Bringing home a new kitten requires some preparation. Having the right supplies and accessories can make your cat’s transition into your home easier for all involved. For example, a blanket that cuddles safely and warms with long-running, safe heat will help a kitten feel comfortable. Similarly, a food-dispensing toy that dispenses small treats or kibble encourages play and can prevent overeating.
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Cat Toys
Whether your feline is a squeaky toy lover, a catnip-filled plush toy chaser, or a puzzle-solving genius, toys help kitties burn energy, hone their natural hunting skills, and entertain themselves. You may browse a large selection of cat toys at Chewy.com for various playtime options. Typically, cats are most interested in toys that mimic prey and
feature the fluid movement of animals they hunt in the wild. Stuffed toys that mimic mice, fish, and birds are often the most engaging.
Additionally, some toys that require a bit of manipulation and talent to operate can help them indulge their prey instincts. And, of course, there are also cat-specific puzzle toys like box mazes that encourage their natural foraging behaviors by hiding treats or catnip inside compartments. However, remember that certain types of toys can be dangerous for cats. Feather-like materials can lacerate the mouth or intestines, and string-like elements can cause strangulation.
It’s also important to regularly inspect toys for signs of wear and tear that could expose sharp or snaggy elements or parts that your kitty might be tempted to chew (like ears or tails on furry mice, plastic eyes on squeaky toys or cotton swabs). These items can lead to injury, choking, or even death.
Cat Bed
A cat bed is a cozy place for your kitten to sleep or relax. It can be a simple cardboard box or a cushioned blanket on the floor, but it should be comfortable for your kitty. A bed also helps your pet feel secure it can reduce stress and anxiety. There are many cat beds to choose from, so you can find one that matches your kitty’s personality and preferences.
Some are flat and rectangular to make it easy for your kitty to stretch out, while others are more hollow and hooded for cats that prefer to hide in protected areas. Some have a lower entrance for older cats or those with mobility issues. When choosing a cat bed, consider the material and whether it is claw-resistant. If the material rips easily or is scratchy, your cat may not use it.
In addition, some beds have a removable cover that is easy to wash. This helps keep the area clean and fresh, which is essential for your cat’s health. Lastly, be sure to position the bed in an area of the home where your kitty is used to sleeping or resting. This will help her develop positive associations with the bed and increase her likelihood of using it. You can even place a favorite treat or toy in the bed to encourage your cat to use it.
Scratching Post
A scratching post is a great way to avoid your cat’s front claws damaging your furniture. Cats need to scratch to maintain their claws, exercise their muscles, and mark their territory. When they don’t have an appropriate outlet, they scratch elsewhere, like your carpets or the back of a chair. Scratching posts come in various materials and shapes, but research shows that cats generally prefer a rough surface.
Rough surfaces catch the front claws, which removes the old sheaths and helps sharpen them. Cardboard posts are inexpensive and lie flat on the floor, making them a good place for first-time owners to start before purchasing more elaborate cat furniture. Another option is to use a spray that mimics feline facial pheromones, which help encourage scratching. Apply the product to any piece of furniture that your cat is scratching inappropriately.
Combined with the post, this technique can decrease destructive scratching by making the furniture less appealing to your cat. Keeping a scratching post or board near areas of the home where your cat is most likely to scratch can also encourage them to use it. Sprinkle the base with dry catnip or hang bags from the top to entice your kitten to use it.
Cat Furniture
If you are considering adopting a kitten, you’ll need to purchase a few essentials to make your home kitty-friendly. Beyond the basics (like cat food, litter, and toys), you’ll also need to provide a cozy bed for your furry friend, a scratching post, and some cat furniture. Cat furniture satisfies your cat’s instinctual needs to climb, scratch, and perch while providing a safe environment to hide or play.
It’s available in various shapes and sizes to suit any space and budget, from small DIY alternatives like cardboard boxes or blankets to elaborate cat trees that can be as high as your ceilings. Many types of cat furniture are designed to blend into your home, with options that look just like a table or bookshelf.
Other styles offer unique features, such as a self-warming cat bed that channels your cat’s body heat to keep it warm or a covered cat cage for shy cats and nursing mamas who want privacy and shelter from their kittens. There’s even a wide range of cat furniture for small apartments, from wall-mounted shelves and perches to cat gyms that can accommodate multiple cats in one place.
You can also find modern designs with materials ranging from different classes of carpeting to natural wood and sisal rope (used similarly to traditional rattan). Some designers even create custom cat furniture, including beds, caves, and hammocks, featuring your favorite TV shows or other themes.
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