What to buy your new cat
Before you bring your new cat or kitten home, you should try to ensure that you have all the things that it will need to fit happily into your home and family and to alleviate some of the stress of moving.
Toys
Kittens and cats love to play and are extremely fun loving - playing with your new cat can be a great way to bond with it. Dangling toys on strings are great fun and catnip mice are always a favourite. Cat toys do not have to be expensive and indeed some of the most popular toys are home-made. When buying or making a toy for your kitten make sure that there is nothing that could easily be swallowed or is dangerous.
Cat Carrier
When getting a new cat it should always be transported in a proper cat carrier. This is an absolute essential for trips to the vet, travel, or emergencies. Don't leave your cat loose in your car where it might panic and cause an accident. A sturdy carrier made of high-impact plastic or painted steel is best and there is a wide range to choose from in our pet shop.
Grooming
Most cats will spend hours preening themselves, but even the most avid groomer can use a little help from time to time, especially long haired cats. Sometimes cats can get hairballs which are an accumulation of hair in the stomach as a result of the cat cleaning and grooming itself. To treat hairballs feed your cat an oily fish once a week to ease their passage. Regular grooming helps to prevent hairballs and the best way is to use a fine-toothed comb and a rubber-backed pin brush, although an old hairbrush will normally work just as well. Even short-haired cats benefit from weekly brushing, a task that can be a great way to bond.
Litter Box & Litter
When you bring your new cat home have a litter box prepared (no perfumed litter!) away from their feeding area.
Most cats and kittens will understand how to use the litter box if they spent the first few weeks of their life with their mother and litter mates. You can help your kitten to understand what is expected by placing it in the litter box after feeding.
If you decide to change to a different litter brand and your cat refuses to use the litter tray then switch back to the old litter. Some cats will refuse to use a litter they don't like.
For advice on feeding your new cat visit our food and water section