Bedding: A kitten needs its' own bed, to which it can go to at any time without being disturbed.  Looking for something cheap & effective?  A small cardboard box is totally disposable, and makes an ideal bed for a young kitten.  A thick layer of newspaper can be laid in the bottom for insulation, and an old warm sweater makes a perfect mattress.

The young kitten may still be teething and will chew the edges of the box to relieve the gums, especially if a round or oval entrance hole is cut on one side.  It's pointless to buy an expensive wicker basket or other type of cat bed at this stage, for a kitten-sized one will be quickly outgrown - and a cat sized one will be too big for comfort.  A plastic or fabric bed with soft washable linings is suitable for an older kitten, and will give it warmth & comfort.  They're also are easy to clean.

Toilet Litter: The kitten also needs a shallow litter tray, and a supply of litter.  The tray should be placed on a large sheet of newspaper in a convenient corner, fairly near the kitten’s bed. The tray should always be located in the same place so that the kitten does not become confused & dirty the floor.  The tray should be kept clean & dry at all times. Care should be taken in the choice of disinfectant; your vet will advise on the best solution to use as many disinfectants are poisonous to felines.  As he/she grows, you can buy a litter box, complete with hooded lid & entrance hole at one end.

Feeding Bowls: Provide the kitten with its own shallow food & water bowls.  It's vital they learn to like & lap water from a very early age in order to prevent kidney disease in later life.  Deep water bowls, causing it to choke & splutter, may discourage the kitten from drinking its full liquid requirement at a time when habits are forming fast.  Change the water every morning.  Let the bowl stand until the water reaches room temperature, before offering it to the kitten. Water should be available at all times.  Dishes, bowls & plates should be carefully washed after use, and well-drained in running water to remove all detergent residues; allow to air dry.  Never offer a kitten stale food, and never leave food down.  Give the manufacturer’s recommended portion at each meal & allow it a reasonable amount of time to eat in peace without distraction.  The kitten will show when it has finished by sitting back to wash its face & paws, remove the dish & discard any uneaten food.

Carrying Equipment: Every cat needs a safe carrier.  It is advisable to buy a suitable one before you collect your new kitten.  Carriers available in several shapes & designs, are made of various materials.  While wicker baskets are traditional and aesthetically-pleasing, they are difficult to clean after a cat has been travelling sick, or has had an infectious disease. Plastic covered mesh carriers are easy to clean, and can be totally immersed if necessary in a bath of disinfectant.  They do eed some form of covering to keep out drafts, cold & rain.  Fiberglass and plastic carriers are easy to clean, warm & draft-proof, and also look good.  Their only drawback?  They end to attract condensation if the cat is confined in them for too long.  For emergency use, disposable carriers made of thick cardboard are available from pet stores/veterinarians. Sold folded & flat, these are easily stored & quickly assembled, but they will not contain a strong cat determined to escape for long. 

Whatever type of carrier is chosen, its opening should be a lift-up lid - not one with a door at one end.  A nervous & frightened cat is more easily lifted straight out of a top-opening carrier than pulled out of a front-opening one.

Toys: In order to fully develop their co-ordination & reflexes kittens need to play!  This builds up a good relationship between owner & pet, keeps the kitten fit & encourages a good, healthy appetite.  Simple toys seem to be preferred to some of the more complicated & often more expensive ones.

Table-tennis balls, golf balls, large feathers,  thick string, foam hair rollers, and furry pipe cleaners - twisted to resemble spiders - are all thoroughly appreciated by kittens!  They also love to dive into large paper bags & under sheets of lightly crumpled newspaper on the floor.  Never let them inside a plastic bag, as it suffocate them.  They could also chew fragments which could block their intestines.

Also: Ensure that any Dogs or young children do not have access to cat toys!  Especially good toys made for kittens & cats include: a sausage-shaped Tiger’s Tail, with a tufted end.  Complete with a very securely-fastened bell, little mice made of tough material & stuffed with irresistible catnip herb are also favourites.  These toys are easily tossed around with sheer joy by kittens.  Next time, we'll discuss "Introducing a Kitten to your home!  Til then, remember: "All you need is Love!" Liz

A kitten is a very special little creature!  When you decide to take one into your home, you must be prepared to accept full responsibility for its' care & welfare for the next 12 years or more.

New owners must have knowledge about general health, maintenance & dietary requirements.  It's also important to learn how to groom & clean their coat, and how to provide the correct toilet facilities & training. (Yes, you can TRAIN A CAT!)  In addition to welcoming this new addition to the family, you must be prepared to obtain the necessary bedding, carriers & equipment.  All of which will provide a safe & warm environment in which the little one can grow up healthy & strong.

Toys will help them learn how to play, so that your kitten will develop strong reflexes & sound motor co-ordination. They'll need to be fully vaccinated, not only as a young animal - but at regular intervals throughout life, as well.  And do consult a veterinarian, regarding the benefits of spaying/neutering at the correct age.  Such a professional would be happy to attend to your cat's needs over the course of its' lifetime, and also in case of an emergency. 

Consider finding a cat-sitter, or click on Pet Country Estate's CAT BOARDING link, to be part of our our growing family of 4-legged friends!  Cat Boarding is a great way to take the worry out of leaving them for extended periods of time - whether you're at work for day, or on holidays.

As The Beatles once said: "All You Need is Love!"  For however much you give will be repaid with interest.  Correct care and handling from an early stage for proper development is essential.  Before bringing a new kitten home, ensure their new residence is free from hazards.  Once you've purchased all the necessary items for their health & well-being, start by confining the kitten to one room only. (preferably one with a washable floor covering)

Care should be taken in a room with a fireplace.  The chimney should be temporarily blocked off, and fires must be guarded.  Trailing electric wires looped high up, or disconnected from the socket can be quite inviting.  If a kitchen is selected, block off the large gaps commonly found behind a stove or fridge.

Whatever their temperament, it's never possible to guess what their reaction will be to a brand new environment.  So it's in everyone's best interest, to make its' introduction to its' new surroundings as calm, safe & happy as possible.  A little thought at the beginning, will pay big dividends! Liz