A Guide to Caring for Your New Kitten (and why we don't offer bookings for cats under 6 months)

Introduction

Homing a new kitten and bringing it into your family is such an exciting and very rewarding experience, and your little adorable and playful feline will quickly become a beloved member of the family.

As with any new addition, kittens need proper attention, care and a nurturing environment to thrive. If you are either a new kitten parent or would like to refresh your knowledge, our guide will help you to provide your new furry friend with the best care.

We'll also explain just why in those important first 6 months of your kitten’s life we do not undertake bookings.

Preparing Your Home

As your new kitten grows and is keen to begin exploring, you'll need to kitten-proof your home.

You can start by removing any potential hazards such as toxic plants, household chemicals/cleaners and any other small objects that could potentially be swallowed. Think too about electrical wires that could be within reach; hide or cover over any electrical cords on show to prevent kitty from chewing on them.

Ensure too that you anchor down shelves and any light furniture your kitten could climb on to eliminate the risk of them toppling over.

Finally, a good idea is to block off small spaces where curiosity could get the best of your new addition and possibly get stuck.

Create a 'Kitten Space'!

Make a safe and comfortable space for your new kitten. This can consist of a comfortable (and warm) bed, litter box, water, food bowls and a couple of safe toys (ideally when supervised).

Creating your kitty a safe designated area will help them to gradually adjust to their new environment and give you some peace of mind when left unattended for short periods.

Veterinary Care

Make sure to schedule a veterinarian appointment for your kitten soon after bringing them home.

They may need a general health check-up, microchipping, vaccinations and deworming. This appointment will also be a good time to discuss spaying or neutering options with your vet depending on your future plans. Not sure what to do? Have a read of our 'Should you spay or neuter your cat?' guide for more information.

Playtime and Socialisation

Exposing your kitten to new and different people sounds and experiences early on will help them to become a well-adjusted adult cat.

Introduce them to other pets slowly and patiently. To see an in-depth explanation on introductions to a dog household, see our previous article, Introducing Your New Cat to a Dog Household. Kittens are naturally playful creatures so engage in interactive playtime to encourage physical and mental development.

Health Monitoring and Exploration

Watch out for any changes in your kitten’s appetite, behaviour and litter box habits as early detection of health problems will lead to a more effective treatment in the rare case there is a problem.

You can gradually allow your kitten to explore more areas of your home as they and their confidence grows, however, it's important that you always supervise your small feline friend during their early expeditions to ensure their safety. Even as they're older, annual events such as Christmas can introduce new risks, such as string-type decorations and lights, so it's always important to be mindful of kitty and their safety around the home.

Welcoming a new kitten into your home is a pleasurable journey. One that requires time, dedication and a bucket load of chin rubs and cuddles!

With the right care, your kitten will flourish and quickly become a cherished member of your family filling your days with happiness, companionship and endless moments of joy!

Why The Cat Butler Only Accepts Kittens Over 6 Months Old

As you can see from our guide, kittens require a lot of care and attention. Leaving your kitten home alone for extended periods can have negative consequences for their development.

It can also lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and even depression for kitty, a lack of socialisation during this crucial part of their life can impact their ability to form strong bonds with humans and other animals later in their life.

Kittens also require regular small meals throughout the day due to their fast growth and high energy levels. Leaving a young kitten alone can negatively impact their feeding schedule and potentially lead to malnutrition or weight issues.

Our Policy on Kittens

It is our policy not to provide care for kittens under the age of 6 months as they are too young to be left alone and need lots of attention and contact and to be checked on regularly for their own safety and well-being.

If you do get the kittens before you go away, then to ensure they have ample supervision and interaction and are safe and happy while you are away, you may look to consider enlisting the help of a friend or family member - someone who can live in your house and care for kitty when you're away.

Of course, our experienced team of Cat Butlers would be delighted to take care of them when they are a little older, so please do get in touch when the time comes!

Sandra James

Owner & Founder

The Cat Butler was set up by Sandra James in recognition of the fact that a stay in a cattery can be unsettling for many cats and also their owners.