Fast, Free Shipping in 1-3 Days on all US orders
Fast, Free Shipping in 1-3 Days on all US orders
As a first-time cat owner, bringing your new kitty home is incredibly exciting. But it’s probably also incredibly nerve-racking. There are a million little things to consider for your cat’s health and happiness. What’s the best cat food? Do they need lots of toys and playtime? Will they get along with other pets? What are the most important new kitten tips? We’ll let you in on a little secret: there’s no such thing as being a purr-fect first-time cat owner. Cats all have unique personalities and needs that you’ll learn more about with time. With that said, there are some tips for first-time cat owners that’ll help you along the way!
Our top piece of advice for new cat owners: be proactive about your cat’s health. Research vets online and ask friends or family for recommendations. Once you’ve found a vet, schedule a checkup and ensure all your new kitty’s vaccinations are up-to-date. Kittens begin getting their core vaccinations somewhere between 6 to 8 weeks old and will need a booster after 1 year. Adult and senior cats’ core and non-core vaccines may vary, but usually include rabies vaccines every 1 to 3 years (depending on your local laws).
You may also want to consider getting them a microchip, especially if they’ll be spending time outdoors!
Another one of our first-time cat owner tips is to introduce your new cat to other pets slowly. Some cats are more social. But other cats are territorial and need time to get used to your other pets. Slow introductions prevent fearful or aggressive problems from developing. Keep your new cat in a separate room and feed your pets on either side of the door, gradually moving the dishes closer to the door. You can also try switching their living areas and sleeping blankets to introduce one another’s scents.
One of the most crucial tips for first-time cat owners is to keep up on regular grooming. This includes nail trimming, brushing their teeth, and brushing their hair. Most indoor cats don’t need regular baths because they’re excellent at grooming themselves. However, things like hair length and outdoor time can affect how often they need a bath.
Trimming a cat’s nails is critical for their health. It helps prevent pain and discomfort, helps ensure they don’t have any nail-related mobility issues, and protects your furniture. Cutting your cat’s nails can be notoriously tricky. Our advice is for new cat owners to try using the Cat-in-the-Bag Cozy Comfort Carrier. Made with 100% breathable cotton, the soft cat carrier features nail ports for front feet access and a zippered bottom for back feet access while gently restraining your kitty for easier nail trimming. Cut the nail from top to bottom rather than from the sides to prevent splitting it. Cut only as far as the curve of the nail, avoiding the “quick,” or the blood vessels and nerves that are visible as the pink part of the nail. The folding cat carrier is also great for brushing their teeth, vet visits, and travel!
Just like humans, brushing your cat’s teeth keeps their gums and teeth healthy! It also helps prevent plaque and tartar formation.
Our first-time cat owner tip: brush your cat’s hair regularly. Regular brushing prevents mats and tangles and effectively cuts down on shedding. Your clothes and furniture will thank you!
Cats are carnivores. But they also need a good balance of fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals for a well-rounded diet. There are many types of cat food – dry food, semi-moist, canned. A great tip for first-time cat owners is to read the nutritional labels to make sure it’s balanced with the right nutrients. You can also discuss food with your vet.
New Kitten Tip: Kittens need more protein than adult cats because they’re rapidly growing! They also need more calcium to support their teeth and bone development. You should feed them specially formulated food until they’re about one year old.
Another essential tip for first-time cat owners is to cat-proof your home. Kittens (and adult cats!) are naturally curious and love exploring. And sometimes, they end up exploring things they shouldn’t – like electrical cords and kitchen appliances. Some quick advice for new cat owners:
Litter and litter boxes are vital to your new kitty’s hygiene and overall well-being, so it’s important to choose the right ones! You generally want a litter box with low walls for easy entry, which should be filled about 1 ½ inches with cat litter. Here are a few first-time cat owner tips related to kitty litter:
Another bit of advice for new cat owners? You may want to try different litters and litter boxes. Cats have different preferences, just like you! You want them to be as comfortable as possible to do their business.
Create an enticing environment with cat toys, scratching posts, and even a cat tree. This is a both first-time cat owner tip and new kitten tip! Kittens and adult cats need toys to stimulate their brains and prevent boredom when they’re indoors, while scratching posts help remove the outer layer of their claws, give them a place to stretch their muscles, and enhance their well-being.
Being a new cat parent is a big responsibility. But following first-time cat owner tips and investing in the appropriate supplies including our lightweight cat carrier, litter box, litter, etc. – can make things much easier (and fun too!). Learn more cat owner tips and tricks on our cat blog!
Share:
