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Last updated on July 5th, 2024 at 11:55 am
We can all agree the excitement of having a new puppy or kitten is great. Sometimes it’s even a big surprise such as it was in my case. I’ve shared in a previous post that I took in some new kittens in May of this year.
That being shared it had been about 11 years since i’d had a kitten in the house so it takes some getting used to. To expand on that it took even more for me because the kittens we took in weren’t even a month old so they required round-the-clock feeding.
If you have kittens under the usual adoption age you know the struggle and how trying it can be. But these guys adapted well and are very happy and healthy nearly 6-month old’s now.
For this post, I am going to assume that the kitten you have is around 12 weeks old (give or take a week or two). So let’s begin.
Silcone placemats are a god send
I didn’t buy a silicone placemat until a few years ago. I was able to review two. Pal loved them. We loved them. They are easy to clean and can be washed in the dishwasher (I haven’t tried it.). They also make for easy clean-up if your kitten tends not to be a stable eater yet. Or if they like to play in their water dish.
These are also great if you plan to have a water fountain for your cat because it gives it a sturdy base while protecting your floor.
I found two that I liked. When the boys were a bit younger I bought them a smaller placemat that was a bit thinner.
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Both mats are sold in different sizes and colors.
As far as pet dishes go….
As far as pet dishes go this is a preference for you and your pet. I found when Pal was small that he didn’t care for metal dishes or plastic ones after a while. So for most of his life, we fed him in disposable plates and gave him water in disposable bowls.
So that will be something you and your pet will have to figure out.
Wee wee pads are great
A friend made a suggestion to use wee wee pads for the boys at night. When they were younger and not litter box trained these were great. Even if your cat is litter trained but crated or confined overnight without their litter box these are great.
We would add some shredded paper on top of the wee wee pad for the boys when we would crate them at night. These may also be useful when you use a carrier to take your cat to the vet.
You will need to find the size that fits your needs. Also, make sure they aren’t scented.
Litter boxes
Litter boxes are sort of like pet food bowls you have to find you and your cat like. All of my cats have liked having hooded litter boxes. I guess it’s a privacy thing. But if you are looking for an open litter box I happen to like the Arm and Hammer litter boxes. They are durable.
Personally, I always buy a litter box a size or two larger that way your cat can grow into it. It also saves a bit of money too. Another thing I like to do too is if your buying a hooded box you can buy a litter pan that fits inside for easier cleanup.
I haven’t tried the shifting litter pans but this may be an option for you.
If your looking for a hooded litter box here are a few. I personally have had a CatIt jumbo litter box for probably nearly 15 years maybe longer. Pal loved it. It was large enough for him to climb into and turn around comfortably. I recently purchased a new one for the boys. They love it. The door can be removed.
As far a litter scoops and filters go you will have to find the right ones for you. I would suggest you find a litter scoop that is large and has decent-sized holes but not wide-set ones.
Other accessories
I know kittens can be rather rambunctious. So having something to keep them busy is key. So here are a few items that may do that.
Scratchers are great because they keep your kitten entertained and they can help keep their nails down a bit.
Carpet scratchers are different but seem durable. Sophie loves her Pet Link’s one. She even reclaimed it from the boys.
Even after I shared it’s original arrival she uses it.
Cardboard scratchers are great too. The boys love any type of cardboard scratcher. They can sit and roll around on it for an hour.
There are different shapes and sizes of cardboard scratchers the boys have one that’s shaped like a cactus.
toys
Let’s face it toys are something kittens, love. I know my cats love ping pong balls and larger size caps. or the pulls from juice cartons.
Sophie loved this variety pack of toys from Petlinks a few weeks back. She shared some of these with the boys too.
I will say that if you don’t feel the feather is safe for your pet you can remove them. I ended up adding a ribbon to the mouse toy because Teddy pulled the feathers off.
As with any new pet, it’s a trial and error process of finding what works for you and them.
Feel free to share your suggestions in my comments below.
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