Welcoming a Small Cat to Your Home
A Guide for New Owners
Bringing a small cat into your home is an exciting and rewarding experience. However, to ensure a smooth transition, it’s important to prepare your space properly and understand your new pet’s needs. From setting up food and water stations to providing entertainment and ensuring safety, here’s everything you need to know about welcoming your feline friend.
Food and water station
Cats are creatures of habit, and they appreciate having a designated space for their meals. However, one key mistake many owners make is placing food and water too close together. Cats do not like to drink where they eat. To encourage healthy hydration, place their water bowl in a separate location, preferably in a quiet area away from food and litter trays.
Consider investing in a cat water fountain, as many cats prefer running water over still water. This mimics natural water sources and can encourage your cat to drink more, helping to prevent urinary tract issues. Pet Mate Water Fountain is a good option along side the Catit Flower
Choosing the Right Food
Kittens and small cats have different dietary needs compared to adult cats. Look for high-quality kitten food that provides essential nutrients for growth. Some options include:
- Wet food for hydration and easy digestion. my cats favourite was Applaws – he loves it, speciffically Tuna Applaws Tuna, Applaws Chicken Breast, thrive,
- Dry food to help with dental health. Good option is Applaws dry food, Perfect Fit Junior, Wellness Core Kitten, ProPlan Kitten food
- Special formulas that support immune system development.
Always consult your veterinarian for advice on the best diet for your kitten, please ask here if you have a question.w
Providing Toys and Entertainment
A bored cat can quickly become a destructive cat! Keep your little feline entertained with a variety of toys, including:
- Wand toys for interactive play. Rosaui – toys for kittens; Gvoo Cat toys; Inovida cat toys.
- Scratching posts to protect your furniture. Ancot Acticat; Purrshire cat scratching tree; SmartCat; KongPlay; Marco Paul; Mora Pets, Marchul – great combo.
- Puzzle feeders to keep their minds stimulated.Trixi; Catiti Senses; Ninna Ottoson – This one my kitten and then adult cat loves, Catit Treat is also popular in my house.
- Soft toys to cuddle with during naps. KONG has good selection of toys.
Additionally, consider getting a cat tree to satisfy their natural climbing instincts in a safe way. My cat’s favourite is an otter…he fights it to our amusement and a rabbit…his sleeping buddy 🙂
Ensuring Safety in the Home
Kittens are naturally curious and love to explore, but your home may have potential hazards. Here’s how to kitten-proof your space:
- Secure windows and balconies to prevent falls.
- Hide electrical cords or use cord protectors to avoid chewing hazards.
- Remove toxic plants (like lilies, poinsettias, and aloe vera) that can be harmful if ingested.
- Store household cleaners and chemicals out of reach.
- Keep small objects out of reach to prevent accidental swallowing.
Vaccinations and Outdoor Exploration
Before letting your cat explore the outdoors, ensure they are fully vaccinated. This protects them from dangerous diseases and ensures they stay healthy. Once your cat has received the necessary vaccinations, you can begin supervised outdoor adventures.
If you have a garden, make sure it’s safe by:
- Checking for gaps in fences where they could escape.
- Removing any toxic plants.
- Providing a shaded area where they can rest.
Climbing and the ‘Stuck in a Tree’ Dilemma
Kittens love climbing! They are quick to race up trees and furniture, but many new cat owners are surprised when their feline gets stuck and refuses to come down. Cats are natural climbers, but going downward is a different challenge.
If your cat climbs too high and appears stuck:
- Stay calm—they will sense your anxiety.
- Encourage them with food at the base of the tree.
- Use a low, sturdy surface like a chair or a box to help them find a safe path down.
- Avoid climbing up yourself, as this might scare them further.
- If they remain stuck for an extended period, you may need to call for professional help.
I am giving advice on how to stay safe—it’s a challenge when you see your beloved kitten ferociously climbing the tallest tree in the neighbourhood. I experienced that myself and nearly had a heart attack. After watching him, terrified and screaming from the heights, I eventually figured out a way to get him down… but it was nerve-wracking!
Final Thoughts
Bringing a small cat into your home is a joyful experience, but it comes with responsibilities. By preparing your space, understanding their needs, and providing proper care, you’ll ensure your new feline friend feels safe, loved, and happy. With time, patience, and lots of play, your little companion will soon become a cherished member of the family.
Have you recently welcomed a cat into your home? Share your experience in the comments below!