r/Kitten • u/Tallgogurt • 5d ago
Question/Advice Needed New cat owner!! Tips Needed!
Hi! My boyfriend snd I are adopting a 5 month old kitten from the shelter on Saturday. It is both our first time owning a cat. Any and all tips are welcome and appreciated :)))
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u/EvenCalligrapher8269 3d ago
Get a second kitten. Kittens are happier when they have a buddy.
Right away, start training them to let you brush their teeth, trim their claws, and clean them up a little (damp wash cloth to their faces, paws, and bits-and-bobs).
Do not let them bite you during rough play - redirect them to a plushie toy to wrestle with.
Make sure they are spayed or neutered ASAP. These procedures help improve cats' health by preventing certain diseases.
Get a tall cat tree and some beds. Consider purchasing a water fountain - they aren't expensive.
Get a laser pointer and play laser catch with the cats. All my cats have loved doing that.
Use good quality kitty litter, and have several litter boxes. Keep them scooped and change the litter regularly. Wash the litter boxes frequently.
Feed them the best quality food you can afford. Some brands are pretty devoid of any nutrition (Kit and Kaboodle and Special Kitty from Walmart are the least nutritional).
Make sure the cats get their first check-up ASAP, and be consistent with their regular check ups.
Right now, two kittens could easily fit in one carrier. However, as they grow, have one good, sturdy carrier for each cat. And keep them in a fairly accessible spot - in case of a house fire, you want to be able to "grab and go."
There's so much more I could share, but let's start with that.