What are the essentials needed for a kitten?

[stripeyred]

We're getting our first kitten in a few weeks, what would you say were the essentials needed and what can we do without?

Obviously I know we need a litter tray, water and food bowls etc but do cats usually use beds bought for them or would she prefer a blanket somewhere quiet?

Cats are notorious for sleeping anywhere other than their beds, but it's nice to give them the option. One of ours has barely slept in a bed since we bought a second one (typical) when he and his brother got too big to share, while the other goes through phases and is very much wedded to his bed at the moment. Blankets are always useful, for saving the furniture from too much hair, lining the cat carrier, making things smell more familiar if they go into a cattery.

For a single kitten I would definitely get a toy or two. The best ones we found were a sort of fabric snakey things on the end of a stick - toys on a stick are very good to keep fingers out of the way of scratchy little claws. On which subject - make sure your first aid kit is fully stocked!

I use side plates for dishes, cats don't like getting their whiskers squashed into little bowls apparently & some materials can encourage acne under their chins so I stick to cheap side plates in wilkos or asda if they have a sale on. Plus they take up less room in the dishwasher.

Her bed will probably be your bed. We all kid ourselves the cat isn't coming on the bed but they often do. A cheap fleece in asda etc draped over them makes it cosy.

That's great thanks. Can you tell me about any treatment needed while they're young for fleas or worms (only two I know, are there more?)

Kitten will be inside for quite a while to begin with

My cat LOVES his radiator hammock to sleep on when not sleeping on your bed/sofa/wherever he likes.

A tall scratching post that he can have a good old stretch on whilst doing his claws. Will also (hopefully) save your furniture from being shredded.

Interactive toys like laser pointers, and my cat's favourite acquisition The Flying Frenzy.

All you really need is bowls, litter tray and litter.

Time is the other essential - if s/he is an only cat they need your company and to play with you until they are old enough to go outside. Then a cat flap is an essential so they can be independent as cats are meant to be! Enjoy :-)

Find a vet for the medical stuff - they need flea and worm treatment, and vaccinations if they're ever going to go outside or to a cattery. Personal recommendations are best for vets, though we got lucky and found our closest one is really good - they don't charge for just looking at the cats, and they don't charge for giving meds if you're a big wimp/have evil cats/both go the above.

Oh, and think about whether you want insurance.

A hot water bottle and a clock that ticks to tuck under a blanket are a good idea - mirrors the heartbeat of its mum, and the warmth helps them settle.

I agree with Whispering above - time is very important to help a new kitten settle in and feel at home. Also, if you can, try to take something with a familiar smell with you from the place you're getting the kitten from if possible. If you put it in the cat carrier it'll make him/her less stressed on the journey home and help him/her settle in your home.

You can often get a free month's insurance through your vet, although that can be very expensive if you forget to cancel. Shop around for insurance - prices vary wildly.

Some vets do a package for new kittens of neutering, flea control, worming, jabs & microchipping.

I'd advise getting the microchip implanted, you never know whats going to happen.