How to prepare for your kitten's arrival: practical tips

Q: Dry or wet cat food: do you really have to choose only one?

{"type"=>"root", "children"=>[{"type"=>"paragraph", "children"=>[{"type"=>"text", "value"=>"Wet food provides nutrition and hydration and is often preferred by cats. Dry food is also suitable, provided your cat always has access to water. Wet food is generally higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates and sugars. In any case, both wet and dry food can be suitable for your pet. Cannot decide? There is no need to choose: you can alternate or combine them.\nFor example, you can give a pouch of wet food in the morning and evening, leaving a small amount of kibble available during the day. According to some studies, a diet consisting of 75% wet food and 25% kibble for neutered adult indoor cats can be a balanced solution for maintaining good health.\n\nWhat is the correct ratio of wet food to kibble for cats?"}, {"type"=>"text", "value"=>" ", "bold"=>true}, {"type"=>"text", "value"=>"60 grams of wet food corresponds to approximately 18 grams of kibble plus 50 ml of water. When offering both, use this ratio as a guide to meet your cat’s daily nutritional needs. \n"}]}]}

Q: Which foods are toxic to cats?

{"type"=>"root", "children"=>[{"type"=>"paragraph", "children"=>[{"type"=>"text", "value"=>"Foods that must be completely excluded from a cat’s diet include chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, shallots, raw potatoes, macadamia nuts, alcohol, coffee, tea and raw egg white. These foods can cause digestive problems, kidney damage, anaemia or neurological issues. If in doubt about a food, caution is essential: avoid it and ask your veterinarian for advice."}]}]}

Jul 22, 20263 min read

How to Prepare for Your Kitten's Arrival

Bringing a new kitten home is an exciting moment—congratulations! Your newest family member is about to begin a wonderful adventure with you.

A little preparation before your kitten arrives will help them settle in quickly and feel safe from day one. From choosing the right food to creating comfortable spaces for eating, sleeping and playing, here's everything you need to know.

1. Gather the Essentials

It's easy to get carried away in a pet shop, but your kitten only needs a few key items to get started.

Make sure you have:

Separate bowls for dry food and wet food. We recommend simple bowls rather than automatic feeders, as young kittens can be startled by noise.
A water bowl or drinking fountain.
A comfortable bed—ideally an enclosed one, such as a cosy cave bed, where your kitten can feel safe and secure.
A low-sided litter tray that's easy for small kittens to access.
A suitable litter. Plant-based, silica or clumping litters are all good options. Avoid heavily scented or very dusty products.
A scratching post or cat tree to encourage natural scratching and climbing behaviours.
A few toys, such as balls, feather toys or interactive toys. There's no need to buy lots—every kitten has its own favourites.

2. Choose Food Designed for Kittens

Growing kittens have very different nutritional needs from adult cats.

Choose a complete kitten food with smaller kibble that's easier for little mouths to chew. You can also offer wet food formulated specifically for kittens to provide additional variety and moisture.

Kitten formulas are designed to support healthy growth and should remain the main diet throughout the first months of life.

Related articles:

Dry or Wet Cat Food: Do You Really Have to Choose?
Grain-Free Cat Food: Is It the Right Choice?

3. Create a Calm Feeding Area

Cats appreciate routine and quiet surroundings at mealtimes.

Place food and water bowls somewhere peaceful and easy to reach, away from busy walkways or noisy household areas.

Your kitten should always have free access to fresh water.

4. Set Up the Litter Area

A litter tray should always be easy for your kitten to find and access.

Choose a quiet location, such as a bathroom, utility room or laundry room, where your kitten can use the litter tray without being disturbed.

Providing a calm environment helps encourage good litter habits from the beginning.

5. Prepare a Comfortable Sleeping Space

Kittens spend many hours sleeping each day.

Create a warm, cosy place where your kitten can relax undisturbed. A soft bed, a covered sleeping area or a cat tree with enclosed hideaways all make excellent choices.

Having a safe retreat helps your kitten feel more confident in its new home.

6. Kitten-Proof Your Home

Young kittens are naturally curious and love to explore.

Before your new companion arrives:

Remove or place toxic houseplants out of reach.
Secure balconies with protective netting where necessary.
Keep windows safely closed or fitted with secure screens.
Store household cleaning products safely.
Keep electrical cables and small objects out of reach.

A few simple precautions can prevent accidents while your kitten learns about its new environment.

7. Find a Veterinarian

It's a good idea to choose a veterinarian before your kitten comes home.

Your first visit will include a general health check and advice on vaccinations, parasite prevention and future neutering or spaying.

Knowing where to turn if you have any concerns provides valuable peace of mind.

8. Give Your Kitten Time to Settle In

Leaving its mother and littermates is a big change for any kitten.

During the first few days, be nearby without forcing interaction.

Allow your kitten to explore at its own pace and approach you when it feels comfortable. Some kittens seek cuddles immediately, while others need a little more time to build confidence.

Simply being present is often the best reassurance you can give.

Welcoming a kitten into your home is the beginning of a wonderful relationship. As you spend time together, you'll learn to understand your kitten's personality, preferences and daily routines.

Enjoy every moment—and if you ever have questions, your veterinarian will always be there to help.

Dry or wet cat food: do you really have to choose only one?

Wet food provides nutrition and hydration and is often preferred by cats. Dry food is also suitable, provided your cat always has access to water. Wet food is generally higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates and sugars. In any case, both wet and dry food can be suitable for your pet. Cannot decide? There is no need to choose: you can alternate or combine them.
For example, you can give a pouch of wet food in the morning and evening, leaving a small amount of kibble available during the day. According to some studies, a diet consisting of 75% wet food and 25% kibble for neutered adult indoor cats can be a balanced solution for maintaining good health.

What is the correct ratio of wet food to kibble for cats? 60 grams of wet food corresponds to approximately 18 grams of kibble plus 50 ml of water. When offering both, use this ratio as a guide to meet your cat’s daily nutritional needs.

Which foods are toxic to cats?

Foods that must be completely excluded from a cat’s diet include chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, shallots, raw potatoes, macadamia nuts, alcohol, coffee, tea and raw egg white. These foods can cause digestive problems, kidney damage, anaemia or neurological issues. If in doubt about a food, caution is essential: avoid it and ask your veterinarian for advice.