Things To Consider Before Bringing A New Kitten into Your Home

Bringing a new pet into your home is a big decision and one that you shouldn’t make lightly. Cats can live for a very long time and although they are relatively independent they still need their owners too.

I wouldn’t get another cat at the minute as we have our hands full with the two we have – Reggie and Marley. They are the cutest cats ever but they don’t really socialise with adults very much and they don’t even seem to like each other much most days either and spend most of the day in different rooms. That being said if you are thinking of adding a kitten to your home there are a few things I think you should consider including the following.

The Cost

Pets can cost a lot of money. Whether you are buying a kitten or adopting one from a rescue your new kitten will need a check up at the vets and more than likely need it’s injections and neutering (some rescues cover these services so make sure you ask about this if you are adopting a rescue kitten into your home).

Other costs to consider are pet insurance or vets bills should your pet become ill, food bills and replacing anything should your pet ruin it by scratching or having the odd accident – although both cats are litter trained they have still urinated in places they shouldn’t have in the past. If your cat is going to be indoors you will need a litter tray (we have two) and a regular change of cat litter (we change ours once a week) these costs all add up.

Your work commitments

Your work commitments should be a factor when considering the addition of a new pet. If you are out of the house a lot, work shifts or are away a lot and there isn’t anyone at home most of this time is it fair to get a pet? But as I said before both my cats are content with their own company and love to spend time on their own (usually sleeping in the sun I might add).

Other family members

If you have young children, or a baby on the way now probably isn’t the best time to get a new kitten. Kittens scratch and climb a lot and will most likely be tormented by little people however unintentional this may be.

Treats and luxuries

Once you are ready to bring your new addition home don’t rush out and buy lots of treats as kittens have delicate tummies and shouldn’t eat too much rich food. You might want to buy them a small bed, a scratching post and a few toys to keep them busy SnootyCatz has a great selection of toys and much more for cats of all ages so as your pet grows you can buy more toys and treats for them.

Your other pets

If you have other pets when you bring your new kitten home be sure to introduce them gradually. If neither has been around other cats/dogs before the kitten will scare easily and then most likely will always have a bad or unsettled relationship.

Are you planning on adding a new addition to your family. If so, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.

*This is a collaborative post*