If you are adopting a kitten for the first time, especially one that is around 6 weeks old or older, it is likely that they have just separated from their mother, or they might even be an orphan. Therefore, when you first bring them home and they appear anxious or distressed, crouching in corners, remember not to disturb them. We need to patiently wait for them to adapt to you and your home.
Certainly, before welcoming the kitten home, the owner needs to prepare some essentials. With my 7 years of experience as a pet owner, I suggest not purchasing too many items.
10. Cat Food - The Best Food Clearly Lists High-Quality Ingredients and Contains Few or No Grain Fillers
Cats are carnivorous animals, which means they have a physiological need for meat. Kittens around three months old can try chicken breast and shrimp, protein should be the focus of their diet.
High-quality cat food always lists animal protein within the first five ingredients and contains healthy animal fats and limited carbohydrates. Such cat food is palatable and can promptly provide kittens with essential nutrients, enhancing their immunity. Avoid foods containing starch, such as peas, carrots, corn, and those made with wheat or soy components.
Currently, there are several professional cat food brands like Royal Canin, Hills Science Diet, Eukanuba, and Eagle Pack. Additionally, most cat foods are typically formulated according to the cat's life stage because the protein, carbohydrate, and fat content vary. Therefore, it's important to pay attention when choosing.
9. Cat Bowls - Avoid Plastic Bowls to Prevent Your Kitten's Chin from Turning Black
The material of cat bowls directly impacts your kitten's health. It's generally recommended to choose cat bowls made of materials like stainless steel, ceramic, or glass, while steering clear of plastic, as it can cause black spots to form on your kitten's chin.
Stainless steel bowls are relatively easy to clean and highly durable. Ceramic bowls are widely favored by pet owners because they are easy to clean and don't leave behind food residue. They have stable properties and are less prone to chemical reactions or deterioration, making them safe for long-term use for your cat. The only downside is that they can break if dropped.
In addition to the material, it's important to select cat bowls with good non-slip features to prevent them from sliding while your cat is eating. If possible, owners can also choose cat bowls with a slight tilt and a wide diameter, as bowls with some height can help protect your cat's neck.
8. Cat Litter - Good Cat Litter Makes Your Cleaning Easier
The best cat litter should have strong odor absorption, be easy to scoop, and not stick to the cat's paws. It will not release too much dust when you're cleaning or disposing of it. There are roughly three common types of cat litter: crystal cat litter, clay cat litter (clumping cat litter), and natural cat litter.
Crystal cat litter is known for its durability, low dust, and lightness. However, it contains silica, which can be harmful to kittens, so it's recommended for use with adult cats.
Clay cat litter, also known as clumping cat litter, offers high absorbency, quick clumping, and easy handling. However, it tends to produce a significant amount of dust. If you have a young kitten or respiratory issues, it's advisable to avoid using this type of litter.
Natural cat litter is made from a blend of plant-based and non-plant-based ingredients like corn, wheat, soy, pine, paper, tofu, etc. It features low dust, natural odor control, rapid clumping, and biodegradability, making it suitable for households with pets sensitive to odors. One drawback is that it may require more frequent changing compared to other types of litter, potentially increasing the cost of cat care for the owner.
7. Cat Litter Box - Buying a Large One Can Reduce Your Cost of Raising a Cat
When it comes to cat litter boxes, choose big one, not small. Don't choose a small cat litter box just because you're adopting a 6-week-old kitten for the first time,cats grow faster than you might imagine. And you don't know if they'll weigh 11 pounds by the time they're 6 months old, so it's best to go for a large litter box from the start.
In terms of material, you can choose PVC or stainless steel for their durability. Since most kittens prefer open litter boxes, avoid buying closed ones, as enclosed litter boxes can trap odors and promote bacterial growth.
6. Small Plastic Bags for Cat Litter/Cat Urine - Essential Cleaning Items for Cat Owners
Kittens typically urinate 2-4 times a day and defecate 1-2 times a day. If you want to ensure the health of your kitten, it's essential as an owner to diligently clean up after them. Small plastic bags become the best cleaning tool. They are affordable, sturdy, and durable, with approximately 1000 bags in a box.
5. Cat Carrier - A Secure Haven for Kittens on the Go
Cats are naturally sensitive creatures and, compared to dogs, they prefer staying in spaces with familiar scents that provide a sense of security. If you don't want your cat to experience stress when going outdoors, use a cat carrier to create a safe and private environment for them.
When choosing a cat carrier, prioritize breathability and comfort. Select a size that can accommodate a cat weighing up to 15 pounds. Avoid opting for carriers with large transparent designs in an oval shape, as it may make the cat feel uncomfortable and exacerbate anxiety, leading to stress.
4. Cat Scratching Board - Keeping Your Sofa and Curtains Intact
Scratching is a natural instinct for cats, and they often use it to express emotions and mark their territory. If you don't want them to scratch your beloved sofa, curtains, and other items, be sure to get them a cat scratching board. Common cat scratching boards include corrugated paper and sisal material. In terms of material, it is recommended to purchase sisal for its sturdiness, durability, and lack of paper debris. Most importantly, it won't attract pests due to moisture or other reasons.
3. Cat Wand - Guardian of Your Furniture
When you truly start raising a cat, you will discover that both kittens and adult cats have an excess of energy. If you don't want to see a cat zooming around your room or house like a U.S. fighter jet, you need to get a few cat wands to help channel their energy.
You can choose between self-play and interactive cat wands. The advantage of self-play cat wands is that they don't require the owner's presence, but the drawback is that you may not know if your cat will swallow the feathers on top. Interactive cat wands, on the other hand, have the benefit of strengthening your bond with your kitten. However, it's crucial to note that it requires some patience and time.
2. Deworming Medication - Basic Assurance for the Longevity of Kittens
Common worms found in cats include roundworms, tapeworms, and flatworms. They typically lead to health issues in kittens such as poor growth, diarrhea, vomiting, anemia, abdominal inflammation, constipation, and dehydration. Therefore, it is essential to purchase Deworming Medication when adopting a kitten for the first time.
In general, kittens over 6 weeks old should begin regular deworming, which can be divided into external and internal deworming. External Deworming Medication is usually in liquid form and is applied to the kitten's neck or the skin around the head once a month. Internal Deworming Medication is typically in the form of granules or paste and should be administered to the cat every three months.
Some of the mainstream deworming products for cats available in the market are:
✅Panacur(by Intervet):Contains fenbendazole and is effective against Ascaris, tapeworms and.
✅Drontal Cat( by Bayer):ontains thiactel (for Ascaris) and praziquantel (for tapeworm).
✅Droncit Injection solution(by Bayer):Contains praziquantel, effective against tapeworms.
✅Droncit Spot-On(by Bayer):Contains praziquantel but only against tapeworms.
✅Stronghold Spot-On(by Pfizer):Contains seramectin and is effective against the roundworm. It also fights fleas, scabies (Sarcoptes scabiei), and ear mites (Otodectes cynotis).
✅Milbemax Cat use (by Novartis): contains milbiomycin oxime (effective against roundworm) and praziquantel (effective against tapeworm).
✅Profender Spot-On (by Bayer): effective against roundworms and tapeworms.
1. Love - Most essential condition for raising a cat
Love is something that every cat owner needs to have. Because the world of a kitten is very small, so small that it can only accommodate one person - you. The process of raising a kitten is very similar to raising a child, with the only difference being that kittens cannot express their needs and emotions in human language. Therefore, it is even more important for the owner to be patient and caring during the interaction.
In the end, I hope that every cat owner can have a kitten that loves them, and I also hope that every kitten can live and grow in an environment filled with love.