New kitten checklist At Christmas time, we celebrate the season of goodwill by gathering with our friends and family. Many of us who consider at this time widening our circle to include a new four-legged friend.
Of course, it is lovely to be welcomed home by the puppy or kitten, but these lovely animals are for life, not just for Christmas. So it’s really important that you have everything in place to give them a long, happy, fulfilling life with you and your family.
That’s why we have this helpful article with everything you need to know about new pet adoption. We’ll discuss all the goodies of adopting a pet from the RSPCA, get you up to speed with checklists of essentials, best puppy food and kitten food, and so much more. Ready, set, go.
The decision to welcome a new puppy or kitten into your life
Christmas is a wonderful time of the year to introduce a new pet into your home. However, you’re promising care for them the rest of their lives, so be prepared and choose wisely, making sure you can provide a happy-loving home.
Consider the following: New Kitten Checklist
Time – How many other commitments do you have (work, children, hobbies, etc), and how much time can you dedicate to a pet?
Lifestyle – How active is your lifestyle – consider carefully how much energy you will have in reserve to fit the requirements of various breeds. For example, if you are already pretty active, you may find the independent nature of cats compared to dogs is better suited for you.
Financial – While it is going to cost little to house your pet daily, there are vet bills, check-ups, medicines, and travel arrangements for your new pet.
Adopt, don’t shop. The gift of pet adoption.
Millions of beautiful animals worldwide are patiently waiting to find their forever homes. Instead of going out shopping for a new pet, adopt from a reputable charity like the RSPCA adopt a pet.
Here, you will find animals of every shape and size waiting for a second chance at love. You will not only be the hero of their story but, often, that hardship makes the bond between the pet and owner much deeper. Not to mention you can feel great about yourself knowing you made the ethical choice to rescue an animal in need.
Another benefit of adopting an animal from a recognized charity is that you can be sure the animals are under the care of veterinarians and vaccinated, hence health and temperament benefits in adopting. Join the Christmas spirit by giving an animal in need a second chance. Adopt a pet from RSPCA this year.
Preparing your home for a new puppy or kitten
Before welcoming a new puppy or kitten into your home, you’ll want to ensure that you’ve created a safe and nurturing environment for them. The first step towards this is to “pet-proof” your home by removing hazards and creating a safe space for your new companion.
Observe around your house and identify these hidden dangers
- Electrical cables.
- Household chemicals
- Prescription Medication
- Toxic plants.
- Oils and diffusers
- Rubber bands or hair ties
- Open heat sources
- Space between furniture
- Plastic bags
- Balconies or Windows
This also helps with introducing a puppy or kitten to the home by limiting the space in which they first live and then gradually giving them access to all of the house. Provide an area for “their” space whereby they can feel safe, warm and snug. Furnish with good quality pet bedding, water, a litter tray if applicable for the kitten, or puppy mats and enrichment to make them feel at home. Third and finally, there is introducing new to the home for the first time. If you have younger children or other pets, it is just as important to prepare them ahead of time and on the day you bring your puppy or kitten home so that they are best suited for a harmonious home going forward! One sure fire technique for this is introducing all parties in a neutral environment so that there will be no territorial behavior.
The essentials checklist
Of course, for all the adopting ahead of time, there are a few pretty big decisions that need to be made. Will my dog sleep in the bed with me? Will my cat be an indoor cat or be leashed and taken for walks? Will I send my dog to a professional groomer, or buy the right tools and do it myself?
After making all such decisions, you can bring home the minimum apparatus for your new pet. Here are the most important:.
- Bedding/Crates – regardless of whether you’re comfortable having your pet snuggle up beside you, a bed is still essential to provide them with their own comfortable space. Put in a little research, and you can find the perfect bed for your pet to suit their size, breed, and individual needs.
- Food and water bowls – select sturdy, no-spill bowls (particularly for puppies and kittens) the appropriate size. Because cats are notorious light drinkers, invest in a cat fountain to encourage drinking. They are much more likely to drink from a fountain because fresh running water is “cleaner” than stagnant water.
- Litter boxes (for cats and kittens) – when adopting a cat, these boxes will be a must. You’ll want to pick the right cat litter for the new fur pal and have one litter box per cat in the house, plus one extra. Most puppies aren’t familiar with litter boxes.
However, getting pee pads is a wonderful way to maintain a clean house while you’re training. There isn’t a potty learning curve for your puppy or kitten, and they’ll also need you too, to lead the way.
- Collars, leashes, and ID tags – The perfect way to avoid a missing pet is to have them chipped and updated details consistently. Give a collar with an ID tag if they tend to get away. First, however, try putting the collar on them for a few hours each day so they can get accustomed to the feeling. Leashes work best for walks, not only with dogs-you can also leash train a cat, depending on their personality.
- Grooming tools – a brush and nail clippers are must grooming tools for a pet parent. Remember, though, that all long-haired breeds are going to require more maintenance than short hair. But do your homework and get more information out of the adoption centre as to what your pet’s personal needs are going to be. You can also get a toothbrush and toothpaste (animal only – human toothpaste contains xylitol, which is harmful to your pet) to help keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy. Read on for more information about these 5 Vet tips for dog dental care at home.
The best puppy food and kitten food
Proper nutrition is a fundamental aspect of the health and welfare of your new pet. And as an accountable pet owner, choosing the best puppy food or kitten food is quite essential.
When you adopt, you can ask which food they have been using – many centers give you a voucher or even a complimentary bag of the approved food. In essence, you’re looking for vet-approved, nutritious blends of ingredients to contribute to healthy growth in your fur baby.
Also, remember their age because this can change a puppy and kitten from an adult or aged animal in its diet requirements; also, dietary requirements like allergies and sensitivities.
Improving your pet’s life with toys and entertainment
Toys may sound like a luxury, but they are crucial for your pet’s physical and mental health. This is especially important for house cats whose lives would be confined to four walls of your home. Indoor cats can have happy and fulfilled lives-and they have many safety benefits, too! Still, they will need proper enrichment to meet their needs.
This will include tower climbing, interactive toys, balls, and boxes – basically things that will keep your cat entertained. However, animal-owner interaction needs to be incorporated daily so that you can get them running around and playing with you by using a wand toy or a ball.
Another essential is scratching poles; without them, a kitten will scratch your furniture to shreds. Again, be patient and gently redirect them to their scratching pole if you see them scratching something that they shouldn’t be.
If kittens love to scratch, puppies love to bite so chew toys are a must! They prevent your new puppy from tearing up the house, provide sound enrichment, and promote healthy teeth and gums. Dogs also require daily walks, so take the time to create an exercise schedule that works for you.
Health and wellness check: Veterinary care
Regular vet checkups are important throughout your pet’s life. Still, they are quite critical in the early stages when your puppy or kitten must follow a vaccination schedule to contribute to healthy development. During this time, consider spaying or neutering your animal-particularly outdoor cats-to avoid unwanted litters, spraying, and other related issues.