Congrats on your new furry family member! Before you bring home the little bundle of fur, there are some tried-and-true steps you can take to be prepared for all fun and chaos of a new kitten. Follow our New Kitten Checklist and you’ll be as prepared as you possibly can be:
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- A Kitten by Any Other Name: You’re going to need a name! The most popular pet names include Luna and Oliver, but you can always stand out with names like Fluffernutter or Google!
- Kitten Proof Your Home: From removing toxic foods, plants, and cleaning supplies from paw’s reach, to setting up scratching posts by the couch before you bring your new cat home is a great way to keep your sanity…as well as keeping your cat safe.
- Do Your Research: Read up on kittens and cats! We like Complete Kitten Care by Amy Shojai.
- Go Shopping: You’re going to need new kitty stuff! Kittens need food and water bowls, bedding, toys, kitten chow, a collar, identification (i.e. tags), a travel carrier, and grooming supplies (brush, nail clippers, toothbrush). Make your life easier and bring our new pet shopping list with you to the pet store.
- Make a Vet Appointment: As soon as your kitten gets home, make an appointment with your vet for their first checkup. Check out the Humane Society’s guidelines on choosing a vet, if you’re not sure how to do so. While you’re there, make sure you microchip (and register) your pet as well.
- Enroll in Pet Insurance: Kittens can be enrolled as early as eight weeks. The earlier you get cat insurance the better: getting coverage before your cat gets sick means you won’t have to worry about pre-existing conditions, which aren’t covered by any insurance provider. Plus, you’ll be protecting your savings from clumsy accidents (which kittens are great at).
- All the Bells and Whistles: Sign up for a kitty subscription box like KitNipBox or MeowBox!
And finally – enjoy it! They’re only kittens for so long. Those sweet, sleepy little buddies grow up fast!
Don’t forget to sign up for pet insurance! Enrolling early means all the mishaps, accidental ingestions, dandelion sneezes and more will be covered up to 90%. Start by getting your free quote.
