be patient; give them a single room where they can decompress, as cats don't always handle sudden changes well
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Feliway Diffusers can really help a nervous or anxious cat (or your own as they adjust!)
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Be sure to continue feeding the same food they've been eating, and make changes slowly by mixing food if you wish to feed a different brand - sudden dietary changes can result in bellyaches and diarrhea for a cat
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Introducing a new cat into home with existing animals - go slow, full acclimation can take months for cats; a new cat entering a home should always be given a room to themselves, and cats can sniff each other through doors, receive food/treats in their own space - and eventually you can allow them to change spaces to sniff each other out and explore
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Be very wary of recliners with cats - they like to tuck themselves into new spaces and can easily be pinched or crushed when recliner is put away; when moving furniture, tuck your cats away in a safe room and always be aware of where they are when moving large items
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Most cats love to have a space high off the floor where they can escape to, whether from a dog or other cat, or just to feel safe and secure - cat condos are wonderful for this purpose, and many have boxes/cubbies that can be used as hiding spaces.
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Be sure to have plenty of GOOD scratching options - cardboard scratchers and posts - this will help protect your furniture; rub catnip on surfaces where you WANT them to scratch
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How to clip your cat's nails (video)
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Nail Clippers -- be sure to never clip into the quick!
General Cat Tips & Tricks:
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Personalities don't fully develop for several months -- the snuggly kitten you see at 8 weeks may end up with an entirely different personality by the time he/she is 6 months old! If your heart is set on a specific personality you may have better luck adopting an older kitten or adult cat
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Wet food should be offered occasionally; you want your cat to learn to like it as appetites get more selective as they age and sometimes dry food becomes difficult to eat -- also in the event that you need to medicate your cat, wet food as a treat can be the trick needed!
Litter and Litter Boxes:
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Cats are selective with litter types and boxes -- give options for both including litterboxes with and without a cover and see what your cat prefers
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Scoop often, and if you don't want to scoop often, consider an automatic litterbox!
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Crystals, Pretty Litter and traditional clumping TidyCat are typically the favorites; for kittens paper litter or even pellet bedding from Tractor Supply is best -- pellets are $4.99/40 pound bag! Inexpensive and easy to dump the whole litterbox and refill...
