How to Care for Your New Kitten: Pet Supplies for Less from Pets at Home and Zooplus

Cats might have a reputation for being aloof and independent, but that doesn’t mean that the decision to get a new kitten is one that should be taken lightly. These animals require a huge amount of love, care and attention, so if you’re thinking about getting a new addition to the family, read our top tips on how to care for your kitten.

Great Deals on Nutrition with Zooplus Discount Codes

Before you get your new pet, it’s important that you are aware of the correct age you should be taking on the kitten – all newborns should stay with their mothers for a minimum of 10 weeks. This is not only to give them the valuable nutrition that the mother’s milk provides but also for important behavioural reasons – a kitten can learn a lot from their mother, in particular toilet practices. But back to the food – once you’ve got your new kitten, what should you feed them? First thing is to check what they’ve been eating with the previous owner or breeder. You may want to continue with this diet or make changes, but if you want to do the latter, do it gradually – any sudden dietary alterations will result in an upset stomach. It is a common misconception that you should feed your cat cow’s milk once they’re past the weaning stage. In fact, the best thing cats should be drinking is good old fashioned tap water – they find this sort of milk very difficult to digest. For a wide range of kitten nutritional options, Zooplus offers a great selection, and with our promo codes, you can save on P&P allowing you to buy extra goodies for your new arrival!

Make Your Home Kitten Friendly

Cats are strange creatures. Or not. Because like the rest of us, they all come with different personalities. Some are aloof, yes, but others love nothing more than being with their owner. And although these personalities can’t really be changed, it’s important to set them on the right track in the key kitten socialization period, which is up to 16 weeks of age. This is when you should be introducing you new pet to their surroundings in a gentle manner, perhaps gradually increasing contact with existing pets, or making you children aware that it is not a toy. Kittens require gentle handling and stimulation, so it’s important to provide them with scratching posts and toys to keep them busy. Make sure you kitten-proof your house – become aware of any nook and crannies in which they can hide or get stuck, tuck away those electrical cables and research whether your house plants might be toxic to them. 

Pets at Home Voucher Codes to Help Keep Your Kitten Healthy

Kitten and cats need regular vaccinations to keep them healthy. Your first step on this road should be to find a good vet – asking friends for recommendations is the very best way to ensure your peace of mind. Another thing on your list to check is the best time to de-sex your kitten. This varies depending on opinion, so ask your vet of choice. And looking into worming solutions can save you a lot of worry in the long run. To keep on top of all your flea and worm treatments and save on top brands such as Frontline, take advantage of the Subscribe and Save offer with our Pets at Home voucher codes. 

So hopefully this has given you some food for thought – getting a kitten can be rewarding and joyful but also hard work. If you’re sure you can put in the time and have the patience, then you and your pet should make a great team! 

By Anna Scott, 19th June 2013