Your new kitten is ready for you. Are you ready for it?
Kittens are an absolute joy. It’s hard to think of anything cuter. And adopting a kitten (or two) is a wonderful way to bring wild, crazy love into your home. If you’re considering bringing home a new cat or kitten (or two – hint, hint), use this checklist to get prepared.
#1 Get household buy-in
A new pet is a wonderful addition to a family, but it’s also a big responsibility. Make sure everyone is in agreement before adopting your new cat or kitten. Try to include everyone in the process of picking your purring furbaby as well. Finally, talk with the adoption counselors or a vet about how to integrate a new cat or kitten into a household that already has cats or dogs.
#2 Update your budget
While kittens are not as expensive as toddlers, they do have some short- and long-term costs associated with them. Go into pet parenthood with a clear sense of how it will affect your finances and consider investing in pet insurance or veterinary and pet financing like the CareCredit card. This can help spread out the cost of both routine and unexpected pet medical costs.
#3 Gather supplies ahead of the adoption
New cats require new supplies. Even if you already have a cat in your home, you should consider purchasing an additional litter box as felines can be territorial and make be averse to sharing this private space. Likewise, you’ll need to stock up on litter, food, and food and water bowls. The new kitten (and any veteran cats in the household) will appreciate toys for mental and physical stimulation, and grooming supplies are also a good purchase.
#4 Cat-proof your home
We’ve all seen the YouTube videos with titles like “Cats Knocking Things Over” and “Funny Cats Destroying Things.” But it’s not as funny when your things are the things being knocked over and broken. A kitten is a lot like a young toddler: curious, playful, and yes, slightly destructive. Kittens will chew on electrical cords and play with any small objects they can get their paws on. These can all be potential safety hazards for your new little furball. For this reason, kitten-proofing a house looks a lot like toddler-proofing.
#5 Schedule a visit to the vet early
Decide on a veterinarian before you adopt your new cat or kitten and schedule a visit within the first few days of welcoming it home. Bring any medical records you received from the adoption center to make the first visit as productive as possible.
If you want to discuss your upcoming adoption with a vet, call Dove Creek Animal Hospital to get answers to any questions about your new furry friend at (518) 627-9762.
