Every Tail has a Tale

Welcoming new kittens into your home is an exciting and heartwarming experience. These tiny bundles of fur bring joy and playfulness to any household. As you embark on the journey of caring for your new feline companions, it's essential to create a warm and safe environment for them to thrive. Kittens are curious and energetic, so be prepared for lots of exploration and play.

​

When bringing home new kittens, ensure you have a designated space for them to acclimate gradually. Set up a cozy area with a comfortable bed, litter box, and some toys to make them feel secure. Introduce them to their new surroundings gradually, allowing them to explore at their own pace. Socialization is crucial, so spend quality time bonding with your kittens through gentle play and affection.

 

As you prepare for your new kitten, having the right supplies is vital. Here's a checklist to ensure you have everything you need:

​

• Food and Water Bowls: Choose shallow, easily accessible bowls suitable for kittens.  Stainless steel cat bowls are recommended to prevent chin acne in cats due to their non-porous and smooth surface. Chin acne, also known as feline acne, can be exacerbated by bacteria that thrive in scratches and tiny abrasions on plastic or ceramic bowls. These materials may develop microscopic cracks over time, providing a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause skin issues on a cat's chin.  Stainless steel is non-porous and has a smooth surface that is less likely to harbor bacteria or irritate a cat's skin. The easy-to-clean nature of stainless steel also makes it simple to maintain good hygiene, reducing the risk of infection or inflammation around the cat's chin area. 

​

• High-Quality Kitten Food: Ensure it meets their nutritional needs for growth and development.  We recommend wet food for cats and kittens whenever possible.  Wet cat food holds a nutritional edge over dry kibble due to its higher moisture content. Cats are naturally low-volume drinkers, and wet food helps ensure they stay adequately hydrated, promoting kidney health and preventing urinary issues. The increased moisture content also aids in digestion, particularly for cats prone to constipation. Additionally, the meaty texture of wet food aligns with a cat's carnivorous nature, offering a more satisfying and palatable dining experience. Overall, the moisture-rich composition and closer resemblance to a cat's natural diet make wet food a favorable choice for feline nutrition.

​

• Litter Box and Litter: Provide a low-sided litter box and kitten-safe litter.

​

• Treats and Feliway:  Feliway spray is a synthetic feline facial pheromone analog. Essentially, it's an artificial replication of the substance your cat naturally releases when she rubs her cheek against you or furniture. This substance serves as a communication tool among cats, signaling to mark objects within their "territory." The scent generated by Feliway communicates a sense of security, signifying a safe space for the cat. Feliway, whether in spray or diffuser form, proves effective in making a new environment or situation seem more familiar and reassuring to cats. The newly introduced Feliway diffuser, which conveniently plugs into a wall outlet like an air freshener, is especially suitable for cats experiencing heightened anxiety or those in need of sustained calming effects.

​

• Bedding and Blankets: Create a cozy space for them to rest.

​

• Toys: Include a variety of toys for mental and physical stimulation.

​

• Scratching Posts and Cat Trees: Fulfill their natural instinct to scratch while protecting your furniture.

​

• Grooming Supplies: Brush for their fur, nail clippers, and a gentle shampoo if needed.​

​

• Carrier: Essential for trips to the vet and safe transportation.

​

• Vet Supplies: Schedule a vet visit and obtain any necessary vaccinations or medications.

​

• Flea and Tick Prevention: Keep your kittens safe from parasites.​

​

• Kitten-Proof Your Home: Remove potential hazards and secure electrical cords.

​

• Emergency Kit: Have a first-aid kit on hand for minor injuries.

​

• Time and Patience: The most important supplies of all for building a strong bond with your new feline friends.

​

Please note that some of the links on our site may be affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Your support through these links helps us continue our mission of caring for and rescuing cats in need. Thank you for your support!