New kitten checklist and information

New Kitten Checklist

• Litter tray and litter
• Water and food bowls
• Travel carrier
• Kitten food
• Toys
• Scratch post
• Cat bed

Vaccinations and microschip

Regular vaccinations against infectious diseases will protect your kitten against cat flu, feline enteritis and leukaemia. These diseases can cause serious illness and even death so it is important to keep your kitten protected.

A microchip is advised for all cats, whether indoor or outdoor in case of loss or accident.

Litter training

Usually kittens are good at finding and using their litter tray. Occasionally a little assistance is required. If your kitten is not yet fully trained there are a few steps to take which can help.

Use smaller litter. Kittens tend to prefer the smaller sand based litters. Pick the one with the smallest grain size. Wood based pellets are sometimes too uncomfortable and kittens don’t understand what this is for so will avoid it. Once they are litter trained you can always gradually change to a different litter.

Take your kitten to the litter tray and gently place in there as soon as they have woken up, eaten, or had a play session or even every few hours. Lots of postitive praise and a fuss when they use the tray.

Use a shallow smaller litter tray which is easy for your kitten to get in and out without assistance.

Keep the litter tray clean. Change and clean the whole tray at least once a day and if possible remove any soiling as soon as it has been done. Scoop out poops and the small areas of urine.

Play and socialisation

It can take a little time for your kitten to settle into a new home. If possible limit the space in the home they have access to.

A smaller room in the house for them to settle and gain confidence and gradually increase the amount of space they have access to.

Provide safe places / hiding spaces / rest areas. Kittens sleep for up to 20 hours a day!

Provide a nice safe quiet area they can retreat to undisturbed.

Encourage bonding with the family with toys and play. Feather toys and chase toys are perfect.

A cat tower or scratching post will provide not only safe high areas to retreat to, but also fun for your kitten.

Interactive toys can keep your kitten entertained when you are not around to play.

However this does depend on whether you have an indoor or outdoor cat. Also flea treatments are recommended for indoor and outdoor cats.