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New Kitten Checklist: What Does a Kitten Need?

Are you still struggling with what essential items to buy for your new cat before taking it home?

In line with the principle of simplifying for everyone, today I am sending you an email titled “Essential Items for New Cats”.

As long as you are ready with the New Kitten Checklist, you can happily welcome new members.

The first step to take before you bring your new kitten home is to communicate with the kitty’s original master, research local veterinarians and find one you’re comfortable with and can trust.

1、 We need to request a 3-piece set from the kitty’s original master
Cat’s Date of Birth

I don’t need to say much about this. The date of birth can tell how old it is, and the status of the vaccine for deworming can also be roughly judged

Cat Deworming Vaccine

Before the cat arrives at its new home, the breeder will provide the kitten with in vitro and in vivo deworming, as well as three doses of the Miao San Duo vaccine. This is important for the kitten’s immunity. Requesting the vaccine can also help determine the accurate immunization time for the cat, and an additional dose should be administered when the kitten is one year old.

7-14 day Transitional Cat Food for Cats

When a kitten enters a new environment, it may not adapt. The breeder will prepare a 7-14 day transitional period of cat food for the cat to move to the new home.

It is recommended that the owner feed the same type of cat food as the cat house or higher quality cat food. After the cat adapts to a new home without symptoms such as soft stools and vomiting, it can try to gradually change food.

Generally, the 7-day food change method is used, with a new food ratio of 20% -25% -40% -50% -70% -80% -100%.

2、 A must-have checklist for cats before they arrive home

Below items will help make your kitten’s first few weeks at home smooth and enjoyable for you both.

The litter box, Litter Scoop, and litter shovel are things that I believe kitten owners need to prepare themselves. If a new cat does not purchase them on the day they arrive home, they can use a cardboard box as an emergency measure. But I believe my cat owner will definitely be prepared for the cat with care.

A cat litter shovel is usually given as a gift when purchasing a cat litter box, otherwise how can I shovel it?

Cat litter : I still recommend tofu cat litter. I have used crystal cat litter and bentonite cat litter before, but I don’t like them either. The situation of tofu cat litter clumping and flying dust is acceptable. The tofu cat litter is more fragrant, and some kittens steal it. Parents with more cats at home can stock up on it during the event, and the price is still relatively cost-effective.
You’ll also need to buy cat litter and a scoop strainer to keep it clean. A clean litter box is essential because your kitten will avoid using one that’s messy and smelly, which can lead to accidents in the house.

Cat food bowl: It is recommended to use stainless steel or ceramic bowls, or use ceramic bowls for home meals instead

Cat water bowl: It is recommended to use stainless steel or ceramic bowls, or ceramic bowls that can be used for meals at home. After a day of drinking, cats will have a smooth biofilm in the bowl, which is the favorite culture dish for bacteria. Therefore, parents need to change the water frequently. Many working parents can change the water for their cats in the morning, evening, and before bedtime.

Cat food: Wet &/or Dry Food, Kittens can eat wet or dry food—or a combination. The types and quality of cat food vary. Parents should do their homework and choose the highest quality cat food within their affordability range for their cats. At present, what we eat at home are Desire, Aikena, Jinsu, Famina, and Baili. Can be used as a reference for everyone.

3、 Items that may be used

This series may be used by cats in the future, but it is not urgent.

Canned and freeze-dried food: As a dietary and nutritional supplement, parents can prepare canned and freeze-dried staple foods for their cats as a feeding supplement.

Cat Carrier, Cat bag or Aviation Box: used when going out for vaccination and examination. I recommend aviation box, especially when cats are feeling unwell. The aviation box has a large space, which can reduce the bumps caused by walking.

Comb & Comb gloves: Long haired cats must have combs, short haired cats can prepare gloves, after all, during the shedding season, cat hair can fall off with a clatter···

Nail clipper: There is a pet specific nail clipper, so pay attention to the cat’s blood line when cutting.

Cat teaser stick: these toys are here to help us enjoy a better quality of life, reduce behavioural problems.

Cat’s Nest: You can prepare a beautiful small nest, but the cat’s favorite is your bed and pillow

Wet wipes: You can choose pet specific wet wipes. I use non-alcoholic baby wet wipes

Toilet: Prepare a cat litter box that matches the size of the cat, paired with a litter shovel for easy cleaning. When a cat arrives home, first place it in a litter box to familiarize itself with its location and smell, and let it know where to use the restroom

Bedding:

A comfortable bed makes for a cozy place to rest after they’re done exploring and romping around their new home. Until you see what your kitten’s preferences are, you may not want to spend a lot of money on a fancy wicker basket or plush bed. In the meantime, begin with a simple, cardboard “bed.” Get a roomy cardboard box with sides high enough to keep out drafts. Cut out a doorway, fill the box with an old cushion and cover it with a soft, washable material for warmth.

If possible, use an old sweatshirt for lining. Your scent will comfort your kitten and encourage them to use their new space. Since cats are particular creatures, keep their bedding clean. Place the bed in a quiet, draft-free corner away from the traffic in your house and soon this will be your kitten’s corner.

Scratching Post or Scratching Board

Contrary to popular belief, cats do not use a scratching post to sharpen their claws. They use scratching posts for exercise (to stretch out to their full length), clean away dead skin cells from their claws, and mark their territory, both visually and with their scent.

Get a scratching post right away to help train your kitten early and dissuade them from clawing furniture. The scratching post should be sturdy and tall enough to let your kitten stretch out full length. You can start your kitten to use the scratching post as soon as they come home.

If your cat climbing the curtains has got you climbing the walls, then you need to get your paws on one of these scratch posts. They’re built tough to withstand the sharpest of claws and we guarantee they’ll turn your cat into a purrsian.

Collar, Harness & Leash

A cat harness or leash can be a great training tool for your kitten, though they’re not a must. If you’re already thinking along these lines, a harness is probably best, as kittens often dislike the feeling of a leash. Make sure your kitten always wears a breakaway collar made of lightweight material and an identification tag. Have them wear one early on to get used to the sensation.

Top cats need top-quality walking gear. We have collars, leashes, walking harnesses and soft harnesses that are all hand-finished with sturdy stitching to avoid any wear & tear.

Toys

With our natural instincts to pounce, scratch, prowl and play, cats are curious and intelligent creatures. We make purrfect companions when we have a safe, entertaining and nourishing space to keep us feeling happy and healthy.

New parents should never take a shower within a week after receiving their cat. You can first let the cat adapt to the environment in a separate room, and if she is afraid, do not disturb too much.

If there were cats at home before, it is recommended not to let them meet immediately to avoid fighting. First, prepare a separate room for the cat. Familiarize her with the restroom and places to eat and drink, and then let her rest well alone. Cats usually choose to hide on sofas, under beds, and other places, as they feel more secure staying inside.

If possible, it is also necessary to clean up. Many cats who have just arrived at their new home will eat less within 2 to 3 days, so there is no need to worry too much. Usually, they will recover after 2 to 3 days. If you are not confident, you can use a syringe to pour some water for the cat to drink, feed some nutritional cream or a syringe to dilute canned food. It is recommended to prepare more canned food in case of unexpected needs.

If you have specific questions about your kitten, call your veterinarian. Learn more about kitten and cat ownership with tips from our experts on our Blog page.  

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