CAT AND KITTEN CHECKLIST
CAT AND KITTEN CHECKLIST
FELINE FINE: NEW CAT AND KITTEN CHECKLIST AND PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS
Welcome to our ultimate guide for new cat owners! Bringing a cat into your home is a joyful and fulfilling experience, but it also requires careful planning and preparation to ensure your feline friend thrives. Whether you’re welcoming your first cat or adding another kitty to your household, this new cat checklist includes everything you need to get started. From must-have cat supplies to expert product recommendations, we aim to make your journey as a cat parent smooth and delightful. Let’s explore how you can create a nurturing and secure environment for your new furry companion. Do not forget to read this in conjunction with our Cat and Kitten Care Guide Feline Fine (if you click the cat photo you can access this easily!) ALL PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS ARE WHAT WE USE AT ELKADIRI MINI FARM!
litter tray
Here at Elkadiri Mini Farm our cats are farm cats and are reluctant to come inside, but we have owned cats for over 20 years and have had indoors only cats and cats that roam indoors and out. A litter tray will be very important as a new Cat or Kitten owner due to the length of time your feline friend will need to remain an indoor cat, see our Care Guide for details and consult with your vet for recommendations. The CatCentre Extra Deep Large Cat Litter Tray is a great choice because its extra deep design helps contain litter scatter and reduces mess, making it easier to maintain a clean environment for your cat. Additionally, it offers excellent value for money due to its durable construction and spacious size, ensuring long-lasting use and comfort for your feline friend
2. CAT LITTER
Catsan Hygiene Cat Litter 20L is good because it features highly absorbent granules that effectively lock in moisture and odors, ensuring a clean and hygienic litter box environment for your cat. Additionally, its large 20L size provides excellent value for money, lasting longer and reducing the frequency of litter changes.
3. cat or kitten food
Whiskas cat food is great for cats because it offers balanced nutrition with high-quality ingredients tailored to meet the dietary needs of cats at different life stages. New owners must introduce new food brands slowly to avoid digestive upset and allow their cat's system to gradually adjust, ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining overall health. We love this variety pack on Amazon and the great thing about Whiskas is it is always easy to purchase wherever you are, making it easy to stick to the same brand for your cats nutritional needs.
4. TREATS
A new kitten owner should use treats to positively reinforce good behavior, such as using the litter box or learning new commands, helping to establish healthy habits and training. Treats should be given in moderation to avoid overfeeding, and they can also be used to build trust and strengthen the bond between the owner and the kitten. We love the Whiskas Temptations Cat Treats as our cats adore them!
5. SCRATCHING POST
We love the SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post. This popular post is highly regarded for its durable sisal material, which provides a satisfying texture for cats to scratch, and its sturdy, tall design, allowing cats to fully stretch and scratch comfortably. Cats need a scratching post to satisfy their natural instinct to scratch, which helps keep their claws healthy and sharp, removes dead outer layers of their claws, and provides physical and mental stimulation. Additionally, scratching posts prevent cats from damaging furniture and other household items, offering an appropriate and satisfying outlet for this behavior.
6. CERAMIC FOOD BOWL
Ceramic bowls are good for cats because they are durable, easy to clean, and resistant to bacteria, ensuring a hygienic feeding environment. Additionally, their weight prevents tipping and spilling, providing a stable and reliable option for your cat's food and water. We love the Navaris Cat Bowls with Ears as it is great value for money as it is a pack of 2 for both food and water and it has anti-slip feet.
7. CATNIP TOYS
We love the Bubimex Jeans Mouse Toy with Catnip because its durable denim fabric makes it long-lasting and perfect for playful cats, while the added catnip entices and entertains, keeping your feline engaged and active. Catnip is great for cats because it stimulates their senses, providing mental and physical enrichment, and can help reduce stress and encourage playful behavior.
8. CAT TOYS
Wand toys are great for bonding with a cat because they allow for interactive play, fostering a closer relationship between the cat and its owner through shared activities and positive reinforcement. We love the linked one as it simulates natural prey movements, stimulating a cat's hunting instincts and providing engaging exercise. Additionally, its rechargeable design offers convenience and sustainability for prolonged play sessions, enhancing both physical and mental stimulation for indoor cats.
9. PET CARRIER
You will need a pet carrier to safely transport your kitten or cat to vet visits, travel destinations, or other outings, providing security and comfort for both your cat and you. The Morpilot Pet Carrier Bag is good because of its durable and comfortable design, featuring sturdy construction, ample ventilation, and soft padding, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable experience for cats during travel. There is a small pocket on the outside of the bag to store treats and things you need for your cat and a collapsible water bowl.
10. CAT BED
The PetFusion Calming Cuddler Cat Bed is great for new cats and kittens because its anti-anxiety memory foam provides a sense of security and comfort, easing any stress or anxiety they may experience in their new environment. The loose blanket design promotes natural behaviors like burrowing and kneading, helping kittens feel safe and cozy as they adjust to their new surroundings
11. FELIWAY CAT DIFFUSER
In all our years of having feline companions we are never without the Feliway Diffuser. It is great for new cat and kitten owners because it contains synthetic pheromones that mimic those produced by a cat's facial glands, helping to create a sense of security and familiarity in their new environment. This can help reduce stress and anxiety in cats, easing the transition to their new home and promoting a positive relationship between the cat and their owner.