Your Cat May 2022

Whether you are taking a trip to your local pet store or shopping online for your new arrival, there’s certain equipment that your kitten must have in his new home. LITTER TRAYS, LITTER, AND SCOOP Your kitten’s litter trays (ideally you need two in different locations) should be placed in discreet and quiet places, away from his water and food bowls. Position away from large windows or cat flaps to avoid disturbance, which could prompt toileting issues. Do not be tempted to buy cheap cat litter, instead opt for a specialist kitten litter, which will be soft on his delicate paws, locking fluid away effectively. Remember to clean the litter tray regularly, as kittens are very sensitive to smells and he may be put off using it if it’s unclean.…

INSURANCE Some rescue charities will provide short-term free insurance for your kitten; if not, consider buying an insurance policy for your kitten before you collect him. MICROCHIP If your kitten has not been microchipped, then make sure you arrange this as soon as possible. Many charities will offer this service either free or for a reasonable price. It’s vital your kitten can be identified if he goes missing. A CAT FLAP If you want your kitten to have outdoor access when he is older (it’s essential to keep your kitten indoors until he has completed his full course of vaccinations at 16 weeks old, and has been neutered and microchipped), then a cat flap is a good idea. A microchip-operated cat flap will ensure only your cat can access your…

Leaving his mum, siblings, and the home he was born in or place he’s grown up in will be a daunting for your kitten, and the transition should be made as smooth as possible. You can start preparing him for the journey home by swapping your scent to give him a comforting smell of his new home. In the days leading up to him coming home with you, leave a blanket or a worn item of clothing, such as a T-shirt, in his bed, and bring a blanket he already has back with you to place in his new bed. Top tip! iCatCare recommends turning the radio off and using a calm voice to reassure your kitten on the way home. THE JOURNEY HOME It’s essential that you purchase a…

Of course you want your kitten to be loved by the whole family (two- and four-legged), so give them the best possible chance of success with our top tips. INTRODUCING YOUR KITTEN TO… YOUR RESIDENT CAT Your resident cat, particularly if he is an only cat, will be used to his routine and will have scent-marked all of his territory, so bringing in a new kitten may not go down well if they are just thrown together. But, with careful planning and control of the situation, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t get along. Plan ahead by swapping your cat’s scent with that of your kitten, by exchanging bedding between the cat and kitten, and you can also try rubbing a blanket your new kitten has slept on places where…

Cats are notorious for their nine lives, but if your cat finds himself in trouble, it’s wise to have insurance to protect him and your wallet. Taking out an insurance policy for your make a claim. kitten is a clever move in case he should need extensive and expensive veterinary care. But, with so many policies to choose from, and confusing jargon to wade through, it can be a minefield trying to choose the right cover. Around one in three pets requires an unexpected trip to the vet’s every year for illnesses or accidents, so it makes sense to have an insurance policy in place to protect your new kitten. When it comes to choosing the correct policy, don’t just use a price comparison website to find the cheapest deal,…

Taking your vet for his first trip to the vet’s with you needn’t be a daunting experience. As it’s likely to be the first time your vet is meeting your kitten, there are a few things that need to be done and considered. VACCINATIONS Even if your kitten will be kept as an indoor-only cat, it’s essential that he is vaccinated against infectious diseases as these can be brought into the house on your shoes or via visitors. Feline vaccinations are divided into ‘core’ (essential) and ‘non-core’, depending on how severe or contagious the diseases are. He should receive his first vaccinations at nine weeks old, and will need a follow-up injection around three weeks later, depending on the vaccine. It is also common for a third vaccination to be…