Five Essential Items to Pick Up at a Pet Store When Adopting a Kitten

For those thinking of adding a new four-legged companion to their life, it’s certainly an exciting time. However, it is also a big decision to add a pet to the home. Having the correct supplies on hand will make the transition easier for both owner and kitty. Here are the five most critical items to stock up on.

kitten food

Of course, a new cat needs food, but there are some important differences between the types of food it should eat. Just like it’s improper to feed a newborn baby steak, there are some things in adult cat food that kittens aren’t ready to digest. Kitten food also has the right vitamins, a balance of fat and protein, and the necessary nutrients to help put a kitten on the right path to development.

flea prevention

It is especially important to obtain flea prevention from the pet store if the kitten is being introduced to an environment with adult cats. Even if the new addition doesn’t spend time outside, if the adult companions come and go, they bring all the pesky bugs with them. Younger felines may not have the proper antibodies and immune systems to fight the diseases that accompany fleas and ticks, so it’s important to stock up on medications that can prevent fleas from attacking in the first place.

a place to hide

The first instincts of many new owners when adopting are beds or jungle gyms. While these are certainly beneficial, it’s important to keep in mind the nature of cats. They are semi-social creatures, but they often demand a great deal of alone time, and adjusting from a kennel or shelter to a new home can be particularly traumatic. Getting a specific hiding place, such as a covered bed with a small doorway or even a small box with a hole in it, can protect kitty from overstimulation. It can also prevent them from getting lost in the house. By choosing a place to hide from the pet store, it’s easy to guess where they are when they’re not playing.

Carpet Spot Cleaner

The unfortunate truth is that while adopting a kitten can be a lot of fun, crowds and accidents come with the territory. Felines often urinate as a sign of anxiety or stress, both of which may come from a new environment. Male kittens, even when neutered, often spray as a way of marking their territory. Owners who already have pets and are adding a kitten to the mix may even find that their adult cats are urinating outside the litter box as a result of the new member. Most of these screens will shrink over time, but it’s a good idea to keep a quality carpet spot cleaner on hand in the meantime.

Toys

Toys may not seem like a necessity, but with a young cat, they very well may be. Play is a great way to release unwanted anxiety and aggression and to achieve healthy levels of exercise. Getting the designated toys from the local pet store will also prevent kitties from playing with harmful objects, such as loose string that could get stuck in their throats. Most importantly, playing with toys can provide time for an owner to bond with their new friend!

These five items will keep new felines stimulated and safe as they begin to feel at home in their new surroundings.